Ask the Author: Jerry Kirkpatrick
Answered Questions (9)
Jerry Kirkpatrick
In college in the late '60s, I obsessed fearfully about being drafted into the military. Indeed, in the summer of 1969 I was called for the physical, but fortunately flunked it.
Jerry Kirkpatrick
Botswana. I don't read much fiction now but I will watch mysteries on television with my wife. A few years ago, we watched "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," set in Botswana and based on the writing of Alexander McCall Smith. The country intrigued me because it appeared to be fairly developed. After checking a few ranking websites, I found that Botswana indeed is free-market oriented and is one of the more prosperous countries in Africa, competitive with South Africa. That entices me to visit.
Jerry Kirkpatrick
Years ago, in undergraduate school, I learned not to have a summer reading list. Back then, I would start the summer with a long list and not read a single book on it! "Duty" to read such-and-such a book is still a duty and is a motivation killer. Now I just read what grabs me! You have to follow your emotions in this, and I even follow my emotions today when doing research for a blog or a new book. I do use my brain to evaluate what my emotions have told me, but the emotions take the lead. If I get bogged down in a book, I put it on the shelf, unfinished.
Jerry Kirkpatrick
You have to go with what grabs you, that is, follow your emotions. What comes to mind, for whatever reason, that you would like to write about? Then, follow that up with a good dose of reality: Can I do it? Am I capable of writing on this topic? What would I have to do to be able to do so?
For my monthly blog (which is 700-1100 words or so), some ideas will start coming to me toward the end of the month. (Sometimes I write them down, but I'm not always good at that.) Of course, I panic on the first day of the new month, "what am I going to write??" When I get serious, I have to start doing research (usually on the internet, though sometimes the blog is based on a book I have read). Often the finished product is quite different from what I had initially imagined. This also applies to my books.
For my monthly blog (which is 700-1100 words or so), some ideas will start coming to me toward the end of the month. (Sometimes I write them down, but I'm not always good at that.) Of course, I panic on the first day of the new month, "what am I going to write??" When I get serious, I have to start doing research (usually on the internet, though sometimes the blog is based on a book I have read). Often the finished product is quite different from what I had initially imagined. This also applies to my books.
Jerry Kirkpatrick
My books are scholarly, with lots of footnotes. Prerequisite usually means an advanced degree. For this type of writing, my most important advice is to write clearly. Think of your audience as truck drivers, if necessary.
In general, and I think this advice applies to all types book writing: if you can write a paper, say, a school paper of 10-15-20 pages, you can write a book. Just think of your book as a series of papers!
In general, and I think this advice applies to all types book writing: if you can write a paper, say, a school paper of 10-15-20 pages, you can write a book. Just think of your book as a series of papers!
Jerry Kirkpatrick
Once I get passed the launch of Independent Judgment and Introspection: Fundamental Requirements of the Free Society, I will be putting together my first ten years of blog posts. The title will likely be Applying Principles: Ten Years of Short Essays Based on Ayn Rand, Ludwig von Mises, and Edith Packer. It will be published in Kindle format and possibly as a paperback.
Jerry Kirkpatrick
Three books, three answers. In Defense of Advertising: In grad school, I got tired of hearing advertising trashed by business professors, including the ones in marketing.
Montessori, Dewey, and Capitalism: Always an admirer of Montessori and an advocate of laissez-faire capitalism, I sought to look into my crystal ball to determine what a free market in education would be like, if such existed. It turned out that I had to explore the history and philosophy of education.
Independent Judgment and Introspection. This book is an elaboration of the last chapter of Montessori, Dewey, and Capitalism, which is titled "Independent Judgment." The book delves into psychology, as the real impetus was Edith Packer's 1983 lecture "The Psychological Requirements of a Free Society."
Montessori, Dewey, and Capitalism: Always an admirer of Montessori and an advocate of laissez-faire capitalism, I sought to look into my crystal ball to determine what a free market in education would be like, if such existed. It turned out that I had to explore the history and philosophy of education.
Independent Judgment and Introspection. This book is an elaboration of the last chapter of Montessori, Dewey, and Capitalism, which is titled "Independent Judgment." The book delves into psychology, as the real impetus was Edith Packer's 1983 lecture "The Psychological Requirements of a Free Society."
Jerry Kirkpatrick
Doing more research always helps. Writer's block is often a sign that you don't know enough yet to start writing. Research works wonders to get the grey cells moving. If you've done your research, and you are blocked, start writing anything over and over, such as "This assignment is stupid. This assignment is stupid." Or: "I have nothing to say. I have nothing to say." Or: "I hate my teacher (or editor)." I've never had to get very far before ideas started to flow. You might have to write a page or two of such nonsense. Finally, talking to a trusted friend or soulmate about why you are stumped can also help.
Jerry Kirkpatrick
"Having written!" That line has been attributed to several, probably many, writers. "Few writers enjoy writing, but they do enjoy 'having written.'"
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