Golden Ocean

Cliffs of Moher
Near Doolin, Ireland
Photograph by Heather Williams


I have been advised by many writers that reading from the great masterpieces of literature, popular authors and what accomplished writers have to say about writing is a key to becoming an effective writer.

This I have taken to heart. What a task. Can you imagine how hard it is to treat myself to great stories, memorable characters under my comforter with a mug of hot tea or fresh ground coffee? Aye, what a labor.

Along the way, I picked up some books on tape as well. For me-a visually driven learner-listening, learning how a great writer draws my imagination forward in my mind's eye, has helped me immeasurably. Besides being very entertaining, it is helping recover words and expressions long buried in my brain. Popular culture tends to dull the imagination whereas great literature sharpens the relief.

From Patrick O'Brien's great book, The Golden Ocean, I pulled these gems over the weekend. Listen:

"dark patch of ruffled sea"
"the sun pierced in shafts through heavy clouds"
"stood mute and submissive"
"unctuous light"
"burst with turgid plums"
"vapid conversation"
"uncommon elegant notion"
"harrying visions of treasure"
"pierced through all his disregarded clamour"
"faint movement of the air"
"purple land stretched low across the sky"

The Golden Ocean, Patrick O'Brien, 1956
Performed by John Franklyn-Robbins