Writer's Block

As we begin to focus not only on information but the manner in which it is shared, a perplexing trend is surfacing — we are at once moving away from and toward the oral tradition. While the accessories of technology — supporting documentation, electronic communication — have increased our reliance on and preference for the written word, we are hearkening back to old-style listening and storytelling as a means of escape. In this issue, Contributing Editor Lorie Boucher looks at our inclination to transcribe oral myths and writer Ellen Shenk experiments with the growing popularity of books on tape.

	Lost in the Translation — When Oral Myths Are Written Down What Is Lost or Gained When Storytelling Becomes a Literary Experience? Writer’s Block Contributing Editor Lorie Boucher tries to reconcile society's eagerness to preserve the meaning and flavour of oral stories through a compromising medium.
	To Listen, Perchance to Read During a time when electronic technology is exploding all around us, how can we explain the growing popularity of books on tape? Writer Ellen Shenk conducts her own listening experiment.
	Writer and Subject-Matter Expert — Establishing a Positive Relationship Successful writers must hone their interpersonal skills as well as their writing ability in order to develop positive relationships with subject-matter experts.
	With It, out of It Origins Guy tries to be hip.
	Origin of "turkey."