Margaret has made her point clear. It's easy to understand her because of the nature of her job or jobs. She needs money to make a living, and writing/editing and conducting writing workshops is what she does. I also understand Tony's case as someone eager to publish his writings. He wants his writings to be edited and he felt those like Margaret could help in in his venture. One clearly sees a clash of motives. I, however, wish that Tony had not gone to the extreme and, as he eventually did, publish on his own. Though I try to understand that writers such as Tony and also my friend Valentino Fernandes rush to publish, I wish they would take more time to go through their manuscripts. Tony's took one of his former collegague at Gomantak Times help in getting his book edited. During my recent trip to Goa and my visit to Tony in Canacona I remarked to him that his book seemed to be a mish-mash of things and the title, Naked Goa, seems inappropriate. Some issues are irrevalant to the Goan scene. Valentino's book, How to be an Instant Goan, is partly written in a lighter vein. He has made many generalizations, especially on the lifestyles of Goans abroad. Admittedly, he talked to some overseas Goans who, I feel, just blurt out their opinions without serious thoughts. It's a book that one may want to read just for some of off-the-cuff remarks and unfounded observations. I read also Ben Antao's book, Goa Rediscovered, and Frank Simoes' book Goa, formerly named Glad Seasons in Goa. Though I am still in the process of finishing Simoes' book, I can say it's very different both in style and substance to Antao's book. Simoes' book is also huge compared to Antao's. Well, Simoes has been published by Rupa (I think) while Antao has been published by himself or perhaps jointly with Goan Observer. I don't have the copies of the book in front of me as I am writing from an internet cafe. More of Antao's and Simoes book later. Also will touch on Margaret and her opinion on Silviano's book.
Eugene Correia __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250