Tinasky TRP? (was Dharma)

[Oliver Xymoron]

On Thu, 18 Sep 1997, davemarc wrote:

> I haven't read all the WT letters, but they still have "hoax" written all
> over them as far as I'm concerned.  The "connections" with TRP may have
> been made by a hoaxer or by hoaxers who did indeed have some inside
> knowledge about the contents of M&D.  

And of Vineland? Both books being rather closely guarded secrets?  Recall,
for years the buzz on the next book was that it was a Civil War novel,
possibly featuring Godzilla. So we have someone who is: 

- quite well read (there were quite a number of references I noticed not
  picked up in the footnotes)
- voraciously reading everything printed about Mendocino county
- on top of the conspiracy beat (here's how you can win a Pulitzer, Mr.
  Anderson)
- always ready with some harsh social commentary
- prone to fits of poetry
- toujours gai
- just happens to be writing in the Vineland locale prior to Vineland
- also has inside knowledge of M&D

I think the hoax explanation is a lot less likely than the genuine article
having a little fun - razors, Occam, &c. 

> And what of the disconnections?  What about the abusive, hateful
> language in some of those letters?  It's hard for me to believe that TRP
> would write that way, even under a pseudonym.

Seems to me an exercise of writing in character. Most of the language I
think you're referring to, while pointed, never seems to be backed up by
any real animosity (except in the case of the local poets). 

> Of course, I've seen stranger things.... 

Indeed. Perhaps its time for a group read of the Letters. WTWT?- a Wanda
Tinasky Witch Trial, if you will. 

 "So, logically, if she weighs the same as a duck.."

--
 "Love the dolphins," she advised him. "Write by W.A.S.T.E.."