If you have read one of my four novels, you will have read my Author’s Note at the begin-ning. This is explanation to editors and readers who are compelled to correct my grammar. I am sure that no one in Emanuel County will feel that need. Author’s Note for readers is be-low.
I caution you that as a born and bred daughter of the South, I have the liberty of writing dia-logue in the dialect of the speaker. Verbs will be missing final g’s. You might go runnin’ or walkin’ down the hall just as quickly as running or walking. There will be words not found in Websters, and y’all know what else I’m talkin’ ‘bout. Since Yankee ears question, I will give the definitions. When you say “fixin to”, you have nothing to fix, but will do right away.“Gonna” means you plan to do as soon as you get “around to it.” Now that “around to it” is questioned. You can search Walmart from front to back and never find an “around to it”. As you are contentedly sitting at the table enjoying your meal, someone will say, “While you are up, get me “Mo Tea.” Speaking of mealtime, dinner is at noon and lunch is a picnic or carried to school in a brown sack. The evening meal is supper. Movies are picture shows, and the best are show on Saturday afternoon. Now to everyone’s favorite, PECAN PIE. Never ask for Pecon Pie unless you buy a Con of beans versed a Can of beans. In the supermarket you push a buggy—not a cart. This should teach you the music of my Southern conversation. Write to Shirley at sptwiss@gmail.com
