Evening star., 1937-10-24

Former Desire for Talks on
Literary Style Now
Abandoned.

Mrs. Sterns first article had ap-
peared anonymously in Plain Talk,
and it led to the publication of others
in rapid succession. Although not
particularly interested in business or
subjects of commercial nature, she
turned out some very creditable arti-
cles on these subjects for the American
Mercury and other periodicals. They
were distinguished for their straight
forward presentation, their clear and
concise writing and the accuracy and
interest of the facts. She herself feels
she has what she terms "a knack
for digging" and she enjoyed un-
dertaking research on subjects about
which she knew nothing, with an arti-
Gle in view. 1t tickled her vanity, she
states. to hear herself referred to as
an authority after their publication.
One article, written from her own
observation and shrewd understand
ing, appeared in the Spectator under
the title. "Womens Gold Brick" See
ing it, the Vanguard Press wrote Mrs.
Stern, asking if she would expand
the subject into book size. They re-
ferred to it as very funny" recalls
Mrs Stern, which struck me as
odd, for when I wrote that article I
didn't think it was funny at all. But
I told them I thought could expand
it all right, and I did. 1t was pub
lished in book form under the title,
Men Are Clumsy Lovers though 1
have always contended the adjective
should have been 'cagey.'"
This book, written in 10 days, Is
one of Mrs. Stern's favorites among
her own writings. 1t is an essay,
rather than a novel, and filled with
keen and witty observations, far more
substantial than the title Of the book
would indicate. Men didn't like the
book, but women. to use Mrs. Stern's
words, "ate it up"
RIGHT now Mrs. Stern is giving
her time and attention to the
charming new home they have pur-
chased in Takoma Park, where she
and her husband are living with their
7-year-old daughter. Nicky.
II never knew BEFORE" says Mrs.
Stern, "the luxury of having one
whole room just for my writing, and
nothing else, and I'm getting such
kick out of it. And never thought
would feel so at home anywhere as
have felt here in Washington. There
is one thing that impresses me very
much. That is, that those who do
not know Washington and perhaps
have never been in the Capital have
a very superior way Of referring to
those who work for the United States
Government. That patronizing way
in which they say Government work.
ers,' and refer to all such connections
in their own family as If they were
temporary, is very irritating to me.
Personally, think any one should be
proud of his connection with such an
employer as Uncle Sam, and I have
no patience with this petty attitude.
Take the case Of an attorney, for
instance. / am especially interested
in them because my husband is an
attorney. Well, where in private prac-
tice will you find any finer or more
distinguished attorneys than In the
employ Of the United States Govern
ment? think there is an oppor-
tunity to 'debunk' this tendency to
belittle such connections"
In appearance, Mrs. Stern Is small,
dark and vivacious, and about the
most unassuming individual one could
imagine. Her brown hair, worn part
ed in the middle and drawn simply
back into q knot, seems somehow to
typify her fortnight and unassuming
self. Despite her smart and cynical
observations to the contrary, in pSint.
actually she delights in her role of
housewife and mother. Storm as
they will about their rights" she de-
clares, II believe every woman in the
world prefers husband and baby to
career"
In her Escape From Youth" she
expresses it thus.
Whit the modern girl really wants
is not freedom, but q husband and
children. She can 60 into restaurants
alone, and that's swell, but its more
fun to 60 with asman. and there's no !
getting by thati" !