July 28 notebook entry:

On PenMan

Read Penman's article today. I didn't quite understand the distinctions, or nondistinctions, he made about journalism and fiction. I always thought the difference was obvious. But, as he says, there were some writers, like Nick Joaquin, who delivered news in a very romantic manner. So why bother create a line between them then? Why not call it journalistic fiction? Hmm, that doesn't sound like on would see the content as credible. What about fictional journalism? Worse. So, the definition stands? Penman went on and on describing each but didn't actually get to the point of his thesis. Even the best writer falter, after all.