Aliteracy – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/02/2022

What’s Black & White & “Read” All Over? 

Once upon a time, believe it or not, many people didn't quite grasp that verbal joke referring to a newspaper. It was long ago, before digital life, when newspapers were still only in newsprint. Perhaps their dumbfounded look could be due to  ...

ALITERACY (,ā-‘li-tɘr-ɘ-,sē; 1984) n. – the quality or state of being able to read but uninterested in doing so; adj. or n.: aliterate. [WW-M #314] 

I know a family member who doesn’t “love” to read, but he does, in order to pursue his passion of video game development. Like him, reading may not be your entertainment of choice; but consider it a necessary evil (if you must), and if you use it regularly to further your cause, aliteracy may no longer define you.

Although I advocate for recreational reading, I get that it isn’t for everyone. However, is your aliteracy because you consider it a waste of time, or because you haven’t found a genre you enjoy? Ah. you don’t have time ... sorry, I don’t buy that one. An aliterate person has all kinds of reasons for why they don’t read. None of which are truly viable. But of course, that’s in the opinion of this avid reader.

The great thing about our digital age is it gives us options. For readers, while most everything can be found online, sometimes the research for great reading is laborious and frustrating, especially if you’re seeking verifiable information in nonfiction.

Or for fiction, I’ve often found a book description that doesn’t fit the storyline (I find that often), or worse, the meat of the story is told, which quashes your desire to read it. At a physical library, however, there are still in-person librarians who will assist in your quests and are free to offer suggestions, based on your interests.

Give it a try during February’s Library Lovers Month! I couldn’t find an official link for the celebration, but I venture to say, nearly every city, large or small, has a library. Although hours may be limited as a covid precaution, most are open at least part time. Everyone is welcome to peruse their shelves; even those who lean toward aliteracy. And university libraries are possible alternatives. 

♪ February’s Monthly Song of Note ♪:  If music is your thing, rather than reading, you might enjoy this tuneful tidbit. Is there anything sweeter in February than teen love? Donny Osmond sung his heart out in the hearts and flowers month of 1972. He tried desperately to tell the world ... ♪ How can I, oh how can I tell them | This is not a puppy love ♪ ...
       Wonder how he feels about that now? 😊 Bringing back tuneful memories of the song that climbed to #5 on WAPE/Jacksonville, Florida, “Hit List” 50 Years Ago this Month!

Enjoy the song, but remember, a songwriter cannot write their best if they don’t want to ... like any art, more than knowledge or training, it’s driven by passion ... a reminder to aliterates ... your passion doesn’t need to be reading, but in all art, it is a cornerstone.

Word Challenge: ALITERACY. Let this word not define you, as you fit aliteracy into your knowledgeable month of literary writings and casual conversations.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

Cheers to learning a new word today!   
@PenchantForPen   
@Irishwriter   

Wordplay Wednesday is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t harmful to your health! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments.

[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]

LR Notes: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to definitions include a date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps indicate “see also.” 3) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
         And please note, I do not receive compensation from any company or person for commercial or commodity links I may include in my posts.

E-N-Dzzzzzzzz  

Original Intro: Although you’re reading this on time, it’s not quite as “pretty” as I like, still lacking a few images and links. If you feel the lack as well, come on back in a day or two for the spruced-up details. In the meantime, a note about this month’s title ...