A quote from a favorite critic and a few words of introduction. Frank Kermode, a model generalist and the elder statesman of literary criticism, once explained himself this way: “So I educate myself in public, which I take to be the reviewer’s privilege.” It’s a line that’s always stuck in my head. I’ve admired Kermode’s forceful yet modest way of going about his task—Sir Frank’s modesty is something else to behold: the man has a knighthood, but he called his memoirs “Not Entitled”—and his operating principle is about as fine a guidepost for a literary freelancer as anything I’ve come across. In my ten years as a freelance writer, I’ve been lucky enough to work with editors who have allowed me educate myself in public. (I also hope I’ve entertained a few readers along the way.) Blogging is something a little different for me, but it’s a way for me to offer a passing record of obsessions, enthusiams, and interests. I’ll look at it as another way of educating myself in public.