Has read her letter many times. These past few years has felt confused, tired, drained of energy by the job and has felt cut off from her self. Mr. McClure wants her to become another Ida Tarbell; he doesn't believe she will ever be much of a writer of fiction. Feels as much a beginner in her writing as she ever did, as if she hadn't learned at all. Doesn't even have the feeling of learning about other things, as when she was a teacher. Hectic pace is giving her a bad temperament. Glad to have her salary; needs to help out the family now and then; but could quit now and have enough in the bank to live on for three or four years. Has reread "Martha's Lady," such a beautiful story. Will hope to get up to Boston after Christmas. Willa [Stout #145]
Mr. McClure hopes he will do some articles on Germany while there. Especially interested in something on German railroads. Hopes to see him in Boston in two weeks. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #170]
Mr. McClure will be in the office March 25 to April 5. Please stop by if in town. Will be in Boston April 6–14 and could see him then. Glad for him to write whatever he wishes about Germany. Perhaps the schools? Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #172]
Can offer a four article series, one dealing with German education, one on municipal government, and two others on whatever he thinks important about German civilization. Series title might be "When I Came Home." Will run in four consecutive numbers. All right to do something on German theater for a literary magazine such as Atlantic. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #174]
Agrees to $2000 for series of four or five articles, no less than twenty thousand words total. Would appreciate his providing appropriate illustrations. Please send photograph of himself other than the one they have already used, plus biographical sketch. Want to give the series good advance promotion. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #175]
Sorry he found title frivolous, but would like to strike a personal note if possible. Doesn't believe the American Institute in Berlin would have wide enough interest. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #176]
Will have "The Case of the Reporter" set in type soon and send proofs to Danzig. Glad he likes the article on the German emperor. Can meet him at the office between four and five on Friday [July 1]. Would be good to talk things over before he sails. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #180]
The four articles too much like essays for McClure's. Rejected the idea for a piece on German theater for that very reason. Mr. McClure believes German methods superior to those of the U.S. and wants something informative along that line. Perhaps after he returns, he can provide that kind of thing? Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #192]
Has just seen a report of G. P.'s accident in the Red Cloud newspaper. It appears he is out of danger but must be in a lot of pain. Has always been afraid of automobiles, and gasoline seems inherently dangerous. Only a week ago an explosion a couple of blocks away caused several apartment buildings to burn down. G. P. is a very strong young man, but this is a terrible ordeal. Elsie is enjoying Northampton. Hopes to see her next week during a trip to Boston. Willie [Stout #194]
His outline might work up into an interesting article, but they never publish literary criticism. Specialize in sociological and economic issues. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #200]
