Rober MacFarlane's writing process

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 06:54:34 -0500

Yesterday, I wrote about the first sentences of The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert MacFarlance.

Today, I found this

Macfarlane begins each project with what he calls a “portal question” — seemingly simple questions like “Why do we climb mountains?” or “Is a river alive?” These questions, when combined with a child-like wonder and openness, can lead the writer through interesting, complicated, difficult terrain. These questions are the basis for a kind of intellectual exploration.

MacFarlane discusses his process extensively in this interview.

Scrimshanker

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:12:56 -0500

I adore the word scrimshanker.

Scrimshanker likely derives from the term scrimshank, which is believed to combine “scrimp” and “swanker. This term is often used to describe someone who avoids work or duty.

Scrimp: To be frugal or to avoid waste.
Swanker: An old military slang term referring to someone who works hard.

I’ve been thinking about using this word as a compliment rather than an insult to describe someone who is the opposite of a hustler.

Maybe use “scrimshanking” as a verb for being deliberately lazy.

Thinking about on Notes

Rober MacFarlane's writing process

Scrimshanker