Lynda Barry on story structure

Here's a great quote from cartoonist/writer/graphic novelist Lynda Barry. I think I would file this under--Once you learn the rules you are allowed to break them! Barry has build a successful career by breaking with conventions and following her own unique muse. Her creativity is evident in the metaphor contained in this quote:

"People think if you're writing a story you have to follow story structure--it's like thinking the only reason we have teeth is because there are dentists." Lynda Barry

Thanks for reading. Be sure to visit  LVW.org to check out some of the exciting new programs for aspiring writers and all lovers of great storytelling.

 Jim Busch

Tim O'Brien on different kinds of truth

"On one level stories are made up. But they're made up for a reason, and the reason has to do with a different kind of truth. It has to do with emotional and spiritual truths." Tim O'Brien

What is the reason you write? Are you looking for recognition? For a big paycheck? Do you think being a writer is sexy and cool? Or do you have stories that you just have to share with the world? Are there truths bottled up inside your soul that need to be set free?

What ever your reason for writing you don't want to miss the Ligonier Valley Writers Annual Conference on July 18th. Whether you are a poet, an essayist, a fiction writer or even a song writer, this is the conference for you. To check out this years outstanding faculty and course line up visit www.LVWonline.org

It doesn't matter why you write. It doesn't matter what you write. It doesn't matter if you're published or just getting started This is the conference for you. (Plus being a writer is both sexy and cool!)

Two great events for word lovers in 2014

In today's mail I received a post card promoting the 2014 Dodge Poetry Festival. This is the event that Bill Moyers covered in his series "The Language of Life." (This series is available on video and is well worth the effort of tracking it down). My wife and I attended this biannual event several times in the past and it was one of the most enjoyable events we've ever attended. We got to hear Robert Bly read his work and Coleman Barks perform his powerful translations of Rumi. We heard the Paul Winter Consort along with many other great performers, storytellers and poets. The festival also features one of the largest selections of books of poetry, literary fiction and how to books on writing. This year's festival will take place from October 23rd to the 26th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark's downtown arts district. For more information go to www.DodgePoetry.org This is a great event for anyone who loves the spoken/written word.

The second must attend event for word lovers, particularly writers, is the 2014 Ligonier Valley Writer's Conference. The 2013 conference was one of the highlights of my year. I learned some very valuable new writing techniques and met some interesting and very creative people. Best of all, I walked away with my creative batteries fully charged and ready to write. I am still working on several ideas that came from the workshops I attended.

Both of these events are great ways to stimulate your creativity and kickstart your writing. The LVW will soon be announcing the deatails of this years conference. If you want to make 2014 the year that you get serious about writing, make sure that you are the first person to register.

Thanks for reading. Keep your mind working, your fingers on the keyboard and your dreams alive!