Advice from one of America's most successful writers

Louis L'Amour was a successful writer in anybody's book. In his life he wrote over 100 novels, published more than 250 short stories and had 320 million books in print in over 10 languages. He was a hardworking writer who knew how to engage his readers. Here is L'Amour's advice on how to start a book:

"Begin every story in the middle. The reader doesn't care how it begins, he wants you to get on with it."--Louis L'Amour

If you want to learn how to be a great writer, join the Ligonier Valley Writers. Information on joining and on our upcoming programs visit LVWonline.org

Thanks for reading

An "Ad Man" on the power of words

As part of my preparation to write my monthly advertising column I reread A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young. Young was one of the original "Mad Men" and he helped create the modern advertising industry. His book is ine of the best works on the creative process I've ever found. While written for business people, I believe it has value for writers and artists as well. Here is a quote from A Technique for Producing Ideas that I think is of particular interest to writers:

"We tend to forget that words are themselves ideas. They might be called ideas in a state of suspended animation. When the words are mastered the ideas come alive again."

Young's book is still in print and available on Amazon. It is a thin volume, my 1956 edition has just 61 pages. I believe it is a good read for anyone who wants to stimulate their creativity.

If you are looking for a place to enhance and display your creativity check out the Ligonier Valley Writers Website: lvwonline.org

Thanks for reading.

Jim Busch