Wishes for a new book

Here is a verse found on an old bookplate that I feel that would serve as a sort of a "grace" for a new book:

May this volume continue in motion,
And its pages each day unfurl'd,
Till an ant has drunk up the ocean,
Or a tortoise has crawl'd round the world.

Long live writers and long live your book. If you want to write a book that lasts until the ants drink up the ocean, join the Ligonier Valley Writers. For more information go to lvwonline.com

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!)

Quantity leads to quality writing

I spend a lot of time in the car and use audiobooks to pass the time. I am currently listening to a collection of stories from "Black Mask" magazine. Black Mask was a pulp magazine that was popular in the 30's, 40's, and 50's and published many great wrters of "hard boiled fiction" such as Dashell Hammet and Raymond Chandler. Another author who got his start in the pulps was Earl Stanley Gardener, the creator of Perry Mason. The book gives a brief biographical sketch of each writer featured. What I found interesting about Gardner was his sheer productivity--for decades he averaged an amazing 1.2 million words a year. This is the equivalent of a new novel every 3 1/2 weeks. There is a lot of research on the effect of practice, of the "10,000 hours" rule. Researchers have found that the best way to become truly skilled at anything is to spend a lot of time doing that thing. Gardner was a great writer because he did a great deal of writing.

This is a good lesson for anyone who is dedicated to the craft of writing. Another key to writing success is to get your work in front of other people who can give you feedback that will help you improve your work. The Ligonier Valley Writer's conference is a great place to meet creative people you will enjoy being with and who will help you become the writer you want to be.

Keep your fingers on the keyboard, the ideas flowing and your dreams alive.

Thanks for reading this blog. Please feel free to post your comments and to share this link.

Jim Busch