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

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

How to lie by telling the truth

Here is a great quote on our art from the great novelist, Isabell Allende:

"You can tell the deepest truths with the lies of fiction."

Thanks for reading. If you want to get better at telling your truth with "the lie of fiction" the Ligonier Valley writer is here to help. For more info check out lvwonline.com

Nationally known author Randy Ross coming to Ligonier to speak

Randy Ross, author of God Bless Cambodia, will speak at the Ligonier Town Hall community room 7 PM on March 29^th. Booklist Online and other reviewers have praised Ross’s book, a fictional travel memoir, and compared it to Anne Tyler’s best-seller The Accidental Tourist. Mr. Ross is an entertaining and engaging speaker who has performed his work on stages across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. He will speak on the trials and travails of getting his novel published.

This performance is sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Writers.

Go to LVWonline.org for more information.

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

Great book for fiction writers

I just finished a wonderful book on the art of writing: The Lie That Tells the Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction by John Dufresne. This book is very thorough and covers all aspects of writing novels and short stories. I particularly enjoyed his chapter on crafting dialogue. Dufresne is a very talented writer with a number of novels and story collections under his belt. This book uses examples of quality writing to illustrate the techniques he is describing. It is easy to understand and an enjoyable read. I feel that it is worth reading this book for the many quotes from writers and other artists liberally sprinkled through its  pages. The Lie That Tells the Truth   is a valuable book for writers in all genres. I look forward to reading Dufresne's book on writing the novel.

Keep writing! Thanks for reading.

Jim Busch

Isaac Asimov's Thoughts on What Makes a Good Writer

Isaac Asimov was one of the young Carl Sagan's idols. He admired Asimov's great mind, his boundless curiosity and his way with words. Once Asimov got to know the young physicist and would be author, the feeling between these two men of science became mutual. A recently published book of Asimov's letters contained his thoughts on what made Carl Sagan a great writer. Here is what he wrote to him upon reading Sagan's work:

"I have just finished The Cosmic Connection and loved every minute of it. You are my idea of a good writer because you have an unmannered style, and when I read what you write, I hear you talking."

Both of these men had extraordinary vocabularies and a great facility with words, yet they both were able to communicate complicated subjects using simple words. This is great advice for anyone who aspires to be a writer.

Here is another bit of good advice for anyone who wants to write, or who would like to improve their writing...Join the Ligonier Valley Writers. The LVW offers writers opportunities to have their work published. We also offers a number of seminars throughout the year on a wide range of subject of interest to writers. To learn more about go to lvwonline.org

Thanks for reading.