Anyone out there who’s writing a book, or is trying to get a book published, or is dealing with writing or publishing in any way really ought to check out yesterday’s “Letter of Note” by John Steinbeck.
Some choice excerpts:
A book is like a man—clever and dull, brave and cowardly, beautiful and ugly. For every flowering thought there will be a page like a wet and mangy mongrel, and for every looping flight a tap on the wing and a reminder that wax cannot hold the feathers firm too near the sun.
…
THE READER
He is so stupid you can’t trust him with an idea.
He is so clever he will catch you in the least error.
He will not buy short books.
He will not buy long books.
He is part moron, part genius and part ogre.
There is some doubt as to whether he can read.
Lots more here.
OK, admit it–who else has written “a page like a wet and mangy mongrel” recently? 😀
Fabulous.
Thank you!
I’ll admit it! LOL!
Love the excerpts. Ha, I’ll admit it. wet and mangy mongrels all over the place!
Tara,
Thanks to pointing me to Letter of Note. I had to read the East of Eden letter aloud to Mike, who’s a Steinbeck devotee, we both enjoyed it.
Jean
Glad to hear this, Jean! Letters of Note is definitely a cool site to follow. Here’s another good Steinbeck one: http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/02/nor-was-there-stock-comedy-negro.html
And this letter is my absolute favorite:
http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/01/to-my-old-master.html
Words to both inspire and commiserate.