The Undiscovered Country

The Entire World Can See Me?

When I started my website, I expected (and hoped) for viewers from all over the world. I hoped for (though not expected) a single-digit percentage of return viewers.

What I neither expected nor hoped for, however, is receiving the attention of the more successful and recognizable authors.

Three days ago I wrote an entry about my favorite writing books, and I asked my readers to list theirs.

I mentioned one called Write Tight by William Brohaugh. I wrote: "This is especially handy for those of us who have a tendency to write extremely long sentences that go on and on and on (can you tell I'm one of those?). Of all the reference books I've read, "Write Tight" is the most fun. His style and examples will make you laugh."

No big deal. It's a mere single-paragraph review of one of my favorite writing books.

Less than an hour ago I received this comment:

Andra, my humble thanks for your kind words about Write Tight.

Specific to your request about books that have taught us best about the craft of writing, there are so many. Let me suggest starting with Paul Darcy Boles's Storycrafting as an instructional text, and any and all Ray Bradbury stories as instruction-in-action. Bradbury was a core influence in my writing life. Studying his elegance is exquisite edification.

I'm still a little stunned, although I really shouldn't be. I'm sure he found my entry via Google Alert or regular internet search of his name and/or book.

It's not even that he read my entry, but took the time to comment. I feel like he gave me his autograph when I didn't ask for it.

He showed me all authors, no matter how successful, are human and appreciate compliments from little nobodies like me.