I bought and read Zen in the Art of Writing last weekend, looking for some inspiration. You see, I was in sort of a slump with my writing and looking for a way to get those juices flowing again. I had read some reviews of Ray's book, and I thought it was about time that I went out and got it. Just like On Writing by Stephen King, this book put me back on my feet and sent me to Microsoft Word. I'm just hoping this "writng frenzy" will last longer than the one I got with King's book.

Ah well, if the frenzy (maybe constant muse)does die down all I need do is take the book of the shelf and read it again!

Has anyone had similar results?

The book inspires me to write, also. Come to think of it, I'd better get the danged thing out now!!!!

Just thought I'd start anew!
Looking at my old world profile, I realized I first signed on and started communicating with many of you so well-informed admirers of RB back in 11-29-2001!! 735 posts. How much has gone on since then...

To address the question of inspired by Zen in the Art of Writing, it DID indeed keep me going, now maybe a month from publication of a three year work of research, writing, photos, and history. It (ZinW) kept me going and now I have a real appreciation for the essence of the "art" of writing. Though I have taught compostiton to countless students and done many articles and other shorter works, this has been a real challenge. I hope, when a few breaths have been taken and a chance to reconnoiter with some postponed projects has been afforded, it will carry over to a new work already in mind.

Once involved it rewards you, requires truthful reflection, is constantly demanding of time and patience, differs not much from an expected child, and ultimately - upon its arrival - makes you love what has been brought to the light of day.

Thus, I can only send congratulations on the grandest scale to Sam Weller. If Sam is here for a moment in his busy schedule: I hope you realize the gratitude we all feel for what you have so lovingly done. The best of critics may be right on this site. Rest assured you have all of our support for what will prove to be a tremendously successful release and promotion of your book. The fact that it has made Mr. Bradbury proud and pleased, says it all!

I will be in possession of my personal copy as soon as the 1st opportunity presents itself. fp

fjp451,

are you fjpalumbo? Why did you change your ID? I wonder how many others decided to do this when migrating to the new board.

(If you're not fjpalumbo, please excuse my mistake!)

fj--Can you tell us a little about your upcoming book? I love to hear about all the writing projects people on this board are working on or have already completed.

Phil,
It is I! I just thought a new venue was a good time to change. We who know one another and are old friends can recognize one another's voices. For the newcomers it really makes no difference, and I really wasn't sure of the Big Brother Effect on this new platform, as far as names and locales. Good to be aboard!

Also, Phil, your site continues to be of great help during my RB units in SF distance learning course. Thanks!

FJP glad to hear you are still teaching! I am still in Interlibrary Loan, probably will be until
I retire. I am planning on picking up an old childrens story I wrote years ago, and fleshing it out again. I am now a full fledged "groupee" kinda gummed up my registration, but I am glad to be back in the mix.
I had another Librarian give me an old paperback of the Machineries of Joy a few weeks back. I had not read that since I was a teen years ago.
I donated all of my duplicate Bradbury paperbacks to the Middle School that my daughters have attended. Hey does anyone know when A Sound of Thunder is going to be released?
Uncle AGS

FP what is your book about? Three years is a labor of Love. I am anxious to find out what you have put to print. Good Luck, and Best Wishes for a successful publication...

Congratulations on your book and to everyone here who is writing AT ALL!

Uncle, my best to you. Any more book projects for the youth in your area. I'd be glad to chip with the help of my students and take part in any way possible. "Good to see you!"

hey muse101 will you let us know how it goes?

Sorry for not replying in so long, but I've had many things to do and can only get onto the message boards every once in while. I haven't lost steam in my writing; in fact, what I'm working on now may be the best I've written.

I try to write at least a page every day, but many times I get to the end of the week and find that I've only managed to write three or four.

What are you guys' writing schedules or goals? (Just don't rub it in if I'm not writing as much as I should be )

I've read "The Zen in the Art of Writing" several times, and it's probably one of my favorite books. The Word association bit has helped me write one story so far, and I hope it will give me more :). I wish he'd write another book that way I could get a little more help, or even just get to know him better (did anyone else notice how autobiographical his essays were?).

Yes, and many of his stories as well, i.e., the "Laurel and Hardy Love Affair," which he indicated to me "was about an old girlfriend" and is elaborated on in Sam Wellers' book.