I believe writers should write, without self-censoring. And then they should edit what they have written. Rigorously. Relentlessly. Repeatedly.

   I learned to write by reading well-written books. And badly written books, but later. I absorb what I read on a gut level. It’s not intentional learning all the time, and never in the beginning. So, anyone who wants to write, needs to read. Store up plot, style, character, till it is all second nature.

   I learned to edit by reading books on writing. It wasn’t necessary to find a class, a degree, an editor/agent, a writer’s group, someone to read my unpublished work—though all of those can surely help any writer at any time.

   Used to be, if a writer didn’t learn the craft—how to edit, plot, create characters and setting, hook a reader—it didn’t see print. Watercolorists say you should paint freely—and throw the first 100 watercolors away. Writers should write that first book—and maybe then the file cabinet or the box under the bed is the next and final step. It was a learning experience. Learn. Publish only when you have something you truly, objectively believe other people will want to read.

   Because, it’s the writing that makes a book. Not the format, not a great title, not the most professional cover that “looks like a best-seller”. A good book reads like a book.

   Yes, this rant began as a review of a couple of indie-published works. It grew. It needs to be said. Names will not be named.

   Bridgewater, Bridgeport, Bridgeville, Ambridge-- the Pittsburgh area doesn't make it easy! For me at least, these little Ohio River towns arereally easy to confuse. Here’s how I tell them apart—Bridgewater’s The one with the annual BookFest, a celebration of all things pertaining to the written word.

 

   We had a great day! Fine weather, a full “Author Arena” in the big tent, crowds of people interested in writing, reading, publishing. There were authors, publishers, artists, cover designers, and the street was lined with booths featuring used books, art made from books, paintings that could be book covers, pretty pens to sign books with, great food.

   Cathy Seckman, Darlene Torday and Teddi Black were there, besides me. Teddi took this photo.

First place! The pony is a Welsh pony named Kiara.