My letter “Z” pick to finish up this year’s A to Z Reading Challenge was ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING by Ray Bradbury.

I have many “favorite” authors, but if you made me choose only one on peril of my mortal soul, that answer would unequivocally be Ray Bradbury. Nobody, I mean nobody paints with words the way that man can. Ever since I opened that first tattered copy of THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, I knew I was reading pure magic and poignant, beautiful, sometimes brutal humanity. In addition to his stories and novels, he also wrote this outstanding compilation of his best writing advice, and I devoured it.

These are only some of his brilliant insights:

• Write with zest and gusto – use intense feelings to fuel your story.
• Write quickly and let your stories pour out. Quantity over time breeds quality. Put in thousands of words daily to build your craft and achieve effortless flow.
• Focus on your unique voice and experiences.
•  Let characters with strong wants and needs drive the plot forward.
• Feed your mind with reading on a wide variety of subjects and experience as much of life as you can – this will sow the fields and give you plenty to harvest at writing time. Embrace magical, pivotal moments and “firsts” in your life and use them as story fodder. 

I cannot recommend this book enough. Sit at the feet of the master and drink every word of this in. Five glittering stars on this one.