One of the most notable things I realized while reading “Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds: Indispensable wisdom and cautionary advice for writers” is that its author, George Singleton, must have a great deal of ‘STUFF’ on his desk. I wonder how he manages to write between his can of WD-40* (a reminder that writing daily prevents rusting), his compass* (because “stories and novels need direction”), his grappling hook* (“to remind him that every foray into pulling stories and novels from the depths doesn’t always succeed”), and the several other trinkets he has gathered. Somehow, he does manage to write, and has turned his pen to over 100 published stories and two novels.

While I don’t think that a cluttered desk is essential, the points George makes with his “Essential Tools” are important to remember. Beyond these tools, George includes sage advice on how to approach being a writer and the rocks beneath the muddy surface of the publishing industry.

Dead Meat

Every last story should be considered dead meat. If anyone ever asks, “What’s your favorite story or novel that you’ve written?” it should be what you’re working on at the moment, for you are always getting better, and striving.

~ Pep Talk: 98 (Dead Meat) from Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds by George Singleton

Singleton is an opinionated writer with firm ideas of what being a writer is and how writing should be done. In some respects his advice could be controversial. How would Starbucks survive the current economical downturn if writers and wanna-be writers remained at home in their shoeboxes rather than downing caramel lattes?

How many writers would remain obscure if not for their blogs? Indeed, one might wonder how George Singleton can justify his Blog Tour this month given his poor opinion of bloggers and the “bloodsucking parasites” we carry?

Despite getting my hackles firmly spiked and my own opinions leaping to the defensive, “Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds” has its mix of great content. For authors this book is worth reading.

George has a strident voice, he knows how to hook a reader, how to influence their thoughts, and he has done his time in the trenches of fiction. Much of his advice and wisdom has rich value to new writers. More experienced writers will find themselves laughing out loud (to strange glances from family) at the ring of truth in some parts of this book.

Getting to the Marrow

A butcher might argue that there’s a relationship between meat’s taste and its proximity to the bone. The closer to the marrow, the better the flavor. I don’t know how to complete this analogy for vegetarians. Maybe the center cuts of beets, carrots, and tomatoes offer more excitement for the consumer. Let’s pretend that’s the case.

In stories, the closer to the marrow a writer can get, the more enjoyment a reader will receive.

~ Pep Talk: 150 (Getting to the Marrow) from Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds by George Singleton

“Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds” is worth reading on any road of your writing journey. It is a valuable mulch to cultivate your future as a writer. Go forward into each new pep talk, warning, and screed with an open mind but allow your own experiences and preferences to discern which lessons you will take to heart. You’ll enjoy the ideas George expresses, and be eager to get back to your own writing.