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James Bernard Frost

Thoughts about writing, Portland, and whatever else comes to mind

December 18, 2008

The Secret to Ray Bradbury's Writing Success

My former advisor and good friend, Lewis Buzbee, who authored a much acclaimed book of essays about bookstores, called The Yellow Lighted Bookshop, likes to tell the story of a lunch he had with Ray Bradbury, back when Lewis was a college freshman.  A few interested students were invited to dine with Mr. Bradbury after a reading he gave at UCSB, Buzbee among them.  After they were finished, the rest of the students scampered off, leaving Buzbee alone with the author.

It turned out that Mr. Bradbury didn't drive, and that his train didn't leave for several hours, so he invited Buzbee to join him on the lawn.  After a lengthy conversation, Buzbee asked Mr. Bradbury the secret of his success.  Mr. Bradbury hesitated for a moment, looking over the lagoon, and then gave his answer:

Sandwiches.

You see, you can eat a sandwich with one hand, and read with the other, so you never lose the story.  Bradbury might have a screw loose, but you can't argue with an author that prolific.  Since hearing Buzbee's story, I've taken to turkey, swiss, mayo, and a well-salted tomato.
 


James Bernard Frost is the author of the novel, World Leader Pretend. He is part of the Dangerous Writers writing group, which includes authors Chuck Palahniuk, Chelsea Cain, and Cheryl Strayed.

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