Hello,

I’m not a fan of rock and roll music, especially Indie rock I’m more of a soul music lover but there is one rock band I have recently become enamored with after all my years of living and not once finding favor with this kind of music; yet this one band I truly enjoy. The band is the White Stripes, I know everyone has heard of them they're just that wonderful. Why I like them so well is of course because of their music, its inventive, complex but simple, beautiful and some songs unforgettable. Yet, in addition to their music it’s the band itself made up of Jack and Meg White, singing and playing three instruments: guitar, drums and piano—just that basic--no huge ensemble, no flashy fire breathing shows; they don’t need all this, they have the one thing that replaces all the hoopla—deep and rich talent.

I listened to a radio interview the two did and Jack White, the lead singer, said this one thing so true and I paraphrase it here, “No matter what you did some people are going to like it, some people aren’t…I can’t think about that anymore, concern myself with it, I can’t think about if its going to fit…” I believe Mr. White was saying you have to be true to yourself--in his case play and write the music he loves--and not concern yourself with whether others will like it or not; its what you think and love about it that counts and only feeling this way will give your work (writing, music, painting, wood-working, whatever) the clean, clear truth of it you can be proud of.

I try very hard, daily, to cultivate this attitude and for the most part I'm successful, I write the stories I love hoping others will love them too though this isn't necessary but if I come across one reader who enjoys my novel and looks forward to my others then I’m good; but if I never come across a reader who likes my work, this won't stop me from writing.

So stay true to yourself, your work, your writing, making sure when your novel (or novels) is complete it’s exactly what you want it to be, you are terrifically happy with it so that once you send it out in the world you aren’t concerned with who will like it or who won’t because your most important goals have already been reached: a novel you've written and feet great enough about to present to all; the rest is beyond our control and will take care of itself. So don’t worry, just write your best, the rest will be okay.


If you have any comments or suggestions please e-mail me at my new address: shabazzl@adasbcc.org.

Until next time, God willing,

Lori