I was driving home from running some errands earlier, and as I approached the used bookstore down the street from my house, I experienced a nearly irresistible impulse to pull in.
I haven’t been there in quite some time, because I have a ton of books already that I haven’t read, because I’ve found it rather difficult to concentrate on reading, as of late. I do it before bed in little one-chapter increments and then I go to sleep.
I checked out the discount paperback rack, and was severely tempted to snatch up an armload of these beauties:
I grabbed a couple, because my budget doesn’t allow for any splurging at this time, especially for something relatively trivial.
And then I saw this:
I returned the paperbacks to their home and headed straight for the register, because I had just been coveting this volume after seeing it posted by a member of a Facebook sci-fi group.
I’ve read the odd Bradbury story or novel here and there, but this is the mother lode:
This is the kind of stuff I actually love to read. I rarely read anything modern. When I sit down to write, this is the well of greatness from which I draw my inspiration. This is what I aspire to be.
I’ve been feeling (more than) a bit discouraged lately about my prospects of actually making my dream of one day writing books for a living(even if it’s a modest one, I’ll take it) into reality.
The last time I felt this down about it, I watched a documentary about Edgar Allen Poe that left me deeply inspired, my resolve strengthened. I quickly jotted down a story about it.
Instead of doing that, this time I think I’ll simply write the best book I can while soaking up these wonderful literary treasures. Maybe I’ll even read them aloud to my wife, or my doggies. 😂
I wonder how many of those stories I’ve read over the years?? hhmm… I’m more of a Philip K Dick fan myself. Ray Bradbury makes me feel funny inside. I have to be careful with him.
Dude, I just bought Bradbury Stories, yesterday. It’s a collection of 100 of his short stories. The universe speaks.
Great inspiration to propel us forward, I’d say. I was feeling like a real piece of shit and here this was, right in my face.
Lol. Joe Pesci voice: “Funny how? Like a clown? Do I amuse you?” 😁
A nice find for sure. I’m always more interested in short stories than novels.
Have you watched “Phillip K Dick’s Electric Dreams?”
Me too. I like to pick one up and have a complete experience and go on about my business.
I can’t argue with that.
I like anthology tv shows as well. The short story needs to make a comeback. Perhaps it will now that anthologies are all the rage at the moment.
I’ve just been reading all your stuff – you are DEFINITELY going to be able to make a living out of writing, and I highly doubt it will be modest!!! ^ ^
Thank you, that’s very flattering!
Pleadure’s all mine! ^ ^