TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11.5, February 11, 1987. L’Amour writes to an eager admirer. In part: “Writing is a tough, lonely job, and unless you simply cannot leave it alone, don’t try. It has great rewards for the few who make it, and some rewards for all who make it a profession. To be a good writer one has to love the work, and one must have great self-discipline. Many want to be writers but few actually want to write. What teachers or friends say will mean nothing at all. They are not buying your story when their job is on [sic] the line. Editors are constantly looking for good material, but the competition is stiff. Everybody wants to write, most people believe they can, most believe they could if they ‘just had the time.’ My first advice would be to read: become familiar with the classics as well as contemporary writing. Study what the magazines and book publishers are buying. Notice what people are reading. Decide what you wish to write, then write. You must be prepared for rejection. You are competing with several thousand of the brightest people in the world, and you must have something interesting to say, and then say it well...Don’t try to imitate anyone; that’s the kiss of death. Develop your own style (that will come as you write) and don’t just try to be good, try to be better. I started from nowhere and am probably the best selling writer in the world, or so my publisher tells me.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and light creasing to the surface and top edge. Written just a year before his passing, L’Amour passes along advice garnered as a writer who did succeed and rise above the competition, having produced approximately 105 works of literature as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated authors. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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