Diversion.

I’m at the point in the book where it doesn’t take much to divert my attention to something completely different from the story I’m struggling with. I made a pact with the writing Gods to not read other peoples books while writing one of my own because I am weak, and unable to put a good phrase or story line out of my mind, allowing the better stuff to seep into what I am about. While at the reunion I was told about a book that was referred to as “Something like my writing style”. I ordered the book and put it aside, a day passes, and I glance at the cover, reading the title page, and finally grabbing it with both hands, going full bore for a late-night read. It’s totally engrossing, based on a small town, with small town eccentrics that any weird person could identify with.I haven’t finished it yet but will before getting back to my chore.

The book?  It’s Balaam Gimble’s Gumption by Mike Nichols. Not the Hollywood Mike Nichols, but a true Texan with a down-home attitude and the vocabulary to match. It’s endorsed by Kinky Friedman, and if you know recent Texas history this should give you a clue. A fun book.