How to Write Better Books

 December 4, 2023

   I'm working on a thesis for a column Johnny Boggs asked me to write for an upcoming edition of Roundup, the publication he edits for the Western Writers of America. Here is a sneak peek at my thesis:

Eating superior Mexican food

can make you a better writer. 

   That's not my opinion, that's just good science. Here's the proof in the flan: I dropped out of the University of Arizona Art College six units shy of a degree. At that time (1969) I was unpublished. A mere ten years later, after a random, but delicious, dinner at El Charro (downtown location, try the topopo side dish) I not only stumbled into a publishing empire (15 books so far), but I also got hitched to my dinner mate—we are celebrating 45 years being married!)

My dinner date at El Charro

(June 7, 1979)

   I'm sorry, but you can't argue with these stats.

   So, obviously I have excellent reasons for picking this Old Pueblo Mexican food stalwart. For the rest, I have canvassed my fellow authors to give you a heads up cross section of where to eat while you attend the Tucson Book Festival so you too can write better. Keep in mind there are about a hundred choices in the Tucson area, but these are the ones that will help you write better.

   If you are into military history, try Del Cielo Tamales at 3073 N. Campbell Ave. They serve the best huevos rancheros and excellent homemade masa tamales.

   "Del Cielo Tamales are also the last bastion of Mexican hot chocolate in Tucson! As a youth, I remember being able to order this steaming treat nearly everywhere. BTW, Del Cielo has a vegetarian breakfast buffet on Thursdays."

—Dr. John Langellier, author of "More Work Than Glory; Buffalo Soldiers in the United States Army, 1866-1916" (2023) by Helion

   I canvased several other good writers and their fave Tucson Mexican food and they will appear in the article out soon. And I'll share their picks after the piece comes out.

"Tacos are proof that God wants us to be happy."

—Old Vaquero Saying