Daniel replies:

Hi, Jack. I assume you mean advice about being an author, in case you or anyone else would like to be one. OK, I can give you some advice. Read a lot, and read what you like. Write a lot, if you like writing. Listen politely to advice and opinions others may give you, but don't take it too seriously. Yours is the only opinion that matters. It is very nice when people read what you have written, and enjoy it--but that is secondary. First, you should write to please yourself. Many writers claim that writing is hard work. I do not know what they are talking about. Dragging rocks around, or cutting down big trees is hard work. Writing is fun.
Thanks for your intelligent, and well-written e-note. I hope the author talk goes well.

Daniel Pinkwater