What I do know is that a good writer should not be an essayist unless he wants to be a good essayist. I want to be a good writer. What does it take? A strong grasp of the language and clear understanding of grammar and syntax. Good writing habits that force you to work daily always trying to better yourself and above all the wish to tell stories. The need to weave tales for others to read and enjoy. Plus, a whole shitload of ego. And I'm sure there are a million other things I've left out. Style, wit etc.

Eight Meals

Bread and water in a Turkish prison.

Half of a Subway sandwich in a trash can on Fifth Avenue.

Kobi beef steak and blue fin tuna sushi at a hot LA hotspot for the hotties.

Baby carrots with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – no crust – for lunch at Ephesus Elementary School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Roasted guinea pig on a stick in Ecuador.

A power shake, a power bar, and celery on the way to work in Miami.

Three hot dogs on Clark St. in Chicago.

A cheeseburger off the grill in Dallas, lots of relish.