When I began my life as a writer, I wanted more than anything else for someone – another writer hopefully – to pick up one of my books and say, “wow, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and this writer is really going to go places.” Perhaps because it never happened, at least not in that way, I have found the experience of coming across a wonderful book by a young writer to be among  the most thrilling and meaningful experiences of my life.

I rarely focus on the work of other writer’s because I think people can make their own choices, and are bombarded by so much hype. Publishing has changed since I began writing, and it is much more difficult for brilliant new writers to be seen and read. Especially literary writers and even more so, short story writers. I was introduced to Megan last week, and I not heard of her even though she lives near Bennington, Vermont and teaches at Bennington College. I fell in love with this book almost from the first page, at the wrenching descriptions of a mother and daughter struggling to connect and the equally wrenching portrait of a parrot named Carnie.

Megan Mayhew Bergman is, in my mind, one of these amazing writers I always dreamed of being. Encountering her first work – “Birds Of A Lesser Paradise,” out March 6, from Scribner is one of those magical encounters. My first short-story collection, “Dancing Dogs” will be published this September and I hope people love it as much as I loved this book. Life is curious, in the coincides and connections it offers up.

Megan’s new book – I see that is is getting lush and richly-deserved reviews –  is extraordinarily powerful and beautifully written, and I related to so many of her themes – an astonishing ability to portray the spirits of animals, a fierce believe in self-determination, an elegaic sense of family and place. You and I know one another, and I believe just about everyone reading this on this site will love this writer’s work. You can check Megan out on her blog. (Megan is overcoming her literary sensitivities and is building a new site). And more good  news – Connie Brooks of Battenkill Books is taking advance orders for “Birds Of A Lesser Paradise.”  Megan will personalize any books purchased through Battenkill, which can be reached on the store’s website or by calling 518 677-2515. The book will also be available anywhere books are sold. The Battenkill Experiment only grows.

How fortunate I am to have come across a gifted writer like this. She lives on a small farm with goats, dogs, a horse and some chickens. I think I will get her to go for a donkey. I can so imagine her writing about a donkey. She is coming out next week to meet Simon and Lulu and Fanny.

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to reading and seeing how much you enjoy this very striking new work, the first of many from a very brilliant new literary voice. I love that my dream comes true, also, even in reverse and over time.  Do not ever give up on your dreams.