Integrity is not a search for the rewards of integrity. In the introduction to Stephen King's Night Shift, John D. MacDonald wrote probably the best little essay on writing I've ever read. Today I discuss a blog post about the late author John D. MacDonald… John D. MacDonald (1916 to 1986) was prolific author of crime and suspense novels, best known for his thrillers, in particular for the critically acclaimed Travis McGee series, and his novel The Executioners. John D. MacDonald—born on July 24th, 1916—saw some things in his time. He said: "The only way you learn how to write is by writing...Stephen King always wanted to write and so he writes." Plus I had a terrific idea for a mystery series! J. And in consciously seeking his lessons on writing, I inadvertently discovered just how many lessons on life I’d unconsciously absorbed as a reader. A. Konrath has been on a tear lately, offering plenty of advice on writing. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won't cheat, then you know he never will. It’s good stuff: if a bit too hot and Puritan for my taste.. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. That is how John D. MacDonald, thirty years old, fresh out of the military in 1946 and with one published short story (which he actually sent to his wife in a letter: she submitted it to a magazine) learned the craft of fiction writing. 222 quotes from John D. MacDonald: 'Integrity is not a conditional word. Maybe all you ever get for it is the largest kick in the ass the world can provide. I much prefer what John D. MacDonald wrote in the introduction to Stephen King’s “Nightshift” collection of short stories, which Alison Kent reproduced on her site: If you want to write, you write. At that point in my career, which was several years after John D. MacDonald’s death, I made myself his apprentice.