Selected Letters of William Styron

In a letter to his mentor in 1950, twenty-four-year-old William Styron expresses his anxieties about his debut novel, "Lie Down in Darkness." He reflects on the challenges of writing and his aspiration to elevate language in his work. Styron emphasizes the importance of personal expression in writing, aiming to use evocative and powerful words that resonate with his unique voice. This glimpse into his early struggles reveals his dedication to the craft and foreshadows his literary ambitions.