So you're a writer, right?  Right. OK, write. Go on. Don't worry about being right.  Just write. Right? Right. Buy yourself a black beret and head right on down to your local friendly coffee shop for some existential inspiration.

Wrong - if you want to get published.

José Ignacio Valenzuela claims you must be proficient in the ways of mass media to advance your words. The rapidly-rising young novelist, playwright and screenwriter from Chile, with a bookcase full of awards, says new technologies have not only changed the face of music, television, film, and entertainment, but also the publishing market, where booksellers and writers have had to learn to navigate new waters. Today, to write, sell and promote, Valenzuela says you must be submerged in the mass media and have the appropriate skills and knowledge.

Is he right or wrong?

The right thing might be to attend Valenzuela's free lecture Thursday, April 12. Then, hit the coffee shop and write, right?

Can't go to a coffee shop? Don't drink coffee? You're LDS?

We give up.

[Rasmussen Rotunda in Wheelock Student Center, Thursday, April 12, 5-7:30 p.m., free admission, University of Puget Sound campus, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, 253.879.3100]