The Los Angeles Times has a new feature, L.A. Timeless, where we dip into the archives to reprise classic storytelling. This week we showcase a celebrity profile (of sorts) of an alligator, told in Corinne Purtill's elegant, engaging and witty writer's voice. latimes.com/science/story/…

"The quality of democracy and the quality of journalism are deeply entwined." Bill Moyers. R.I.P.

Today is the birthday of William Strunk Jr., as in Strunk & White and The Elements of Style. Time for a few choice quotes from the professor: writerswrite.co.za/literary-birth…

"Panicky despair is an underrated element of writing." Dave Barry, born this day. So true.

"I don’t reread a book of mine after it’s been published. All I see is shortcomings and errors. The gap between what I intended to accomplish and what I settled for is a yawning abyss." Martin Cruz Smith, RIP.

"My perfect day is sitting in a room with some blank paper. That’s heaven." Cormac McCarthy, born this day. For others, that blank page or screen is hell. But we do it anyway.

“I tell people, Make a list of ten things you hate and tear them down in a short story or poem. Make a list of ten things you love and celebrate them. When I wrote ‘Fahrenheit 451’ I hated book burners and I loved libraries. So there you are” —Ray Bradbury buff.ly/YHOqgDd

“I never reread what I’ve written. I’m far too afraid to feel ashamed of what I’ve done.” —Jorge Luis Borges buff.ly/lGE4pBP

"There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you." Beatrix Potter, born this day. Applies to nonfiction too.

"Some days all I do is stare at the wall. That can be productive, too, if you’re working out a character." Suzanne Collins, born this day. #Thehungergames

As Carrie Henderson writes, Sydney was half German shepherd, half Great Pyrenees and an enigma with a capital E. After the Eaton fire, a new Sydney emerged. Did he sense people needed him? A lovely read in Los Angeles Times Column One. latimes.com/california/sto…

This article about medicine and science, but at its heart, it is a love story. A powerful, and often heartbreaking, tale by Corinne Purtill and Genaro Molina in today's Los Angeles Times Column One. latimes.com/science/story/…

Two months after the Palisades fire, just seven players showed up for a workout. But the Pali High football program found a way to rebuild. An inspiring tale from Daniel Miller and Carlin Stiehl in today's Los Angeles Times Column One. latimes.com/california/sto…

"There are no dull subjects. There are only dull writers." H.L. Mencken, born this day.