LETTERS

Re “Sammy’s Kids,” by Susan King, Aug. 8: Budd Schulberg was my mentor and teacher of more than 44 years.

I was just an angry kid living on the street, full of bitterness and rage. I had nothing. And he helped me -- but not just with money and friendship. He encouraged my talent and taught me the art of story and writing prose. The novels and short stories and poetry and essays I have to my credit to this day are because of his teachings and guidance and that writer’s workshop in Watts.

He was, more importantly, my friend.

Eric John Priestley

Zun Yi, China