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On 4/26/07 6:31 AM, Keith Eldred wrote:

Dear Discover Magazine editors,

Little did I know what an interesting challenge I would discover in Dean Christopher’s article “20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Pencil” (May 2007, page 80). Point number 6 claims that the average pencil can write roughly 45,000 words but that “History does not record anyone testing this statistic.” Let history record this: I was inspired to organize an event through the local library for volunteers to write out a word-for-word copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird” using one pencil. The event will begin on May 4 at 2:00 pm and continue around the clock until copying is complete. We’ll go into it realizing that we need a miraculous performance from our chosen writing utensil. Our paperback copy of “Mockingbird” has 288 pages, and online (http://www.writersservices.com/wps/p_word_count.htm) I found an estimate of 400 words per page in a standard paperback, for a total of 115,200 words. Nevertheless, we are determined! And we are pleased to have found this way to honor a literary treasure. You can track our results at www.ToWriteAMockingbird.org. I’ll also plan to report back to you after we’re done. Please communicate my thanks to Mr. Christopher.

Sincerely,

Keith Eldred
413 Bella St.
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648



----- Original Message ----
From: editorial@discovermagazine.com
To: Keith Eldred
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 5:52:12 PM
Subject: Re: Your May 2007 "20 Things" article inspires library's tribute to the greatest American novel

Dear Keith:

Best of luck with the write-off. We hope all the participants do appropriate finger-stretches before getting started to avoid cramps! We’ll be sure to check back for the final word count.

Cheers,
The Editors at DISCOVER