This is the second post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.
Last week, in the first in the Reader University series, we talked about Try — new authors, new genres, and new formats.
My second way to help authors and your own writing is to READ:
- a book
- a novella
- a short story
Or read an essay or a long magazine or newspaper feature story.
It’s so easy to get trapped in the “I don’t have time whirlwind” of life. Even when we say this, we are still reading.
I DO read a lot each day. I read a few blog posts, a few Internet news stories, and a ton of emails. Throw in some social media and I’ve read a short story or novella in one “session” on the computer. While much of this is entertaining or educational, I still find myself missing a good story by the end of the week.
Between my library card and my Kindle, I have access to a steady stream of books. This week, I’m making time to read another book in my virtual (Kindle) “to be read” stack — Divergent by Veronica Roth.
I read these books last week (mostly due to be sick and stuck on the couch):
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012)
How to Query an Agent or Editor [A Children’s Writer Inside Guide from Mentors for Rent] by Lisa Bullard and Laura Purdie Salas (2012)
As usual, I read through a dozen picture books. I was able to get my hands on Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle (2013). It’s a wordless picture book — sweet and lightly pink. This book does have flaps, so I’m not sure how the kindle version of this will work.
Have fun reading this week!
Here’s the first post about the Reader University project.
I subscribe to “Brain Pickings” and receive an email on Sundays full of articles on creativity, literature, science, and just plain neat stuff! From their website: “Brain Pickings is a human-powered discovery engine for interestingness, a subjective lens on what matters in the world and why, bringing you things you didn’t know you were interested in — until you are.” Although sometimes tempted to skim when pressed for time, I always find their longer articles well worth reading.
It is tough to shut off the social media, etc. long enough to delve into something wholeheartedly!
I recently subscribed to Brain Pickings and I know what you mean. For fear of missing something, I often read way too much of social media. I learn about new writing techniques, new books, and meet new people, but some reading time is lost. Working for a little time this week.
I need to subscribe to this.
Yes, so important to read!!!!! And I’ve been making more of an effort to read outside of the genre I write in and some of those magazines that clutter my house but I never seem to have time for.
I’m trying to make more time Kim for that reason. It’s easy to get caught up in the genre you write (and hey, you have to), but it’s fun to stretch and read something else.
I get your blog e-mails. But, not your blog site. Went in through the back door again. I read daily. Not just picture books, but all genres — most of which I review. I love studying other writers. Just finished The Book Thief by Zusak. I learned a lot from Zusak about his overshadowing technique with death telling the story.
The Book Thief by Zusak is on my list after Divergent by Veronica Roth.
Yay! My favorite part! 😀
It is is my favorite part too.
One thing I am enjoying about the MFA is the compulsory reading each week, in all sorts of forms.
Oh that would be fun for someone to tell me it’s mandatory! I admire the work you are doing for your program. I’m sure it’s challenging.