I couldn't survive without reading, and reading eclectically. I get up early (between 4:30 and 5:00) when the house is quiet to immerse myself in "serious" reading -- right now mostly memoirs . And at bedtime and on off through the night, I read non-fiction (history, mostly) and novels. The only part of my life that I haven't read widely was in grad school when for my first three semesters, I felt I could read nothing but archaeology, my chosen field. That ended the day I hurled my coffee cup the length of a long room, smashing it against the wall (it was Sunday, no one was there). I walked to the nearest bookstore, bought the thickest, trashiest sci-fi novel they had, took it home, and did not leave until I'd read it cover to cover. I've been reading eclectically ever since -- it keeps my mind agile!
Thank you for this post! I often notice when I feel wonky that I haven't been reading enough as well. I think the reading we do as a normal part of our day makes it feel like that should be as fueling as reading books do. I wrote in my notebook this morning that I keep putting off the reading because it feels indulgent somehow. I know it is part of the work of writing too. The library is my friend! I have so many great books around me. Off to read! Thank you for the inspiration Jessica!
I love how you put this: "I think the reading we do as a normal part of our day makes it feel like that should be as fueling as reading books do." It's like self-care; we need to make time for it. And just like self-care can feel indulgent, so can reading. Yet both are essential!
Thank you, Jessica. I often find inspiration for writing when I listen to podcasts as I walk. But when I am stalled, I too, find that reading a physical book helps to inspire and motivate me in a different way.
Currently, I am reading A Pilgrimage to Eternity- From Canterbury to Rome in Search of a Faith, by Timothy Egan. I love any stories that are based on journeys, and his is very informative as he crosses Europe on the Via Francigena.
And I also feel compelled to finish a book before purchasing a new one. That gets tough if I find the book isn't interesting!
Thank you again for your encouraging camaraderie with us.
So true! Reading and writing go together like peanut butter and jelly. And reading really good fiction helps me be a better editor, of my own work and of work by other writers.
I couldn't survive without reading, and reading eclectically. I get up early (between 4:30 and 5:00) when the house is quiet to immerse myself in "serious" reading -- right now mostly memoirs . And at bedtime and on off through the night, I read non-fiction (history, mostly) and novels. The only part of my life that I haven't read widely was in grad school when for my first three semesters, I felt I could read nothing but archaeology, my chosen field. That ended the day I hurled my coffee cup the length of a long room, smashing it against the wall (it was Sunday, no one was there). I walked to the nearest bookstore, bought the thickest, trashiest sci-fi novel they had, took it home, and did not leave until I'd read it cover to cover. I've been reading eclectically ever since -- it keeps my mind agile!
I love that phrase: "reading eclectically"!
Thank you for this post! I often notice when I feel wonky that I haven't been reading enough as well. I think the reading we do as a normal part of our day makes it feel like that should be as fueling as reading books do. I wrote in my notebook this morning that I keep putting off the reading because it feels indulgent somehow. I know it is part of the work of writing too. The library is my friend! I have so many great books around me. Off to read! Thank you for the inspiration Jessica!
I love how you put this: "I think the reading we do as a normal part of our day makes it feel like that should be as fueling as reading books do." It's like self-care; we need to make time for it. And just like self-care can feel indulgent, so can reading. Yet both are essential!
Always an inspiration. And I can relate to the idea of reading as food for the writing spirit! Thank you, Jessica. A pleasure to read :-)
Thank you!
Thank you, Jessica. I often find inspiration for writing when I listen to podcasts as I walk. But when I am stalled, I too, find that reading a physical book helps to inspire and motivate me in a different way.
Currently, I am reading A Pilgrimage to Eternity- From Canterbury to Rome in Search of a Faith, by Timothy Egan. I love any stories that are based on journeys, and his is very informative as he crosses Europe on the Via Francigena.
And I also feel compelled to finish a book before purchasing a new one. That gets tough if I find the book isn't interesting!
Thank you again for your encouraging camaraderie with us.
Thank you, Karen!
So true! Reading and writing go together like peanut butter and jelly. And reading really good fiction helps me be a better editor, of my own work and of work by other writers.