“Read, read, read. Read everything — trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it.
Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”
– William Faulkner
It’s true. Last year I read more than 30-some books, and read through the Bible again.
So far this year? I haven’t finished the book I started in December.
I need to fix that.
Ideally I’d like to fix that by winning the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes and moving to the beach.
I’m not holding my breath.
In part, of course the fact that I’ve not been reading much is because of an overloaded schedule. I’ve talked about that. I’ve also talked about how that is my choice.
It’s not exactly true that I haven’t been reading. I’ve read lots of articles and stories and scripts. But I’ve not spent much time in the books.
I need to fix that.
I am well aware that to be the writer I wish to be, it is as important for me to spend time reading the words of others as it is to spend time at the keyboard.
Fortunately, Downton Abbey and Suits are over for the season. Glee will be soon. And I’ve binged-watched my way through House of Cards. Of course Mad Men is back in a few weeks.
Don’t judge my television-watching choices. That paragraph above pretty much covers everything I watch, with the exception of the occasional old movie.
And, no, I do not wish for you to suggest more “must see” television.
Book suggestions I’ll take.
I’m currently in between script reading projects. (Don’t worry, they’re coming). So this week, the scripts in the messenger bag get replaced with a book.
Heaven knows until this shoulder issue is behind me I spend enough time in doctor’s waiting rooms.
I’ll not likely make the goal of reading thirty or more books this year. But I’ll read more in the next 10 months than I have in the last two.
And, if I don’t, you know I’ll tell you all about it.
Next chapter, please.
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