We rarely get snow days in Florida, but yesterday was as close to one as they come. No, it wasn't cold or frosty, but we had one of those storms cross the state that brings rain, wind, tornadoes and a dark and gloomy day. The kind of day to stay in bed and read a good book.
All the writer magazines suggest to be a good writer, one needs to read--a lot. I've been really lax in that area and my writing suffered because of it.
Two weeks ago, a friend gave me Jodi Picoult's newest book, Handle with Care, to read. I've been nursing that book like a new baby. I don't want it to end.
But what I've noticed is this: when I read what another author has written, it motivates me to write better. I learn about style, see how they describe a scene, develop their plot.
What better way to enjoy a snow day than to improve my own writing?
And it works--I'm happy to report that since I started reading again and making the time to add that pleasure into my schedule, my writing time has also increased. I've only got a few chapters left to read in Jodi's book, but I've got another one lined up ready and waiting.
Are you enjoying a snow day today?
20 comments:
That's one of the reasons I became a book reviewer for two publishing houses. It makes me read different types of books and some I admit I would never have purchased but now-WOW a new world opened. My writing has been improving too.
And, ahem, living very very north of you, staying in bed on snow days.. wouldn't work. :p
No, no snow day here today. :( But it'll be a good one, anyway.
And I agree! That reading thing is necessary for a writer. And if it's not really good and motivating - it's really bad and motivating on a different level, you know?
Ooh, I loved the morning weather yesterday! It was wonderful. I hope you're enjoying your book! I agree, we learn from stuff like that.
I wish I had "snow days"! With little ones, every day is a work day! I love the times when my husband takes the kids to MacDonald's and I can have some quiet, even if it's only for a couple of hours! I'm planning a reading binge as soon as I finish my WIP!
Here in Arizona we don't get snow days ... But we do get heat days. They're the flip side of cold & blustery, but the net effect is the same. We stay indoors, dress lightly, curl up near the a/c & watch old movies while we eat popcorn, or read a good book.
At 61, I've learned to have these retreats whenever I'm inclined. It's sort of an indulgence, but the results are well worth it.
So glad there was no tornado damage!
Kathleen
I love a snow day! It's so rainy and chilly here it's a perfect day to curl up and read a good book. I love Jodi Picoult. It sounds like I'll have to check out this one.
There are definitely some writers whose style I'm in awe of...who inspire me to write better.
Enjoy your day!
Blessings,
Kelli
"Enjoying" and "snow day" don't belong in the same sentence in April!!
I recently finished Handle with Care and enjoyed it immensely.
So glad you survived all the weather in your area. I was wondering about you!!`
Reading is very inspiring to me, too! It's one those amazing pleasures that a reader need not feel guilty about, because it's necessary to their very work.
We had hail! It was crazy.
weather definitely plays too big of a role in our lives. we are in between winter and summer-called spring? I enjoying reading for new ideas and an escape-same reason I write to get ideas on paper and release my tensions. interesting post as always...
YAY! Such great advice and what a wonderful reason for an excuse to read! hehehe! I love it! And I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Blustery days, they're so fun and different and exciting. Jenni
Ok,ok...I am convicted. I just dont read enough! I hardly ever read fiction - I love reasearching so I lean towards non-fiction. I appreciate the shove in the right direction!
No snow day here today, but guess what? RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST and as you know from my latest post...rain is much needed.
I have found, especially my Sisters in Christ blog friends have increased my verbage and I love that!
You are a precious one!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
I know I don't read nearly enough which may be why I have trouble writing sometimes. Thanks for the tip. I will try it.
I'm feeling a little guilty. I read a lot...but non-fiction, not novels...and it would definitely help my writing!
The weather here? Well, today it's lovely, but the last few days were dark, windy and overcast. I'm getting out there and enjoying what I can of it..before it changes!! Snow? tsk tsk! Just got rid of it after what seemed like forever...it is now officially a four letter word. ;)
Yes! That is so true. Reading something else that is well written and interesting motivates us to write better ourselves! I just LOVE reading through old books, particularly ones in my genre, that I loved when I am stuck on a scene. They help me focus and put the best aspect of my characters and the plot into a particular scene.
no snow in california today. just sunshine. :) i love the fact that the more we read, the better we write (ideally). stephen king said if you don't have time to read, then you don't have time to write.
We woke up to 3 inches of snow yesterday, today is a lovely spring day and by Monday, it's supposed to be 80. Hello? What's a girl to do about her wardrobe? Snow pants? Capris? Shorts? Oh, the dilemma!
I am looking for the end of snow days here in Manitoba! The problem is, life gets so busy when spring finally arrives!
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