If you want to write, you have to read. That’s standard advice whenever you look at anything about how to be a better writer. At the moment, I’m struggling to read. My eyes aren’t as good as they were and I really need to get a decent reading lamp. That has limited my reading over the last year, and since I was ill at the end of summer, I seem to have lost interest and concentration.
I can still read from a screen, but it isn’t really the same. On top of that I seem to have mislaid my tablet. I had it a few weeks ago, did some tidying, and now can’t find it. That’s the trouble with making electrical gear smaller – it’s easier to lose. I thought it might turn up under a book or something, but so far it has eluded me.
The other problem is that I have been trying to do so much writing. Or, to put it another way, the writing isn’t flowing like it used to and so it takes more time. This could, of course, be related to me not reading enough, which is where this started. It will be interesting to see if my target of reading 50 books in 2022 helps me out.
However, do I count poetry books as books? And if they do, do journals like The Haibun Journal also count. There are 56 pages of Haibun in the latest issue, and that is longer than some poetry books. I have a few days to think about it before 1st January arrives, and in that time I also have to finish at least two submissions – three if I feel really motivated.
Anyone got any views on the subject?
Reading – not as easy as it used to be
Pingback: A Strange Mood Has Come Over Me | Charliecountryboy's Blog
I read a few romances by M C Beaton (better known for her detective novels). Like her mysteries they were lightweight. I quite liked them. I’m trying a book about curry shops in Bradford at the moment, but it is a bit too highbrow for me and I am going slowly. 🙂
Absolutely poetry is reading! Janet Fitch, author of “White Oleander” read poetry every day before starting on her book.
I get books from the library and read in bed every night before turning the light out. The trick is to get something you are excited to read. Even if it’s junk. It will get you off the tv and into bed and you will sleep better too, after an hour of reading.
You’re going to tell me you’d fall right asleep, aren’t you?
No, I wouldn’t fall asleep. 🙂
I fall asleep in front of TV but raerely with a book in my hand. 🙂
Lavinia is right. Sometimes you just need to rest. I also agree that reading is reading, whether a poetry mag, a chapbook, a novel, a beach mystery, or history. In my experience, there are things that stimulate creativity–certain authors, or music or walks or cooking. Read for x amount of time per day and adding time to reflect on it…
Reading AND reflecting? Phew! 🙂
Well, the down time doesn’t have to be at the same time every day…
It’s a bit like blogging and writing – once I can establish it as a habit, it will be easier.
I am have a need for a good reading lamp too as I spend my time squinting at whatever i am trying to decipher. The trouble is that that if you get one, it means that there will be only one place in the house suitable for reading. Is that a price worth paying? I think that you should get one and let me know the answer.
I will do. My old one broke and the new, cheap, replacement shines across the room into Julia’s eyes. She doesn’t complain. Much. But it makes me feel guilty about using it.
Yup, doesn’t matter what you read as LA says reading is reading 😊 Nearly all my reading is done in bed before I go to sleep. It wipes the day away 😆 Persevere my friend 😊
Yes, I did a lot of mine last thing at night. I will persevere. I still have a book about a curry house siege to read. 🙂
Miss Downs, my primary school teacher, said we should read 3 books a week. That was children’s books. Ever since, I have read almost every day – I don’t think the numbers are as important as the time spent. So, how about setting a time target?
Could do. Or maybe set aside a certain time to read rather than sitting watching TV,
Sometimes one just has to sit back, take a short break, and return with refreshed vision and a new sense of purpose. Sometimes the brain is tired.
That’s true. Mine definitely is. I just worry about it not re-starting. 🙂
You have your readers to remind you. 🙂
🙂
Reading is reading…you’re looking at the beauty of words
Good point.
🙂