Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Writing Whispers 



Every week I receive a stack of writing tips and encouragements in my inbox.


Here's something from Kate DeCamillo, who wrote Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux.


'READ. 
You have no business wanting to be a writer
 unless you are a reader. 
You should read fantasies and essays, 
biographies and poetry,
 fables and fairy tales.
 Read, read, read, read, read.'

Some writers steer away from books in their genre while they write their own stories. Others have rules about the number of fiction titles they'll read for every writing craft book. 


You may be like me, with more to-reads on your shelf than, well... days to read!


If your stack is taller than the bedside lamp, what will you pick up this week to... read, read, read? Me... I'm reading Siri Mitchell's A Heart Most Worthy. Delicious!!!



10 comments:

Marja said...

Haha, I recognize that.. more books on my to-read shelf....
Have you heard of www.goodreads.com?

Digging for Pearls said...

I'm reading Mona Hodgson's Too Rich for a Bride.

Amanda Deed said...

Yes, my TBR pile is far too long for the amount of time I have! I am currently reading Mary's Guardian by Carol Preston - lots of Aussie history. :)

Penny said...

I wish I could write like Kate DeCamillo so I'd better take her advice to read, read, read. I'm currently in "The Apothecary" by Maile Meloy, "Helena" by Joanne Bethelsen and "Our Mutual Friend" Dickens. (Must admit, I've been in Mutual Friend for quite a long time now... just plodding along slowly slowly)
Thanks for reminding us of our need to read, Dorothy.
Penny.

Dorothy Adamek said...

Hi Marja... funny you should mention Good Reads! I got their July newsletter in my inbox just today! So many books... so little time :)

Dorothy Adamek said...

Hi Jodie,
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Too Rich for a Bride! Enjoy :)

Dorothy Adamek said...

Amanda, I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. You know how it with us. Anything 'history' gets shared :)

Dorothy Adamek said...

Hi Penny, Welcome!!
I'm impressed to hear about your reading juggle!
Always happy to share writing encouragements ;)

Rosslyn Elliott said...

I'm reading a memoir called Chosen by a Horse. This is not my usual reading fare, but I'm enjoying it. Horses are relaxing to think about, and relaxation is good in the middle of my major rewrite. :-)

Dorothy Adamek said...

Hi Rosslyn,
That sounds very interesting... and I know you love horses! Makes a lot of sense to go someplace in your reading which will relax and refresh you. Enjoy :)