Reading days
In college they called them reading days. You know, the time between classes and finals where all you did was cram study and read.
I need reading days. Or at least one reading day because right now I’m concentrating not only my own WIP but multiple short stories and the ever evolving essays. I’m also editing three novels for clients and a handful of short pieces there too.
So when someone asks me, what are you reading, I say a lot. I’m almost always reading. And though I’m lucky to like the work I do — I miss reading the book or magazine of my choice. I miss getting lost in a story that I’m not working on – and forcing myself to get out of writer-mode into reader-mode. I know I need to do it — I just haven’t figured out how.
I’m thinking that even though my weekends are often laden with work time opportunities as my kids have typical teenage social lives, that I should go with an age-old premise and take a day off.
And on the seventh day, she read. Or something like that.
We all know that reading is the one of the best ways to learn about writing (writing being the other way). And while I learn much from every friend, foe and client that I read — I’m eager to jump into a pile of hard and softback books that are either collecting dust or languishing in a list on my iPhone.
Many of you have work that involves reading and writing that is not your own. How do you also get to the books on your nightstand? (I don’t read at night, I fall right to sleep.)
Any suggestions?
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- Aug 23, 2009: ipikeqewy
I know what you mean about getting caught up with all the stuff that NEEDS to be done, but I think reading for pleasure is like anything else you do for yourself — you need to make time. Sometimes the only time I read is for half an hour before I go to sleep. You could do that…
I read while I eat. It’s one of my favorite things to do – settle down with a snack and read.
One of my favorite (and well published) writing mentors once described her day to me, and she devoted at least an hour or two in the late afternoon to reading. She considered it a vital part of her job, which, of course, it is. So that’s what I tell myself. Sometimes it works, but most of the time I just feel guilty if I read during the day.
I hate to say this because it probably means I don’t have enough of a life but I’ve never had a problem with not having enough time to read. Melissa’s comment reminded me that when I was breast-feeding my son I had to pump 6-8 times a day. I used to hand the baby to my husband, say “I’ve got to go pump now!” and sit at the kitchen table reading while I did it. I got in about 2 hours of reading a day that way.
I miss reading, which is why I’ve decided to make it a big priority in my life, now. I don’t have kids and I’m writing full-time, so… I need to read more!
on the seventh day she read –
you made me laugh again, thanks