. . . both reading and writing them. :)
I've done a lot of thinking today. Mostly about books. This may or may not have had something to do with a trip to the library this morning. Or the eight books I checked out when I'd only gone in to pick up three.
What can I say? There's just something deeply satisfying about leaving a library (or bookstore) with an armful of books. It's very happy-making.
I suppose that makes me a bibliophile. But I can live with that. I've been called worse. ;)
I surprised myself today. I've been in a book drought for months. If you look closely at my "Under the Reading Lamp" section on this blog, you'll notice I haven't updated that list since early November (ugh, I hate admitting it). Holidays, birthdays, Man Child, Husband, other hobbies. They all compete for my time. Some things are more important than others and in the last few months, reading has been shoved so far down the To-Do list hole, I need a flashlight just to see it.
I was happy to be reminded of my bibliophile-ness today. The bookshelf and reading lamp and library have been neglected too long. More on that later, though.
Reading isn't the only thing occupying my mind today. I've also been thinking about writing. Namely, my severe lack of it lately. A good friend of mine from college FB-ed me the other day and asked how my writing was coming. Was I working on any new projects?
Ha, I thought to myself. Nope. I wish. I should. I'd like to.
(I do, after all, have two half-written children's books that need finishing. Then there's the fantasy book about magi I started writing with Jason. And the bilingual fairy tale that is actually complete and polished and ready to be sent out to publishers for consideration. I just need to get my butt in gear).
The truth is, I miss writing. I blog, yes. But I miss the kind of writing I did in college, the kind of writing I went to college for.
(Can you hear the guilt? It's mewing around the corner. Quiet but insistent. Yep, I hear it, too.)
I tell myself I don't have time to write regularly, consistently. But that's not true. The truth is . . . more complicated. It involves issues of discipline, intimidation, and attention span (or lack thereof). It's actually a perfect topic for another blog post, another time.
(Ha! did you see me weasle my way out of that one?)
So yeah. I've been thinking about writing today. Pondering a few changes I might make, a few possibilities I might explore.
Y'all might see a few changes around The Inkwell, too! It's spring after all, right? (In some parts of the country, anyway ;). And spring is an excellent time for cleaning out, cleaning up, and trying new things.
Which brings me back to books. I'm starting a brand new reading list for 2010 and I want your recommendations. Most of you have offered recommendations at some point in the past; but they never made it on a list and if I don't write things down, I forget them.
Just like Dori. Nothin' in my noggin. :)
So if you would, pretty please, leave a comment for me on this post and tell me two of your favorite stories and/or authors. I'd appreciate it. Thanks, y'all!
March 10, 2010
Thinking About Books Today . . .
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I feel this way about my writing, too. Well, kinda. I blog, because I like to write, but here lately I can't seem to dive deep into meaningful things. You know? Like...I can joke and laugh and be light hearted, which is totally my personality to a T. But, I also like to write things that have meaning and depth, and probe people to THINK...yeah, well...I haven't been able to formulate anything in a l.o.n.g time.
I also haven't read anything in forever. Other than chicken health, womens fertility, and baby name books. Now, please send help. ;)
I have a whole library of books here at home, and half of them I haven't even read. I need to pick one and read it. Or go to the book store and buy some new ones. Maybe I'll do that.
You're inspiring, Nicole. Love ya!
I hope you enjoy the eight books from the library you mention! :)
And I hope your changes and plans help you with your writing! :)
Two books ... ?
My two favourite authors are Jane Austen and Leslie Ludy. But Miss Austen's books you already read and Mrs Ludy's books aren't fiction - although "Set-Apart Femininity" is one of the best books EVER.
I think you'd love "The Apothecary's Daughter" by Julie Klassen. :)
And I read and enjoyed "The Centurion's Wife" by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn last year. I think there's a sequel out too, called "The Hidden Flame". I think there's going to be a total of three and the books are set in the days of the early church - "The Centurion's Wife" is set between the crucifixion / resurrection and the ascension. I think you'd enjoy the books!
Hey you two, thanks for your comments. :) I surely do appreciate them!
LeAnna - I know exactly what you mean. I have a hard time writing "deeper" stuff too. I think about it, I want to write it, but then the words just fly away when I sit down to type. Praying about that . . . and don't you go feeling all bad because you don't have time and/or brain power to write or read. You know why? Cuz you have a perfectly legitimate excuse. Enjoy it while it lasts!! ;)
Elisabeth - I've added your books to my reading list and I look forward to them! Thanks for the suggestions. :) I remember reading the Ludy's first book way back when they were just starting out, the one about their courtship. I know they've written a lot of books since then, but I haven't read any of them.
Thanks for the encouragement! I have made more time for writing this week, and I'm much the happier for it. :) Perhaps I'll share some of it on here eventually. How goes your own book saga?
I'm actually in the midst of deciding which book to read. I'm almost finished with Elizabeth Gaskell's "Wives and Daughters," which I highly recommend. I don't know if I should abandon my British wish list momentarily to focus on American works.
I hope and pray that you get some quality time to read and write. You do it so well. :)
Have you bought any new ones for the little man lately?
Love, Mom
Post a Comment