I’ve been part of the on-line writing community for a relatively short period of time… Joined Twitter this summer. Was added to the (extremely supportive) FB group called The Writer’s Think Tank last month. Was welcomed into the (awesome) CP group consisting of Elaine, Tasha, Joy, and Rosalyn two months ago. And I’m actually BLOGGING now. I know, I know, I sound like I crawled out of the DARK AGES. The point is, I’m totally loving the writing communities — my one that meets in person (with the lovely other four who tolerate me laying out paper plates on the floor to map out my WIP’s plot) and the online ones that allow for quick exchanges of ideas that pop into our heads at all hours of the day.
So. Two nights ago I was immersed in one of these communities and writing my heart away in Twitter’s #WriteClub. I got up to 857 words in a half-hour, a pretty good haul. But last night I was feeling that irritating mental congestion known as writer’s block, which made me feel like I was swimming around in my proverbial sandpit, and I agonized over my lack of productivity. And I thought about the advice that someone in one of these communities once suggested to me: that I take a break and READ for a while. WHY DO THIS?
- It helps us remember why we’re writing. We write because we were inspired at some point in our lives by someone else’s writing. So sit down and enjoy the read (“Read for the read!”)
- It helps us be part of the reading-writing community. We have to support each other. We HAVE to. As writers, we should read, RECOMMEND, and REVIEW books that we love.
- It helps us know our field. In my other life, I teach biology. I dedicate several hours a week to catching up on the latest news and research in biology so I know what is going on. The same applies to writing.
- It helps us to find new heroes. I was particularly inspired during a terribly long writer’s block (which to me equates for a few days because I’m kind of a slave-driver to my own life) by Kendare Blake’s ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD. I loved this book because of the authenticity of the main character Cas Lowood’s voice. He was so REAL. And getting to know Cas helped me with one of my problems at the time — it was my main character’s voice that I had been struggling to find. Reading an amazing example of voice helped to inspire me to find Hope’s voice. And people who have read my debut novel MYTHOLOGY have liked Hope’s voice and have found her to be a strong character. (So if you ever happen to read this, Kendare Blake — THANK YOU for being part of my inspiration. And you, too, Cas.).
Here’s my giveaway. To share a book that might inspire.
To enter this giveaway:
- Post the name of a YA or MG book (or books) that recently inspired you.
- For +1 extra entry, Tweet about this giveaway and indicate this in your post.
- For +1 extra entry, post this giveaway on Facebook and indicate this in your post.
- For +2 extra entries, follow me on Twitter @HelenBozz
- For +2 extra entries, “like” my book’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mythologyseries
This giveaway will run until Sunday at midnight, PST. Winners will be chosen randomly from all entries received. GOOD LUCK!
Thinking Through Our Fingers 
🙂 Mythology by the incredible Helen Boswell and Touching Smoke by Airick Phoenix! I read both of them just in the past couple of weeks and they put the writing fire back in me.
+1 I tweeted
+1 I shared on Facebook
+2 I follow you on Twitter
+2 I “Like” your Facebook page
Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
Konstanz Silverbow
nothoughts2small.blogspot.com
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Thanks for entering, Konstanz! And thanks for being a fan of MYTHOLOGY. Always, always, always appreciated 🙂
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Oh, sure. Ingratiate yourself with the readers… “I like Helen best; she gives us stuff.”
On another note, I don't read nearly as much as I used to. I think part of this is from being a single mom. I have a hard time taking time to read when I'm already 5 years behind in everything else. I never thought that would happen to me, as I've always been an avid reader and love literature (obviously, based on my career choice). Part of it IS my career… I thought the hectic pace of grad school would cease once I was a professor; I didn't realize it was just a prep for it.
I hate to have to schedule in reading for fun, but I really need to do that!
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The book that inspired me most in the last 6 months might be R.J. Palacio's Wonder. It's a funny, poignant book that made me want to be not only a better writer, but a better person too.
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I never thought I'd ever say it's hard to remember to read, either, because this is all that I used to do when I was a kid, a teenager, and then it started to taper off when I became an “adult.” (Still up for debate as to how much of an adult I am at times.)
I have to admit that I do a fair amount of reading on my phone these days. While I love the feel of a printed book in hand, I've actually wound up buying the eBook of the print book that I already own. I read a lot while I'm lying with my baby in bed in the middle of the night. Or in doctor's offices. Sometimes I get to sit in my cushy armchair and crack open that book, though, and it feels pretty good.
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Thanks for the recommendation. But, what? How could you possibly be a better person than you already are? I will definitely add this to my list. 🙂
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Oh, that came out weird-sounding. Meaning: Elaine Vickers — you are already one of the very best people that I know! 😉
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it almost feels like reading is relaxing. i no longer have to worry about how i am writing or what to think of next, i let someone else's stuff do the work and relaxxxxxxxxxx.
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Great way to think of it, Tammy! I always read my own work so critically that yes, it's SO nice to be able to sit and read a book simply for the read. Thanks for your comment 🙂
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KONSTANZ! YOU ARE THE WINNER! 🙂
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