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?

1. 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!”)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. Post the name of a YA or MG book (or books) that recently inspired you. 
2. For +1 extra entry, Tweet about this giveaway and indicate this in your post.
3. For +1 extra entry, post this giveaway on Facebook and indicate this in your post. 
4. For +2 extra entries, follow me on Twitter @HelenBozz
5. 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!