So over the weekend I took some 'me' time. With the family right down the hall. Buried my nose in a book or three and just read. Yeah, I broke to play with the kiddo, make meals (or at least call in the orders) and talk to my husband. But mostly, I read. I escaped into some of my favorite authors. Journeyed into a few happily ever afters with some great characters.
And my mood changed. Yeah, I'm still feeling a little stressed because, in addition to the fiction and non-fiction I'm now a fitness instructor (deep water running and water aerobics at our Y) two nights each week. But I realized halfway through the second book that I hadn't been reading. Yeah, I'd skimmed a few articles and looked at some pictures in magazines, but I hadn't sat down with any books since...well, before Christmas.
For me writing - whether nonfiction or fiction - is tied in to reading. When I'm reading it makes me a better writer. I see connections between characters and plot that I don't always see when I'm so focused on writing that I'm not taking the time to read and enjoy other stories.
Do you find that to be true?
I don't keep up with "fun" reading. Right now, I'm dividing "reading" time between a spiritual book for a class I'm taking and research on submarines for my current wip. Both are great books and interesting/thought-provoking, but neither are escapism. Soon, though, very soon....
ReplyDeleteI agree, writing and reading are connected. To read really does teach you and strengthens your own writing. Funny how that works. Lately I've been like you too. I haven't really read for pleasure in awhile and I miss it. I need to take a day and just let me be me and sit down with a good book :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs me time, K. For me, it's the horses. Riding lets me relax in a way that no other thing does.
ReplyDeleteBoth of those books sound interesting, Patrice! Spiritual books are a pleasure of mine, too. Love pure, escapist fiction, but a good sel-help/spiritual book is also refreshing. Of course reading for a course might add that pressure back in....
ReplyDeleteChristine, it's so true, for me. When take the time to read - in genre or out of genre - the words, plot, characterizations flow so much better. And yet I don't do it enough. Not enough hours in the day!
D'Ann, I can imagine how restful riding in the mountains would be..color me jealous!
I have a hard time reading except for chapters that I critique. I can't seem to find time or quiet to do so.
ReplyDeleteI grab my Kindle and read when my brain can't go anymore on my own writing.
ReplyDeleteAnd at night before I go to bed. It relaxes me.
I need reading time, too, and it's all the more fun when it's sort of stolen.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
Hi Kristina, I recently joined goodreads and challenged myself to read 50 books this year. Along with writing romance stories I looove to read them. It's kind of like immersion therapy--well that's my story, anyway. Also, like Pepper, I read when I need to relax, although I have to say I'm awful jealous of D'Ann and her horses :)
ReplyDeleteHope you get more "me time" soon.
Cheers - Amanda (Justwriteit group)
Unfortunately, I have to steal reading time too. All the readers in my house (my children) are gone, so now every time I pick up a book, the non-readers take it as sign that I'm available for legnthy conversations about nothing.
ReplyDeleteShawn - you're non-readers sound like mine. 'Oh, you have a book open? Let's have a conversation about how to make cheese from moon rocks'. *head explodes*
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thanks for stopping by! I'm on goodreads, too...although I don't get there nearly enough.
Pepper and Liz, reading is definitely relaxation for me. Stolen relaxation. Ahhhh...
Jerri, I know what you mean about having no time. Hope you find a few minutes of quiet soon!
I read for me at night before I go to bed. Sometimes I am up very late. LOL. I can't imagine not reading for pleasure, but I hear your not supposed to when your working on your own MS, as it can change your voice....?
ReplyDeleteNice blog,
Neecy
On Sunday after work, I sat down and started reading Lola and the Boy Next Door, which I'd been wanting to read for a while. My husband watched the playoff game, then my daughter and I watched Once Upon A Time and then Hub/daughter watched Desperate while I read. Then he went to bed and I stayed up and finished the book. It was the perfect night. And you're so right, it was so needed.
ReplyDeleteOh, I totally agree with you. My writing suffers when I don't read. I don't read much--takes me forever to read a book, but sometimes I need to get off the computer and out of my own characters' worlds and heads to explore someone elses for a while.
ReplyDeleteNeecy, I've heard the same. I used to notice a voice-bleed but once I figured out my voice and my core story the voice-bleed stopped. At least I think it did. ;)
ReplyDeleteSara, getting out of my own head is exactly right!
Margie - your day sounds absolutely fabulous..and it reminds me, I still have that OUAT episode to watch. Off to stream...
Absolutely! Writing and reading are tied together. I think it was Stephen King who said (and I'm paraphrasing) "If you don't have time to read, you don't have time to write."
ReplyDeleteI have a book next to me at all times and carry my Kindle around with me. Unfortunately I haven't been able to read in the last few days and I can tell.
Great post, Kristi!
Thanks, Sharon! And I'd forgotten about King's advice.
ReplyDeleteWriting and reading are definitely connected. Take it easy even if it's in a mental way Kristi. Hug a Bebe. :) Oh, and hop over to my blog and take in a little light reading and your award!
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