Read, Write, Repeat

 

 If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.
-Stephen King

In a previous post I mentioned that I have been spending my summer reading and studying some of my favorite authors in hopes of gleaning useful tidbits of information from them.  A good friend who is also an author, recommended On Writing:  A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.  It's a bit memoir and a bit on writing.  I am listening to it and still in the memoir section, but, it is hysterical at times!  Who knew that the king of horror would be so funny?  Bonus points as well since King narrates the story himself.  I just adore listening to authors telling their own stories.  It is THE BEST!

King is spot on!  If you don't read, there is no way that you could ever write anything worth reading.  When we read, and read well, whether we realize it or not we are absorbing so much more than just words on a page.  We are increasing our vocabulary, learning about different cultures and tradition, as well as increasing our awareness and empathy.  We are baby-stepping our way to using our voice and becoming great writers!  

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.  

-Oscar Wilde

It truly is.  All great authors become who they are by investing their time reading the greats (and not so greats).   This year I am taking a class on Medieval and Renaissance Literature and in the very first class my teacher said that Medieval authors were often so in awe of the classical Ancient writers and the Church Fathers that they would re-tell and embellish stories they had heard or read rather than invent new ones.  This is huge!  They listened to stories they enjoyed and added their own personal twist to it.  

Hmm...where have I heard that before?  Oh right, from many authors I've been reading...Backman, Tolkien, Lewis, Gaiman and King.  Gee, who am I to question what they say?

So, I am going to continue to read and glean and read some more.  I will take copious notes and listen to authors narrate their own stories too.  Next on my nightstand to read is The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction by Neil Gaiman.  I cannot wait!