Some days all I want to do is read, read, read. But the echoing shriek is when, when, when? Lots of writing projects in progress and the novel is going well. Any spare moment is spent getting fresh air and exercise - to compensate for time on bottom staring at screen.
Have just started Elly Griffiths 'A Room Full of Bones' - the 4th Ruth Galloway novel. I first met Elly at Steyning Festival in 2012 where she read my story at a competition prize giving. Then met her again the other week at the Hove Book Festival. She is a fun speaker and shared some wonderful top tips about finding a literary agent. She also shared that the BBC have optioned the Ruth Galloway books (she's a crime solving Forensic Archaeologist with attitude and a very dry sense of humour), but sadly have not yet started filming. I highly recommend this series - Ruth is an unusual protagonist, being overweight, single and loving her cats more than her friends, she also has a complicated relationship developing between her and the DCI she keeps solving murders with.
Then today the postman brought 2 books I've promised to review, plus a package of several books ordered online, which I have to read for my MA assignment. Heaven knows where I'm going to put them ... let alone when I'm going to read them ...
I don't need a writing retreat as I have no excuses, other than housework (ugh) and family commitments, to write during the day. But I really do fancy sneaking off for a reading retreat ... any suggestions?
I read a lot - but not as much as I'd like. There are just too many good books and interesting articles to keep up with!
ReplyDeleteSigh, I agree, Patsy. There are so many good books to read - we are lucky :)
DeleteDo you read or do you write? Never enough time to do both!
ReplyDeleteA permanent dilemma, Charlie. I try to write in the day and read at night if I can.
DeleteI love Elly Griffiths's books! Actually, a lot of the books in the pic are ones I have on my shelves, though far from all being read...
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear, Hayley. Sadly, all of the ones on my shelf are still to be read!
DeleteOh, dear - my shelves and kindle are overflowing with unread books! I like the sound of those Elly Griffith's books now.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend the Ruth Galloway series - lots of history, archaeology, myths/legends and great characters. The Crossing Place is book 1 (I think), Rosemary.
DeleteI've found that since I've been writing, I've read less - which is bad.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame, Wendy, but I know what you mean. I also worry about contamination from whatever I'm reading into my writing - maybe that's not such bad thing though!
ReplyDeleteWe're all in the same boat, Tracy. If only we didn't have to work for a living/cook/eat/clean/do laundry/mow the lawn/plant veg...
ReplyDeleteSadly, all too true, Julia.
DeleteI just found your blog, so naturally I had to join as a follower because after I read your post, I knew we were two halves of some whole somehow. My shelves are filled with unread books, though I do read at least three times a week. Like you, I read in the evenings, and saved my day time for writing... Which I'm very behind on. The one genre I don't read much of his sci-fi, but when I hear about a book that explores some possibly realistic way to push a button and get our laundry done and our house clean and meals made while we are reading… I'm going to buy that book and hope it's not set too far out into the future.
ReplyDeleteMy family is well trained so that when I'm reading I'm not really enjoying myself. It's like homework, I tell them. I have to study writing and the best way to do that is by reading. Now to say I don't enjoy it is a lie, but then they all know that. If it's the only excuse I can find to get out of mopping the floor right now and do what I really enjoy instead, I'll use it. :-)
I've been known to put a sign on the outside of my door – caution, writer and reader has been at work lately, so enter at your own risk. Not responsible for any mess you may find.
That might be rude, but then I have to ask myself – when I'm in my rocking chair someday, or on my deathbed, do why want to think back about the wonderful books I've read and stories I've written or how shiny my floor was? :-)
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
Welcome to the blog, Debi, lovely to meet you. I claim reading, watching TV or DVDs, listening to radio plays (or any radio) ALL as working. That is the beauty of being writer. Or and staring into space too...
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