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Read to write: Editor's Notes #273 October 31, 2018 |
| Hello, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. —Stephen King In this issue: 1. Read to write 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 5. A special offer 1. Read to write People read for many reasons. Among other reasons, writers read to write. As a writer, you owe it to yourself to maximize your reading to inform your writing. Read the kind of book you want to write. Read as many of these books as you can. Ask a librarian for help. If there really isn’t a book like the one you want to write, get as close as possible. Explain what you want to write, and let the librarian tell you which books come closest to your target. Librarians don’t steal writer’s ideas. Your secret is safe with them. Absorb what you can with simple reading, but to study, choose a book that really works for you as a reader. If possible, buy that book. Read the book multiple times. Notice what the writer is doing that makes this book resonate with you. Mark up the book. Use stickie notes, coloured pencils, notes in the margins. Whatever works for you. Even if you never go back to look at your notations, the act of noticing informs your writing. But if you do want to go back, you don’t have to reread everything to find the parts you want to refer to. Reading is solitary, but don’t be shy. Ask the author a question if you have one. Please, please, please do not send your work to an author expecting a free edit. Instead, say something like, "I notice that you XXX. Can you give me any advice or hints?" This narrows the topic, making it more likely that the author will reply. Not everyone will reply, but you have lost nothing except the cost of a stamp. (I always use hand-written snail mail for these sorts of queries. It shows that I’ve spent some time and a little cash to make the contact, lending value. I also usually use a blank card for the same reason, but that’s just a personal preference of mine.) Whether you ever query an author or not, when you read to write, you enter the conversation of the authors of the world. =========== 2.Tickled my funny bone COMMITTEE: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. =========== 3. Interesting Web site Here are twelve quotes on reading to write by excellent writers across the ages. Perhaps one will become a mantra for you. https://www.thoughtco.com/writers-on-reading-1689242 =========== 4. Writing prompt Here is an ending for you. Now find a beginning and a middle to go with it. The dog’s tail thumped on the floor. Send me your result if you like. =========== 5. A special offer I am a book designer in Victoria BC, Canada and I would like to work with you to design your book. I am pleased to offer Editor’s Note subscribers a free ebook cover file with the purchase of a full paperback design. Email sjbarnesdesign ATgmail.com and mention the code “EDITORSNOTES” for more details. sjbarnes.com =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
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