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Maximize your reading journal: Editor's Notes #281 February 20, 2019 |
| Hello, —Edmund Burke In this issue: 1. Maximize your reading journal 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 5. A special offer 1. Maximize your reading journal I’ve written about reading to write before at https://www.writershelper.com/Editors_Notes-273.html. In that issue, I shared information on how to keep track of how you study the writing of others. This time, I am suggesting that you keep another journal, one that tracks all your reading, not only the books you wish you could write. Any journal is better for having dated entries, so start with that. Next, record the full bibliographical information. You never know when you may need that information. Copy any quotes from the book that you like. (Record the page numbers, too.) Finally, write brief notes about any writing techniques you notice. Did they work, or did they not work? What emotions did the writer leave you with? What new information did you learn? What questions linger? Sometimes the most important entry will be simply, "How did the writer manage to XXX?" I’ve spent about sixty years trying to figure out why the seven opening words I read in a book as a child always start the tears. If I could bottle that…. The act of writing things down has value for many of us. From time to time, it’s helpful to look back at your reading journal. Some questions will have found answers. Some answers will look shakier in light of your life experiences. When you get stuck on your own writing, reminding yourself of the world of other writers may give you traction. One day, some other writer will be making journal entries about your book as you move deeper into the world of authorship. =========== 2.Tickled my funny bone I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down. =========== 3. Interesting Web site Here are a few more ideas for journaling about your reading. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-keep-a-reading-log-or-book-journal-739793 =========== 4. Writing prompt Write one response to the book you are reading now or the last one you read. If you don’t already have a reading journal, this could be your first entry. =========== 5. A special offer Want the perfect cover for your book? Get an extra round of revisions to get your book cover looking just right when you mention that you are an Editor’s Note subscriber. SJBarnes Design designs book covers for paperback, hardcover, ebooks as well as typesetting, author websites and more. 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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