So, January, 2012. I made a resolution to read my books on writing instead of letting them sit there on the shelf, collecting dust, giving me that look.
Not that “come hither” look, either. More of that “you know if you’d read me, you’d be a better writer, but okay. You know better than me, the expert and successful writer. So just keep typing away and ignoring me” look.
But did I read them? No, I did not.
Now it’s 2013–and I’m an older and wiser writer, grasshopper. Because (and here’s a novel idea) I’ve started reading my books. And occasionally, I’ll order a book or two. Especially if a. a book is recommended (like Save the Cat. Read it and learn, grasshopper) or b. I can get it cheap (like when the Writer’s Digest Shop runs a sale event).
So I’m reading The Writer’s Little Helper by James V. Smith (He wrote the Delta Force best-sellers). Now, honestly, I’m not a big fan of those kinds of thrillers. But what James V. Smith says, in a simple and engaging style, can be applied to whatever genre you write–and make you a better and more successful writer.
And I’m a big fan of that.
So, don’t be a foolish little grasshopper like me and let your writing books lie unopened. Read them! And make 2013 the year of writing success!
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Oh, I am SO happy to hear someone else does that too! 🙂 OK … I’m with you … I’m going to make an effort to get through the writing books that are still awaiting my undivided attention! 🙂
Oh, yay, Kelly! Let me know which books of yours are the best! I’m always up to adding more to the shelf. I may even read them. 🙂
Okay, this shamed me a teeny tiny bit. Because if you till need to read writing books, the I definitely do! Thanks for the reminder!
You know, I’ll bet Stephen King even picks up a writing book every now and then, Deb. It may he his OWN writing book, but still…:-)
Did you know there’s also Save the Cat Goes to the Movies and Save the Cat Strikes Back?
I did know about those books, Trisha. Have you read them both? What did you think of them?
Oh, no. I haven’t read them. I was hoping you had.
That sounds like a good one. Don’t suppose, ya know, I could maybe, ya know . . . uh . . . borrow it? When you’re done? Maybe? 🙂
Of course, Lisa! And P.S. You’re going to love the Janet Evanovich romance!
I just read one of those writing instruction books too–well I guess you know that because you commented on that blog post on WOW! We need more time in the day: time to write, time to market, time to read in our genre and time to read writing instruction. . . NO time for cleaning or cooking!
Oh, I’ll drink to that, Margo! (There’s still time for that, isn’t there?) 🙂
Dust-collectors? I don’t have any of those! 😉
Yes, reading a well-written book on writing can jar us and get us out of our box, which is always helpful.
(As far as drinking, I have a friend in Tucson who claims, “When the sky is pink it’s time to drink.” Try to embrace her philosophy. You might like it. Of course, the sky is pink at sunrise, not just at sunset, so I might recommend not wholeheartedly adopting it–just halfheartedly…)
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