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!