Stretch Your Reading Muscles
It’s the start of a new year and I’ve set a goal of blogging at least once a week (for now, it could go up later). The focus of this blog has changed. From now on, the postings will be more concerned with writing matters as opposed to the current events as it has in the past. I’m not sure how articles will be divided between here and the BarbaraLBates.com/polad section, but matters will resolve over time.
Let me start off by saying I’ve always been a reader. I cut my reading molars on science fiction and fantasy. Over the years, my tastes have grown and diversified into horror, crime, thrillers, mystery, and suspense. I never got into either romance or historicals, but occasionally read Womens Fiction.
My CP (Crit Partner) writes YA with a distinctive Scottish flavor. So, when I heard about two series — the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning and the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I managed to get copies of both. (This isn’t always possible for me as being visually challenged, I only have access to those books that have been recorded.)
While I enjoyed Moning’s Fever series, I haven’t appreciated the Highlander series as much, as they are basically romances. But Gabaldon’s series blew me away.
Did I mention I don’t usually read either romance or historicals?
The first Outlander book drew me in and captured my attention from the get-go. I’m on the fifth book, “The Fiery Cross” and intend to finish the series. These books, by the way, are all good sized books. The shortest one is at least 500 pages, and the one I’m reading is over 900 pages.
Usually, I try to read and analyze at the same time. For the Outlander series, it worked for a page or two, but then the story wrapped itself around me and I’d be back in the Scottish past with Claire and Jamie. There is a bit of fantasy in each book, but it’s the excellent writing that keeps me reading. The characters are so believable you find yourself giving them advice on what to do and how to do it. One of my favorites is Jocasta Cameron, Jamie’s blind aunt. She’s depicted as a strong woman who lost her sight — which to me smacks of reality. Being in her situation, I feel her frustration, aggravation, and annoyance when people either don’t tell her what’s going on, or ignore her. Give the series a try, maybe like me, you’ll like it.
Which brings me to the second part of this article — stretching your reading muscles. I write Urban Fantasy, so tend to read a lot of it. But since I have police detectives and other officials in my books, I also read crime and detective fiction. I try to learn something from every book I read, no matter how small. How to set a certain mood, how to use an expressive gesture to its best effect, or blending in description without using narrative. Showing a character’s actions or reactions instead of telling how she feels. Every author can teach you something, even if it’s how not to do something. And one of the best ways to do this is to read authors in genres other than the ones you feel comfortable in.
I don’t like westerns or books concerning wars. But I’ve read some and have picked up new ways to write action scenes, though I’d leave out all the rot about describing the weaponry. (Thanks but no thanks, Tom Clancy.) And I’m reading more romance, but tend toward the paranormal or romantic suspense. One of my favorites is J. D. Robb’s Eve Dallas series; a blend of science fiction and romance.
So, this year, go forth and read. Pick a genre at random and give something new a try. You may like it. Spread your reading wings and soar!
Tags: genres, recommendations, writing
June 4th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
maillot Argentine Pas Cher…
This is the great inspiring article. We are basically delighted with your great work. You established truly priceless information….
June 9th, 2013 at 5:32 pm
polo ralph lauren…
It`s really useful! Looking through the Internet you can mostly observe watered down information, something like bla bla bla, but not here to my deep surprise. It makes me happy..!…
July 18th, 2013 at 8:07 am
made in sport grèce…
Fantastic Information sharing .. I am quite satisfied to go through this article .. many thanks for giving us go through data.Fantastic nice. I value this publish….
September 11th, 2013 at 7:29 am
check over here…
I never thought of it that way, well put!…
September 17th, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Garage floor coating of mn…
Pulitzer prize material here….
October 1st, 2013 at 4:49 pm
have a peek here…
Hello.. . I would be grateful for advice on creative writing copywright issues.. . When submitting poetry, short stories, novels, or features to publishers and literary agents to consider for publication, is it an idea to protect the copywright?. . If …
October 6th, 2013 at 5:59 am
sure advance payday loans…
I never thought of it that way, well put!…
October 14th, 2013 at 2:37 am
Donald R Bernard…
Thank you for a great post….
December 17th, 2013 at 5:20 am
defied@scouring.profiles” rel=”nofollow”>.…
thanks!…
January 2nd, 2014 at 12:22 pm
auto car insurance quotes…
Great views on that!…
January 28th, 2014 at 11:11 pm
garcinia…
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays…..
February 5th, 2014 at 11:56 pm
how often do i take garcinia cambogia…
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission….
March 12th, 2014 at 2:35 pm
silver ira custodian…
Interesting views on that!…
March 13th, 2014 at 5:26 pm
SEO…
Excellent weblog!…
March 14th, 2014 at 8:32 am
Driving Schools…
Good points…
March 15th, 2014 at 11:06 pm
dasuquin msm chews…
I never thought of it that way, well put!…
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:23 pm
payday loans 100 online…
I never thought of it that way, well put!…
March 26th, 2014 at 2:42 am
member services group…
I agree 100%…
April 14th, 2014 at 2:24 pm
low income health insurance…
Excellent thoughts…
April 26th, 2014 at 11:53 pm
insurance quotes…
Fantastic views on that!…
May 16th, 2014 at 11:22 am
buy folllowers…
I didn’t know that….
May 16th, 2014 at 11:31 pm
true religion outlet store…
You know I love your blog!!!…
June 12th, 2014 at 2:45 am
energeticdad…
Now that is some magnificent writing….
June 14th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
new balance laufschuhe…
We stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly….
October 2nd, 2014 at 12:45 pm
jordan shoes 13…
Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this moreover ?taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article?however what can I say?I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get one thing done….
October 27th, 2015 at 3:35 pm
fifa16mall.com…
i like this website a lot!…
March 20th, 2016 at 4:49 pm
bns gold…
nice going!…