Getting Back to Basics

I've played the "if I had extra money, I'd buy xyz book that sounds awesome" game for months. Also, being deep in revisions and more revisions, and helping my critique partners took a ton of time.

But still, I put off buying anything "new." I kept letting the books pile up in my Amazon's "Wish List" (more of a tool to keep track of all the books that tickled my fancy.)

For my birthday that just happened to be in April, I decided it was time to start tackling and pick up some of those books I had chosen with so much care, but hadn't read. And it was a mix of young adult and women's fiction.

I discovered the fabulous Sarah Pekkanen. Picked up the latest Emily Giffin book. Even purchased "Hunger Games" which I hadn't read yet. (No, don't throw the tomatoes!) It's just that, honestly, I'm not really big on dystopians. I also got Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" not just because everyone is talking about it, but because her earlier book, "Dark Places" kept turning around in my head for days, and the weeks, after. Just for the record, I do plan to buy her first book "Sharp Objects" too soon. 

But the most awesome side effect happened from my renewed consumption of raved after books. It sparked me to write again. I've spent months rewriting scenes, editing, but I lagged behind in new creation. Reading good books spurred me on, and helped me get up to Chapter 11 in my WIP. And plus, it was important to me to get back to my first love--reading. 

So, whether you're frustrated in the query treaches, or just need a break from your own work. (And I definitely suggest taking time off between major edits. It will really help--plowing away endlessly does a huge diservice to you and your voice.) 

Just read.

And yes, that last tiny sentence may be the librarian in me coming out.