Happy Friday!
Now that the Inauguration has occurred, we can all get back to work!
I was out feeding the birds today, and a lady walked by carrying this tote bag, which read, ” Reading is cheaper than therapy.”
I had to think about that statement. Anything that makes you feel better is a form of therapy, but reading as being “cheaper?” It made me think about the old saying that “Time is money.” If we step back for a moment and take stock of what we really own, the one thing we do own is our time. If you read for an hour, or talk to a therapist, the “expense” is still the hour you devoted to this project!
That being said, many of the writers I know spend more time watching programs than actually devouring words. I will tell you bluntly, that any show you watch is predigested and while it might make you feel good or inspire you, writers must be creators and study other creators. In other words, since you’re a writer, consider the value of reading as being above any other type of entertainment you consume.
Here are three ways of reading that will improve your writing and save on therapy bills:
1. Watch a show or movie, get the script and read along. Afterward, analyze how the words created the pictures. Also reading the book that inspired the movie or show will offer amazing insights.
2. Go to Amazon and read the sample excerpts from three writers working in your genre. If you love one or love all of them, splash out, buy the Kindle and read the story or stories in one gulp.
But read Chapter 1 and the final chapters. You have to know the end so you can study how the writer built the story. After a few times, knowing the ending is no longer the point of reading. Rather, you focus on how they got there. if you can’t bear to do this, read once from beginning to end and then reread.
3. Go to a bookstore, thrift shop, or library. Obviously, practice safety in any store!
I like YA books, and the other day, I found a copy of Caleb’s Story by Patricia McClean in a thrift shop, and read it cover to cover. It’s a story about a boy who teaches his grandfather to read and reunites him with his son, Caleb’s father. Good stuff.
It took me about 45 minutes as I’m a fast reader, and I skim, but I was inspired and put in a better day of writing even though I got started late.
Remember that we must constantly entertain and inspire ourselves; being engaged and “turned on” by what you’re doing is the best therapy there is!
Use Scripting to Succeed in Your Writing and Your Life
Please join me this coming Wednesday for Part 2. If you missed Part 1, I will review the basics, so please jump on board!
I’m also thrilled to bring you the latest episode of Jokeonstick #56. Please enjoy, subscribe and share!
Here’s to your successful writing,
Professor Marilyn Horowitz
