If you're a writer seeking more on the craft of writing, you're in the right place. This month learn about how important it is to read.

 
Read, Read, Read

During the summer, you might have a few vacation hours to pick up a new book. Especially if you’re going to write, you need to find some time to read. 

A new writer needs to read as much as the experienced writer — to see what else is out there and for pure enjoyment. Soon you’ll learn to read like a writer, and in time, as Lee Gutkind writes in *You Can’t Make this Stuff Up, “to understand the approach, the craft, the tricks of the trade of the writer you are reading.”

If you’re writing a book proposal, you need to know what other titles compete with your book. Whether it’s planning the perfect small garden or composing a fictional story. Read, to build your knowledge and decide how your book would be different.

If you’re into something new, such as blogging using Wordpress, you’re going to read up on it. While you’re exploring the topic, you’re also learning about good use of language, expanding your interests.
 
What’s on your stack for the summer? Send titles of your current reading material, either magazine or book, and I’ll post a selection in my July newsletter.
 
Here are a few titles that I’ve read and enjoyed — and learned from — in the past few months:
The Red Door Inn, Liz Johnson, Book 1 of the Prince Edward Island Dreams (enjoyed this author's story)
The Atonement, Beverly Lewis (this writer is my favourite for Amish stories)
Psalms Now, Leslie F. Brandt (modern day look at psalms)
The Lost Garden, Helen Humphreys (well written literary fiction)
iPad for Seniors for Dummies, Nancy C. Muir (helpful for those new to the iPad)
Signs and Wonders, Philip Gulley (entertaining)
Toastmaster magazine (educational and entertaining reading on speaking and leadership)
 
My to-be-read pile is ever growing and now that I’m mastering my Kobo, the list includes downloads too. Of course I read to my granddaughters whenever I can to spend time together  doing what we enjoy. This allows me to teach them about the love of good literature.
 
*You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, Lee Gutkind, 2012, De Capo Press


Carolyn Wilker, author of Once Upon a Sandbox, contributor to anthologies Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon, Grandmothers’ Necklace, Wisdom of Old Souls as well as poetry, articles and devotionals.