Thursday, January 13, 2011

Eat Words. Play. Then Write!



"A writer's brain is like a magician's hat. If you're going to get anything out of it, you have to put something in first." Louis L'Amour.

Many writers make the mistake of trying to pull rabbits from their hats without first taking time to tuck the rabbit away so it will be there when they need it. Then they wonder why writer's block assails them and ideas fail them.

Writers need to become voracious omnivores of literature. A variety of readings provides experience and growth. Don't get stuck in a genre rut, design your reading to challenge and inform your writing.

Start your search for books to consume this year.

Consider the following:

1. Biographies

2. Memoirs

3. At least four classics

4. One book you re-read every five years

5. A couple of books written by writers on writing

6. Several poetry books

7. A history book

8. Two books in a new field of interest

9.  One children's book or even two

10. Two books on multicultural literature

Eat words, play, then write!

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