DARIN MICHAEL SHAW

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Writers write. They also read.

I’ve said it a million times: If you want to write, you’ve got to read.

Many, I have found, desire to read but find actual reading time falls victim to busy schedules, sacrificed to the tyranny of the urgent.

Sound familiar?

Others become frustrated over what to read. Fiction? Non? Something different? Off the Best Seller list? Self-help? Fine literature? Books along the lines of your writing desires?

So, what secrets can a read-a-holic like me offer up?

I’m glad you ask. I’ll give you my answer in two parts: first, the HOW.

It was a few years ago that I made, what was for me, a life-altering observation. Many of the busiest and most hurried people I know are among the least productive. Never a free moment, always hurried and haggard … and miserable. We can argue the validity of my observation some other time, for now, know that as I recognized the hustle and bustle in their lives, I didn’t want to be like that.

I decided to cultivate a daily rhythm—starting each day with a little reading.

I have a quiet chair in the house—many times I’ll sit and read, pray, and think for a but before I start my day. Some days I’ll make a short trip over to a local coffee shop or diner, reading a few pages over coffee and toast. No matter the where, it’s about an intentionally slow start to my day—a half hour or an hour of quiet time before I deal with anyone or anything else.

From there, I picked up the habit of always carrying something to read along with me.

Many times, I’ll find myself with a few odd minutes to fill during the day.

Maybe I’m waiting for someone who is running late to an appointment, or have had someone cancel, or whatever. Suddenly, I have a last minute, spare few minutes. Why not make that reading time? A Kindle App on my iPad and smartphone have been invaluable on those occasions.

Lastly, there are those last few minutes before I go to sleep at night.

I’ve found it is good therapy to wind down a bit before laying my head on the pillow. For me, there is nothing like a quick read to help make my eyelids get heavy, a prelude to a good snore. I keep a couple books on my nightstand.

The key is being intentional about it.

Think about meals. We always eat. Sometimes we grab a quick bite on the run. Sometimes we combine a couple of meals into one—brunch anyone? No matter the method, we don’t fail to take in nourishment. We make it a regular routine in our day.

If something is really important to you, you will make time for it. Just like showering, grooming, eating, sleeping—build a little reading into your daily routine.

How badly do you want to read?

Do you have any reading strategies to share?

Several years ago, I participated in a writing class in the Literary Kitchen. Among our assignments each week was a ‘Quick Write’ practice, which is to be completed in ten minutes or less, in response to a prompt. One prompt was, ‘Allow an image or memory to come to mind while considering the word ‘babysitter.’ Write about it.’ Here was my QW response:

Greg Seidel was going to spend the night at my house. The coolest kid in the fifth grade—the first kid picked in pick-up games, the fastest, most agile athlete on every team, the first boy fifth grade girls noticed—Greg was spending the night at my house!

That would easily make me the second coolest kid in the fifth grade.

Tragedy! My parents announced they were going out for the evening and having a friend over was out of the question. I begged. I pleaded. I bargained—I’d do more than my share of chores.

My big sister Diann stepped in to save my life. She offered that she could babysit both Greg and me. I hated the word ‘babysit.’ I was eleven, after all! Talk about uncool! … I preferred ‘chaperone.’ The parents agreed.

My life was spared.

Greg and I were having a lot of fun. But it turned south, fast. At one point, Diann told us we needed to quiet down. Greg sarcastically mocked her. She scolded us. He talked back. The tension mounted, and I began to get nervous. I knew my sister. I could see her temperature rising. Before I could warn him, the two were locked in a fiery face-to-face exchange.

“Listen you little punk!” she demanded. “I’m bigger than you. I’m badder than you. I’m meaner than you. And I’m a helluva lot madder than you. You’d better shut your mouth!”

My world went into slow motion. I saw it all unfold—

Greg’s eyes took on a wicked gleam. Diann’s turned blood red! The coolest kid in the fifth grade crossed the line.

Greg mimicked my sister, “I’m biiiiiger, I’m baaaaader, I’m meeeeeener …”

Greg’s life flashed before my eyes.

Again, I saw it all … Diann formed a perfect fist. Like one of those slow-motion scenes from the movie Rocky—you know, where the punch lands, and spit and blood go flying from flapping jowls.

The coolest kid in the fifth grade went ass-end over tea-kettle across my living room; his lip swelled to the size of a kielbasa before he even hit the ground. The coolest kid, reduced to a puddle of slobber, blood and tears by my sister.

A ‘Quick Write’ practice is a great way to hone your story-telling skills. Why not give it a try? Here’s a few prompt ideas for you. By the way, if you haven’t already, check out the Storysmithing portion of this site. Tools and techniques of the trade are compiling there—a fresh take every week. WRITE ON!

Quick-Write Challenge

Tell the story of finding a note with no name attached.
Tell the story of receiving a phone call you weren’t expecting.
Tell the story of seeing someone from your past you never expected to see again.
Tell the story of making a decision in ten seconds.
Tell the story of opening a door and finding something surprising on the other side.

DARIN MICHAEL SHAW

Ask a Read-a-holic

Writers write. They also read.

A Babysitter Memory