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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?
DARIN MICHAEL SHAW 