In my opinion as a writer you have only three main jobs; write, read, and keep yourself alive (so you can continue to do the first two). If you are not writing you should be reading; a lot. Read books from great authors as well as from terrible. Read genres you are not generally inclined to. In essence read everything you can, good, bad, and foreign. When you read, try to enjoy the book, but also think about why you did or did not like it and how it made you feel and why. How was it structured? What genre is it? Is there a sub-genre? What was the plot arc like? Why did it work or not work? All of these questions will help you grow. Below is some of what I have been devouring as of late.
Books Currently Being Read
Crushing it, by Gary Vanerchuk Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, by Henry Martyn Robert Baptism of Fire, by Andrzej Sapkowski 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
2021 Reading Challenge
Welcome to year 4 of the Calm Scribe Reading Challenge. Each year I sit down with my wife and we design a challenge of 26 books read throughout the year. The list does not dictate what book to read, but gives guidance as to what type of book to look for. When searching for books to read remember to use inexpensive options as well such as your library, curbside free little libraries, buy nothing sites, and friends or family. When you are done with a book, consider passing it along to someone else who may enjoy it.
Read a book... Check back here for updates as I read through the challenge.
2020 Reading Challenge
At the time of updating the 2020 Reading Challenge we are deep into a very strange year for the world. It is, in fact, near the end of July as I write this. The challenge this year has 27 books, the regular 26 plus 1 bonus book. Here is my reading list, in no particular order.
Read a book.... 1 of 27 - with 500 pages or more, 1000 Years of Irish Poetry, by Hoagland 2 of 27 - you can finish in a day. The Gashlycrumb Tinies, by Edward Gorey 3 of 27 - sitting on your to read list. Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates 4 of 27 - of poetry. Holocaust Poetry, by Hilda Schiff 5 of 27 - a fantasy novel. Blood of Elves, by Andrzej Sapkowski 6 of 27 - chosen on its cover. Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein 7 of 27 - by an author you know (have met). The Boy Who Walked Backwards, by Ben Sures (Bonus Book) 8 of 27 - originally written in another language. Buddhist Wisdom, by David Crosweller 9 of 27 - written more than 100 years ago. Daylight, by Rumi 10 of 27 - that is non-fiction. The Expectant Father, by Brott and Ash 11 of 27 - that helps advance your career or hobby. The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White 12 of 27 - recommended by someone from another country. How to Write Dazzling Dialogue, by Bell 13 of 27 - which has been adapted to a movie or series. The Time of Contempt, by Andrzej Sapkowski 14 of 27 - recommended by a friend. Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur
2019 Reading Challenge
For my 2019 reading challenge I have kept the bar at 26 books. My wife and I created another list which made the challenge even more enjoyable. As I read the books from the list I will be keeping track of them here. Please follow me on Goodreads or Litsy for reviews and comments on each title.
Read a book... 1 of 26 - to help advance your career or hobby. Community: The Structure of Belonging, by Peter Block 2 of 26 - chosen based on its cover. This Book Will Put You To Sleep, by McCoy & Hardwick 3 of 26 - you can finish in a day. It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be, by Paul Arden
2018 Reading Challenge
One day I was having a conversation with my wife about reading and how difficult it can be to find a new book or new author to read. After some commiseration and planning we decided to create our own book challenge to help find new and exciting reads. Below are the books I read from that list. I did not just two books, however I did only read two books which met the parameters.
Read a book... 1 of 26 - published in 2017/2018. Sing, Unburied, Sing, by Jesmyn Ward 2 0f 26 - from the bottom of your “To-Read” list. – Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green
Recommended Reading
The Elements of Style, by E.B. White and William Strunk A Pocket Guide to Correct Punctuation, by Robert Brittain Damn Good Advice for Creative People, by George Lois 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph