tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post6754606277482401846..comments2024-03-28T08:48:51.749-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Do You Have This Important Tool In Your Writer's Toolkit?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-88572939887567080672012-08-01T06:49:19.736-04:002012-08-01T06:49:19.736-04:00What a great post - I'll link to this from my...What a great post - I'll link to this from my own blog. I enjoyed that and think my readers will also.Gary Dobbs/Jack Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10935686140719743351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11601358195386309132012-07-31T20:50:22.457-04:002012-07-31T20:50:22.457-04:00I always have a book going, sometimes two - one up...I always have a book going, sometimes two - one upstairs book and one downstairs book. I can't imagine not being in the midst of a book. And I notice I pay much more attention now to how authors start their story, introduce the characters, and keep my attention. Reading is essential.mshatchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06308916014310536449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43643602312687166062012-07-31T20:23:15.279-04:002012-07-31T20:23:15.279-04:00Great post, Jody.
I made a decision to not feel...Great post, Jody. <br /><br />I made a decision to not feel guilty that I'm not the perfect housekeeper or gardener. (Let's not talk about some of the weeds that look like small trees in my yard, okay?) Writing is my priority now when I'm not working the day job. If my eyes allow it, I'm at the computer writing or revising. I started reading more historical fiction recently after I took 2000 words of a story to my critique group and their main concern was my use of language that sounded too modern. Now I'm scouring Amazon and other sites looking for books written for the same time period to get a feel for how other authors present their stories. It's absolutely critical that we're familiar with what is being written in our genre!Char Newcombhttp://charlenenewcomb.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45106506577199936152012-07-31T19:41:14.844-04:002012-07-31T19:41:14.844-04:00I've been trying to consciously carve out time...I've been trying to consciously carve out time to read a book a week lately and keep a book review journal to help me as I go. It's really helped improve my writing, I think, and I plan to continue to do so for a long time to come.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57117405089043663972012-07-31T19:06:09.624-04:002012-07-31T19:06:09.624-04:00I've upped the amount I read. I made a goal at...I've upped the amount I read. I made a goal at the beginning of the year to read a book a week. (Which is a lot for me :)) I'm on track to do that, but i include all the MS I critique for people because, lets face it, that counts too! :)Kelley Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06373650788799372118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34371198350965614872012-07-31T16:29:30.785-04:002012-07-31T16:29:30.785-04:00Yes, I completely agree! During my first year of g...Yes, I completely agree! During my first year of grad school I didn't read a single novel, and my creativity totally dried up. Reading has always been one of my great joys, and I love that it is both a form of relaxation and learning.<br /><br />One thing that I have started doing is listening to audiobooks more often. I've noticed that listening to someone read a book helps me to gain a greater appreciation of dialogue and description. There is such an art to stringing words together, and sometimes I have to pause and rewind to listen to certain passages again to really think about why it struck a chord in me.Lena Corazonhttp://lenacorazon.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33869216387805290402012-07-31T14:33:41.923-04:002012-07-31T14:33:41.923-04:00I do feel guilty for reading when I could/should b...I do feel guilty for reading when I could/should be doing something else, whether it's household chores or writing. But, I have to remind myself: self, if you want to be a better writer, you have to read. So, my to-read stack is currently 6 deep on my desk, and I have 1 waiting for me at the library, and who knows how many on my Kindle.<br /><br />Great post. I actually wrote about reading yesterday on my blog, so it must be a popular topic this week. :DAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10072706769675479529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39871350339201844642012-07-31T14:13:28.476-04:002012-07-31T14:13:28.476-04:00So true! Classics have been my reads of choice for...So true! Classics have been my reads of choice for many years, but once I got into writing fiction for the Christian market, I realized I had to start reading Christian fiction! There's certainly a benefit to reading how authors write in your genre. Unfortunately, writing books that read like classics isn't a great tactic nowadays! I'll still keep reading them, however. Grin.Heather Day Gilberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12353914883176152555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9382361818256593772012-07-31T13:38:48.471-04:002012-07-31T13:38:48.471-04:00I read TOO much if anything. Tearing myself away t...I read TOO much if anything. Tearing myself away to get on with the day is my biggest issue. I also review, a discipline that makes me put into words what I did or didn't like about the book and is tremendously helpful for my development as a writer. I've heard that traditional publishers don't always like an author reviewing online, though, but as a self-pubber I don't have that problem. I'm addicted to Goodreads, and while my physical TBR pile has swelled to ridiculous size, my virtual TBR list has escaped the bounds of reality at nearly 800 books.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07338002014574933192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51045596931870330822012-07-31T13:12:45.118-04:002012-07-31T13:12:45.118-04:00Beth, I can relate. I've found that the busier...Beth, I can relate. I've found that the busier I get as an author, the easiest thing to let slide is my reading. There is ALWAYS something to be done. Our to-do lists never end, do they? So we can't wait until everything is crossed off to take the time to read--at least that's what I'm finding! I have to give myself permission to read, even when other demands crowd in.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14716727479097045562012-07-31T13:10:41.963-04:002012-07-31T13:10:41.963-04:00Really, really great point, Barb. Reading always h...Really, really great point, Barb. Reading always helps foster ideas for me. Of course we're not copying anyone else. But the plot mechanics, twists, etc. often act as a catalyst for our own creativity. So read on, guilt and all! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48245059485528738802012-07-31T13:09:08.673-04:002012-07-31T13:09:08.673-04:00Hi Ganise!
I'm so glad that my posts resonate...Hi Ganise!<br /><br />I'm so glad that my posts resonate. That's so cool! If we're avid readers, then we usually have a bit of an advantage when we actually put pen to paper, especially if we have already taken the time to understand what works and what doesn't.<br /><br />Thanks for all your encouragement! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83083277255197840462012-07-31T12:28:08.375-04:002012-07-31T12:28:08.375-04:00My mother has no interest in fiction, so I always ...My mother has no interest in fiction, so I always felt guilty, growing up, for having a book attached to my hand. Now, I'm constantly justifying my reading to my husband even though it isn't necessary. I'm blessed that he's completely on board with my reading and writing!Meghan Carverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12171644527417702921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56630881040696554842012-07-31T11:59:44.710-04:002012-07-31T11:59:44.710-04:00I've been trying to get through a book every w...I've been trying to get through a book every week. I do feel like that, when I'm reading, I'm working. My TBR pile is huge, too. Sometimes it's hard to decide what to read next. Great post!Laurie Evanshttp://www.handymancraftywoman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77102880330794836792012-07-31T11:41:35.869-04:002012-07-31T11:41:35.869-04:00I don't read as much as I would like to -- the...I don't read as much as I would like to -- there always seems to be a manuscript waiting to be plotted, or written, or edited.<br />But I know, know, know I need to read more.<br />I've even been told to take colored markers and highlight different things in a novel -- things I like, the spiritual thread, what works, that sort of thing ...<br />All in good time.<br />When is that, by the way?<br />;o)Beth K. Vogthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032849469366266791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66896963823884606362012-07-31T11:07:53.668-04:002012-07-31T11:07:53.668-04:00I LOVE reading, especially now that I'm writin...I LOVE reading, especially now that I'm writing novels. I love to see what's out there and check out new authors. My TBR pile is overflowing right now, and I have a feeling it will always stay that way. I've had a lot less time to read lately, and I'd like to change that. I definitely recognize the importance of reading, both to keep up with what's going on in your genre and to improve your own writing.Lindsay Harrelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379628592162011068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59718465507908047442012-07-31T10:07:02.313-04:002012-07-31T10:07:02.313-04:00Great post, Jody, as always. I do not read nearly ...Great post, Jody, as always. I do not read nearly a much as I should, which in turn makes me feel really guilty. I guess I should definitely work on that.Murees Dupèhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11781339206465690961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45747314479598615002012-07-31T10:03:44.253-04:002012-07-31T10:03:44.253-04:00I couldn't agree more, Jody. Readers make bett...I couldn't agree more, Jody. Readers make better writers. Period. It affords us a solid grasp of what's already out there, how the authors are saying it, and provides insights that we didn't have before. All of those things enrich our writing - regardless of what you write.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15615035905042738222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23282734208947486932012-07-31T09:18:47.481-04:002012-07-31T09:18:47.481-04:00My internal editor is pretty much switched to &quo...My internal editor is pretty much switched to "ON" these days, but it doesn't mitigate my joy in reading. How lucky we are to love this extension of our work.Lizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16170701034715108039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40759018136106310482012-07-31T09:15:19.880-04:002012-07-31T09:15:19.880-04:00Jody, you are so right! I hear it everywhere...re...Jody, you are so right! I hear it everywhere...read, read, read...and it's true. Now that I've learned what to do and NOT do, I find myself automatically reading a book differently.<br /><br />I was always an avid reader anyway, so continuing to read isn't a stretch, but now my experiences are with a more critical eye.Dawn Dixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53768405583608245502012-07-31T08:49:55.948-04:002012-07-31T08:49:55.948-04:00Of course I've felt guilty for reading.. I'...Of course I've felt guilty for reading.. I'm a mom! Guilt is part of my makeup. ;-)<br /><br />I've read countless books on craft and have spent my fair share of time reading blog posts about writing, but far and away, the most influential inspiration for me has always been reading fiction. Somehow reading novels triggers my creativity in ways that craft books rarely do. Fiction is the reigning cure for writer's block in my little writing world.Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15634681223129304563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29931979375038320482012-07-31T08:49:40.365-04:002012-07-31T08:49:40.365-04:00JODY!
Sweet Lord, why is it that almost every pos...JODY! <br />Sweet Lord, why is it that almost every post you write resonnates with me? And I'm not even a published writer. Here's what I totally agree with: 'The more a writer reads, the more familiar they become with story-telling. In fact, if you grew up like I did, with a book permanently attached to your hand, then writing fiction is probably somewhat intuitive. You already have a good foundation for what comprises a well-told story, even if you can't quite put those techniques into fiction-writing lingo.'<br /><br />'...evaluate the books I read' I do that, but I take a look at the writing style, particularly. <br /><br />AND yes, my TBR pile is overflowing.<br /><br />You're doing a GREAT Jody!! Keep it up. Whoo-hoo!Ganisenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7227023878537861622012-07-31T07:11:10.488-04:002012-07-31T07:11:10.488-04:00Hi Tory,
I've heard that from other moms too...Hi Tory, <br /><br />I've heard that from other moms too! I also often have other moms ask me "How do you have time to write? I would never have time to do what you do."<br /><br />The thing is, we can always make time for the things that are important to us. Aside from that, I've learned over the years to take advantage of my time, to make the most of every minute!<br /><br />So I would say, there's absolutely nothing wrong with you! If we're too busy to do the things we love, then we're too busy. Simple as that!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46398754062192096612012-07-31T06:41:16.696-04:002012-07-31T06:41:16.696-04:00The only time I feel anything close to "guilt...The only time I feel anything close to "guilt" is when other mothers look at me and say "How do you have the time to read". Or "I can't remember the last time I read an entire book." I begin to wonder how it is I have the time to do that when they don't. Same as the fact that I watch TV with the hubby in the evening.<br /><br />Yeah, I need to be better about writing, but these days my prime writing time is in the morning before anyone's up (4:30 - 5:45 usually). But I wonder what's wrong with me as a parent that I have this time to do stuff and other parents can't even read a book or watch TV.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17703102405965656616noreply@blogger.com