The Need to Read

I feel the need to read today.

At the same time, I keep reminding myself of all the writing I need to accomplish.

But my inner two-year-old keeps stomping her foot, insisting she needs to be told a story. I understand, and sympathize, and I'm trying really hard to be the adult. Obviously one of us has to be, and the inner toddler isn't qualified just yet. Her qualifications include tugging at me, trying to convince me we need to ignore all those yucky adult responsibilities, the ones that make me want to escape into a book for a few hours.

She's REALLY good at her job.

So I weaken. I need a story too. I have to rationalize it to myself, though, because I will feel guilty if I just indulge in an afternoon away from all the things pressing against my brain, doing their best to increase their ranking on the Really Important Must Get Done list. Things like taxes, and cleaning the oven because of the banana bread debacle of 2012, and of course, writing.

I have a million things I want to write.

Just when I think I've squelched the urge to read, Goodreads gently nudges me, reminding me I am getting behind in my reading. I thought signing up for the 2012 Reading Challenge would help me read more books, and even though I chose a modest number for a goal, I am already two books behind. That's 5%. Who can argue with percentages?

It's time to follow my own advice.

I've always believed that it's next to impossible to produce words if you don't consume them. I've got as many things on my TBR list as I do on my To Do list. Why should the responsibilities be more important in my day-to-day existence than the pleasurable ones of reading? If I have to justify it, by calling it research, then that is fine too. I think everyone -- my inner two-year-old, my characters, heck, even Endora the cantankerous muse -- will be thrilled to sit spellbound around the Nook, urging me to touch the screen faster and faster, so the pages will fly by.

So that's what I am doing today. The chores and adult responsibilities and the real world can wait a little longer. The books have waited long enough.

They need me right now.

And I definitely need them.

Comments

[Quantum]

Studying the masters of your craft is definitely a necessary requirement for success.

(Nearly!) Every breakthrough in knowledge, technique or understanding, builds on the work of others; And to ignore this premise is to risk re-inventing the wheel.

Isaac Newton recognised this in his famous letter to Hooke:
"If I have seen further it is by standing on ye sholders of Giants."

You have to study the giants of romance and distil the essence of their success to add to your own brew ..... knew this would deteriorate towards booze eventually. *wink*

I'm surprised that Endora has not insisted that you read more. Even to the extent of prioritising the TBR list.

God its Friday again. I need a drink!

I wouldn't take the nook into the bubble bath though. Don't you think its time Amazon came up with a submersible version?

I hope that you and the inner child and that muse of yours all have a wonderful day! *smile

[Donna Cummings]

Q, after this long work day, I'm glad that your comment has deteriorated towards booze. LOL I could use some about now!

I had to work today, but I did spend yesterday afternoon reading, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Endora is such a contrarian, as we all know, so I have to sneak things past her. LOL How could she not agree with your idea of needing to learn from the giants of romance?

I wish there was a waterproof e-reader! It's hard enough not eating while e-reading. I'm definitely not brave enough to take the Nook into the tub. :)