Hello all! I look forward to our future conversations on Oxygen but thought I'd start with an "ice-breaker" for the time being. I look forward to your answers and our future conversations.

-Carol

Hi!To me ,every time is favourite to read.I read even at the bus stop.Because-as we all do-I like reading.Go on!

Favorite time to read?

When I should be washing dishes, clothes, or other cleaning activities...

When I should be working in my garden...

When I find a new author such as yourself and can really get into the book...

When I'm eating...

When I'm ready for bed (why? my best light is next to my bed so I spend hours reading there!

When I'm not writing reviews about the books I've read!

P. S. Get the idea???

You are absolutely right.I also keep my books and notebook next to my bed.Because I have to write down all the ideas that knocks my door at nights.So it is a little bit hard to sleep,but I do not complain.I like it!

Yagmur,

I used to keep a pen/notebook handy when I was working...Now I just keep my latest book (or two) on the side to pick up! LOL

Wow ,I hope one day I can keep my books ,too

I love hearing this! My own opinion is that we have so inundated ourselves with information these days, we leave way too little time to read. It should be as valued as laundry, dishes, gardening, and even sleep! My biggest regret since diving into serious writing is that I have less time to read.

Hey,indeed writing is, somewhat a kind of reading.You should not regard them apart.I loved this discussion though we three involved in.I have a suggestion.Since I am a fresh member ,I do not know if you had done it before but let's our next discussion be abut the meaning of reading and writing.Why do we read and write?Just a hobby or need we cannot control?Yes???

Carol, When I was your age, I was doing exactly what you were doing...all the busy things that we get ourselves involved with... And then sometimes your job (or something else) seems to take over your life and you realize that you don't really have a "life."

Sooooo, don't let that happen to you! Enjoy your writing...let others help around the house, or let it go a day or so...I promise, if there is a mess, it will still be there for you after you are done...writing, or reading...whatever seems to be needed that day!

Yagmur and Glenda, such good points from both of you. It is a blessing to have a full life, but always important to recognize those moments you can't come back to, and thus not let them pass unnoticed. I have indeed become more comfortable with a messy house, and I think my children are growing from the self sufficiency they are 'offered.' But I really enjoy their company! I missed being on the beach with them today--I was speaking at a book event and then working on the next novel.
So, good question, Yagmur. Why do we write and read? What is unique and different about the printed word versus the spoken word, or film and TV? I think it engages a whole realm of imagination that we miss out on when the whole package--visual, audio and movement--are put before us. With a book we get to inject part of ourselves and our own experience into the story. And writing can (when it flows) be so directly linked to one's subconscious.

What do you think?

I agree with you.I think reading and writing also carries a kind of visuality.While writing and especially reading,I also feel that I am watching a movie.I draw the pictures of the characters,places and events in my mind.
Yet,the value of books cannot be compared to visuals,because we can touch them(I think this is qutie important-a direct communication-),feel the frank welcome of a book...

Since I write only to "respond," I will share that the freedom of reading is what draws me. When a movie or tv show is engrossing, it is wonderful, but when it is over, I rarely think about it again. But a book, held in my hand, for hours, or days, becomes part of my life and, as mentioned, allows our own imagination to develop along with the story. And, yes, Carol, we are permitted the opportunity to think about our own lives and react subconsciously much more easily with books, I think.