Reading 'n writing

  Feelings ofinadequacy can often overwhelm any confidence of competency and send us runningfor a big spoon and the nearest half-gallon of ice cream (chocolate for me) forcomfort. But think about this: Bona fide professionals, those people weconsider successful, do not, cannot rest on their laurels. Okay, that’s acliché, but truly, professionals continually work to improve and perfect theirskills.

  Every time DonaldMaass, author of WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL, leads a workshop on writing, I’dventure to guess he’s included something new since his last workshop. He’s aprofessional writer/lecturer/teacher who keeps polishing and improving hiscraft. Pro golfers take lessons; powerhouse baseball hitters have trainers asdo Olympic runners and skaters. 

  The lesson isclear. The way for writers to improve their writing craft is to practice; i.e.,they must read stories in all genres,* (but especially in their chosen genre), andnetwork with fellow writers. And those tasks never cease.
  By accident or intentionalresearch rabbit hole, I try to find some tidbit that I can incorporate into awork-in-progress or add to my growing list of helpful hints. Really, though, Ilove to learn something new most every day, Reader or writer, I wish you thesame success.
[  *   Book coach RobinHenry’s essay on Jane Friedman’s blog explains more about how best to read toimprove writing practice. Find out more here:    How to Read to Elevate Your Writing Practice| Jane Friedman  ] §§
Tax Day is April 15, and I am breathlesslyrelieved that my taxes were eFiled—Friday, April 12. I wasbeginning to think I’d have to file for an extension, but hey, they got done…YAY! 
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  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on,and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you and yours.

cj

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