I think I got over-ambitions with my recovering foot. I did not accomplish everything on my list in my last post as soon as I meant to. Over about three days, I did get those three poems sent out, and I rewrote a short story for a fiction contest and entered it. I did visit websites, etc. for agents I want to send my MG mystery to, and made my list. And then I just got plain tired. I will spare you the details of foot excercises three times a day, 20 minutes each time. But those exercises, plus walking around a little, really wore me out.So, I've been reading again. Not fiction, because I think I reached "fiction glut" rather than "reader glut" last week. Instead, I've been re-visiting books on the writing craft and doing some more research for my current WIP under revision, my MG ghost story set in 1919 Sacramento. My characters are Irish-Americans, so I've been especially soaking in anything Irish, and the book I just finished reading (and thoroughly enjoying) is Thomas Cahill's How the Irish Saved Civilization, a wonderfully written account in a style that makes history truly exciting to read.
The writing books I've been poring over are: Self-editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King, and Novelist's Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes, by Raymond Obstfeld. The latter is really for writers of adult fiction, but, except for the chapters on murder mysteries and sex scenes, the advice and examples are superb for children's writers as well. Both books are good. I've read them before, they are part of my library, but you never can revisit a good book on the writing craft too many times.
So, now the foot is better, the energy is back, and it's forward and on to my revision of Granny's Jig, and query letters for Imogene and the Case of the Missing Pearls -- although my computer time will be in smaller doses for a few days. (I have learned my lesson.)
With a title like How the Irish Saved Civilization, how could this not be a great read? I'm so glad to hear you're slowly but surely recovering, Mitty.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're keeping busy, despite the tiring foot exercises :) I agree with Michelle~ the Irish book sounds like a good read. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThese are all books on my ever expanding reading list. (Sigh) Just not enough hours in the day. But thanks for the reminders.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read. So happy to hear you are getting better and better. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad that you are recovering. I will check out both the books.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself and get some rest in! I agree on the craft books. You can ever read them too many times.
ReplyDeleteMichelle and Jess, the Irish book really is a great read. I learned so much, and the author has that wonderful wry turn of phrase that is so humorous in Irish prose, no matter how serious the subject.
ReplyDeleteRosi, you have also passed on some great reads to me. I think you would enjoy all three of these, the one for sheer good writing, the other two for great tips and reminders.
Alleged and Rachna, thanks for the well-wishes. Every day in every way . . . :-), but I'll feel really great when I start driving again.
Joy, one good thing about the enforced rest is time to revisit those craft books. They really are like old trusted friends reminding you they are there to help. So I'll probably be sharing more re-discoveries from time to time.
Oh, good, glad to hear your foot is improving (keep up those exercises!) and your energy is back. All things Irish--how FUN to research! I love Irish/Celtic/Scottish stuff. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about those books but haven't read them. They sound like a good addition to a writer's shelf!
ReplyDeleteLydia and Carol. Nice to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteCarol, if you like Celtic stuff, this is a nice dip into Irish history.
Lydia, they are worth a peek. Especially the one on editing. But actually, Crafting Scenes . . . Has a really helpful wind up chapter on final editing, too.
I love, love, love Thomas Cahill...god choice:)
ReplyDeleteMark, yes, isn't he wonderful. I'd like to read other books by him now.
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