by ~Sia McKye~
Member since:
August 8, 2007

HOW CAN YOU BE A WRITER IF YOU'RE NOT A READER? Wombats CCLXII

March 10, 2009 09:18 PM EDT
views: 465 | rating: 10/10 (11 votes) | comments: 303

I read a number of blogs. One blog I regularly read is written by an agent. On this particular occasion there was an informal discussion going on between several agents and editors, chatting about a dichotomy between readers and writers. The gist of it was that there were a whole lot of writers out there that weren’t readers. People convinced that they had a “book or two in them.” Or people who feel you can’t read other’s work in your genre because it will interfere with your "voice".

To me, the question has always been how can you effectively write a book if you don't read them? Base it on TV? Your fascinating life? You write at work?

I write lots of things, articles, seminars, notes, and lots of reports. I'm writing something every day and while I don't have the time to read 6 or more books a week anymore, I do read something everyday. I read for pleasure. I also read to keep an eye out for what is selling, what’s not, styles of writing, premises used.

I write creatively. Do I have “a book in me”? Yes, many, in fact. But I’ve told stories all my life. I come from a family of storytellers.

 

My love of books came from reading voraciously throughout my life. There is a perception out there that you can't read another’s words when formulating your stories--something nonsensical about copying the voice or premise, yada yada. To me, that's BS. My voice is mine and doesn’t change just because I read someone’s work. To know what’s marketable you have to look at it. Read it. That’s keeping your finger on the pulse of market. I’m a marketing/promotion rep by profession, to sell my products and people; I have to be familiar with what’s out there. Is their product comparable? Better? Worse? How is it packaged? Any book I write is my product and to market it effectively I have to know what’s selling, what my target demographics are and why.

Has anyone seen the top 100-200 books list? We did a bit of a survey. Sad fact is half of the people surveyed (200 people) hadn’t even heard of most of those books, much less read them. Many said, oh I saw the movie. *rolling my eyes. That’s not READING it. There were those that read 50 to 60 of them. 25% had read less than 10 them. Isn’t that sad?

So, you want to be a writer? Read. Know what’s selling out there.

 

So, what do you think?



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Comments: 303

Rob Appell Mar 10, 2009, 9:23pm EDT
I don't read books...or anything longer than a short magazine or newspaper article. Many have told me I have several books in me, but I'm not a writer. I consider myself more of a story teller. I don't know...
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 9:25pm EDT
Story telling is an art, Rob. You know that from the work you do. How many do you know, when telling about something or a joke, can never do it right? You can be a great story teller and not be a writer.
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:32pm EDT
Wombat First? Sorta?
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 9:32pm EDT
Since I've started writing more than reading (I still read, just less than before) I find myself wanting to EDIT the writing of books instead of just reading for the sheer joy. It's rather annoying, actually.

I'll also say that 99% of what I read will never make a top 100 books list because I don't care for literary fiction. I like trashy genre fiction. It doesn't make lists like that. Does that make it bad? I don't think so. I LIKE it. (and do edit it in my head - LOL!)
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:33pm EDT
Sia

It also goes the other way. I once heard SJ Perelman, one of the funniest writers of his time on a live interview. Awful.
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:34pm EDT
Oh btw Jamie, I am hooked. You are truly evil. Which is a good thing.
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:37pm EDT
I love telling stories. When my girls were small, I used to tell them stories I would make up on the spot. They all started with "Once upon a time there was a princess, who was...." Some of them were damn good. Then I started making up stories and telling them to adults. Friends actually. Well, girl friends to be exact. Some of those were good too.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 9:38pm EDT
That's true, Sy. Not about you being hooked. How can you not be with Jamie's writing, but those that write well, have a fabulous command of language, or are funny as all get out when writing and can be awful in a live format.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 9:38pm EDT
Actually today I was reading and found a typographical error in the text. I sat there and laughed for about five minutes because it totally changed the connotation of the sentence. It was one measely letter out of place.

Here it is. I found it. It's from the middle of a battle scene in a fantasy novel.
"A shrieking line of figures issued out of the powder cloud like friends catapulted out of hell."

FRIENDS? I think you mean fiends. LOL!

Big publishing house too. Published by ACE.

With shrieking friends from hell who needs enemies? ROFLMAO!
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:39pm EDT
Are we all alone here? Is everyone still on the last thread? Well if so, then I can admit that I just saw the first 5 minutes of "Milk," which was more than enough for me. I told you Im not a real liberal.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 9:41pm EDT
It's funny, traditional publishing houses have huge editing staffs and I've found more than a few errors in books I've read. lolol! Repeat sentences or worse, paragraphs. I find myself editing at times as I read too.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 9:42pm EDT
What's "Milk"? By having never heard of it, does that make me less of a liberal?
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:42pm EDT
Jamie

Im willing to bet that the author had it right, and that some copy editor didnt know the word fiend. This has happened to me. I had written "selected for" (meaning in an evolutionary sense) and the editor changed it to "selected by"
simon g. Mar 10, 2009, 9:44pm EDT
ITs a film about Harvey Milk, the first gay mayor, or whatever, of San Francisco. It got a few academy awards and Sean Penn is supposed to be great in it.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 9:49pm EDT
Oh, I have heard of that. No desire to see it though. I don't like Sean Penn at all. One of those people I look at and get the heeby jeebies. Not sure why.

I'm not too fond of this author's prose. He like prepositional phrases almost as much as I do. And was was was was was was... I've been trying to finish this book for over a year. I refuse to give up though!
Sherrie Super Mar 10, 2009, 9:56pm EDT
Great article, Sia! This is a topic near and dear to my heart. Bravo!

When I'm actively writing, I don't read anything in my genre. I read other things though -- young adult, romance, hardboiled mysteries, classic literature... That way, I don't hoover up someone else's voice, but I AM reading.
Jill Lynn A. Mar 10, 2009, 9:56pm EDT
I agree, Sia. I see reading and writing as totally separate activities, so whatever I'm reading doesn't influence my writing style. On the other hand, reading LOTS of books did influence me as a whole. I don't think I'd be able to write well if I hadn't have always been an avid reader. By reading for pleasure, writing also sunk in.
Jill Lynn A. Mar 10, 2009, 9:59pm EDT
Sherrie, I've been meaning to ask what you're writing. Is it the sequel to Illegal Fortunes, or something totally different?
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:02pm EDT
Pretty much the same here, Jill.

Sherrie, I can read a good contemporary romance if I'm writing one, it like a different part of my mind, if that makes sense. Now with the paranormal I'm writing, I'm more careful, because I don't want to copy anyone's world for mine.

Sean penn has always given me the heebie Jeebies too Jamie. My violence radar goes off. it did the first time I saw him in anything and sure enough, he has had some major problems with being violent. Maybe he learned to control it? *shrugs, who knows and who cares.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:02pm EDT
Um... Google ads:
2009 Cute Kid of the Year
Christmas Traditions
Original Santa Dolls by Deanna

WTF? How did it come up with those?
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:04pm EDT
Hello, 'Bats!

Mike, I'm sorry I didn't read the whole thread before writing last night. Did you say the Dr. put your on a halter monitor? That would be a good start. Atrial fibrillation can make you, "feel funny", PVC's feel like a "half a beat". Have you experienced chest pain or discomfort, nausea, sweating, jaw or arm pain, pressure or heaviness on your chest, shortness of breath? Do you have any problems with swelling in your legs or unexplained weight gain? Have you had an ECG or a stress test? What kind of Dr. are you seeing? I assume, if you were placed on a halter monitor, you're seeing a cardiologist. If you want, you can send a private message. I would be happy to query one of our cardiologists about your symptoms and see what they say about what to do next.

I told my supervisor about my decision today. She was very positive and wants to see my schedule so that I can continue to work per diem. My co workers were all very happy for me and said, "all the good ones leave". That's not true, they are all so great at what they do and they love it. I wish I could take them with me.

Jamie, did you work on Reckless? I can't wait to read the next chapter.

Sia, I hope that being a reader makes for a better writer...

If you all go on a cruise, may I go with? I would love to meet you all in person. Did I mention that I'll be in DC in July?
Jill Lynn A. Mar 10, 2009, 10:05pm EDT
My Google ads are
Literary Publishing Agent
Publish Your Manuscript
New Self-Publishing Tools

Keep talking about your sex-crazed rock stars, Jamie, and see if we can get more...um...colorful ads. :-)
Pat S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:11pm EDT
Hello all. Wonderful topic, Sia. I'm like Sherrie. I've read boatloads of books in my genre, but while writing, I read everything except my genre. I'm too susceptible, and then I start second guessing ("Did I just read this conversation somewhere else?") Same thing with my Anne Bonney WIP. I have what is considered the best piece of fiction ever written about her ("The Only Life That Mattered") on the floor of my car (don't ask. I could survive nuclear winter with the contents of the floor of my car.) And no, I haven't read it. I don't want to be influenced. I've read the transcript of her trial, I've done tons of research, but I don't want another author's concept in my head until I've finished. Same reason I've never read Jane Eyre yet. I read enough of a synopsis to know that I can use it as a "high concept" line for my MS, but until I'm pubbed (how's that for a positive statement to the universe!) I don't want to read Jane Eyre. Besides, the true influences were Phyllis Whitney, Mary Stuart, and Barbara Michaels, along with all those lovely gothics of the 70s!
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:12pm EDT
Sheesh, after the rain ended, our temps dropped 33 degrees. Oh yah, I will be using my comforter tonight and shutting some windows.
Sherrie Super Mar 10, 2009, 10:12pm EDT
Hey, my Google ads are like Jill's. All writing-related. Jill and I are Google-ad twins!

To answer my twin's question, I've got half of the sequel to Illegal Fortunes written, but I set it aside to work on something new. It's a romantic mystery/suspense, and I'm having lots of fun with it. My lead is a hypnotherapist. You are all getting veeerrry sleeeeepy...

How about you, Jill? What are you working on? And since you entered Amazon, are you spending time at the forums? Have I seen you there in-cognito?
Dale C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:13pm EDT
Link to the previous wombat thread:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977617561
Sherrie Super Mar 10, 2009, 10:15pm EDT
I feel bad mentioning this, Sia, but it's 66 degrees here. We've got the windows open. But I won't be so smug come summer, when the whole state feels like the inside of a dishwasher.
Ken C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:16pm EDT
I don't see how you could be a good writer without reading. And if you could, why would you bother?
Jill Lynn A. Mar 10, 2009, 10:16pm EDT
Pat, I probably wouldn't read the Anne Bonney book if I was writing one featuring her either. That would be too close. I also never read any other Wombat entry in any of the contests we have until after I've written mine.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:16pm EDT
Thanks Dale.

Pat, I understand what you're saying. Agreed, I don't read a lot of contemporary romance if I'm writing one but I have read them. But, I'm much more careful with Paras and I do read a LOT of those, all sorts of concepts/visions of them.

When you're published, lolol! Took you long enough to get that out without choking.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:19pm EDT
Sherrie, we topped out at 74 today? We've had some very nice weather the past week. Today and tomorrow will be cool, in the mid 40's but will climb by Friday into the 50's. fine by me.
Pat S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:20pm EDT
Dana! I'm so happy for you and your new job! I'm sure you're going to be spectacular. Look what wonderful friends you've made in such a short time, and how well your current employer thinks of you! And how wonderful you'l be in DC in July! One of these years I'll make it to a wombat-together. Considering the Romantic Times conference is in my hometown in 2010, I guess it will happen eventually! Unless I jet off to someplace else!

Jamie and Jill, will you really be in Galveston in July? I've been thinking of visiting the sis in Houston, but she's hard to pin down. She tends to check the deals on Orbitz on a Thursday, and by Saturday she's off to parts unknown (the latest was a trip to Brazil; Rhine river cruise the time before that). Must be nice to be retired and just be able to take off!
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:21pm EDT
I think the same Ken. The discussion I happened upon, talked about writers that stopped reading anything when they started writing. You can take the TV--please, do--but don't take my books or music. I can't imagine life without them.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:23pm EDT
But I'm at a romantical part, Jill. *batting lashes

See, it's not all porn. Just mostly porn.

Brian spooned against her back and draped a leg over hers, cocooning her in his warmth. When she shivered, he tucked the heavy comforter under her chin.
"You're freezing," he whispered, his nose pressed under her ear.
"I noticed. And you're warm." She snuggled closer.
His arms tightened around her. "You really do like me, don't you?"
"What makes you say that?"
"When I called you this afternoon, I thought you'd just hang up on me. Those stupid girls yelling at me to sign their tits the moment I got you on the phone. Great timing, I thought. It took me a month to find the balls to call you."
"I would have hung up on you, if I had any sense."
"And now you're here. Willing to drop everything and hop on a plane just to see me."
"For entirely selfish reasons. Trust me."
"Willing to freeze half to death and ride on a motorcycle in a skirt just to be here with me."
"Hey, it's a really nice bike."
"You like me. Admit it."
"A little," she said, grinning to herself.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:23pm EDT
I like Galveston. Haven't been there in 10 years, but I've always like the gulf area. Except during hurricanes.
Pat S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:24pm EDT
Sia, that "when I'm published" thing took at least six tries before I hit the button! Just me thumbing my nose at the universe! Odd to think it's only been only 17 months since I wrote my very first paragraph, and I'm now admiting to the idea of being published. I live in a surreal world. And BTW, now that your hubs backed out on the surgery, what's the new date for you (and I would have shot the man, turned him into horse food, and called a taxi!) And how's your bro? I do think of you so often.
Sherrie Super Mar 10, 2009, 10:25pm EDT
Wow Sia, 74? And then near-freezing? Talk about weather whiplash!
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:26pm EDT
Nice, Jamie. Hopefully it was a warm day when she wore nuthin' but a shirt on that bike...oh and no bugs. They sting like gravel when they hit you.
Jill Lynn A. Mar 10, 2009, 10:27pm EDT
No, I haven't visited the Amazon boards much. In fact, I can't even find my entry.?? Keep in mind, I entered the same novel last year (and never got out of the starting gate) so any obsession I had has long past. But I do remember thinking many of the posters last year were clueless as Judi noted this year. HA.

And, twin, I have three WIPs right now. (Four if you count the Big Butt novel I started composing in my head last night.) Two are mainstream, and one is a romance. It's the romance I really want to get a move on. I have around 30K words to go to finish the first draft. My New Year's resolution was to finish two of my WIPs this year (and I'm talking from first draft to rewrite to editing to finished product.) I'm not aiming to finish all three. You always want to leave room for improvement. :-)
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:28pm EDT
Roland is still fighting. Sometimes I think getting him stable is a dream. He hits small plateaus. he looks good and is in good spirits, T-cells have increased dramatically, but it like you put out one fire and another flares up.
Pat S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:28pm EDT
Jamie, you are SUCH a mistress of dialogue! I really love that, and all your concepts for the series! Sounds as if you've found yet another niche (you have so many talents!)
James R. Mar 10, 2009, 10:29pm EDT
Sia, I agree with Ken. If you don't read very much, you can't possibly know the range of possibilities and express them effectively as a novelist. I have avoided certain books in genres that seem to overlap what I'm doing in a novel, but mainly because I want to tell my own story and not be overly influenced by another writer. On the other hand, I keep reading en general because that's what I like to do, both for fun and to advance my craft.

I didn't see the top 100 list, but I have read a lot of the classics and enjoyed many of them, such as Anna Karenina and The Magic Mountain. I've read the first 200 pages or so of Ulysees, but that one is hard to stay with.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:29pm EDT
I really will be in the Galveston area in July. I'm visiting my sister who lives south of Fort Hood, and if I'm that bleepin' close to a beach, I'm there!

Congrats on the job, Dana. I'll have another chapter of Reckless done soon. The chapter I'm working on is about half done. I think you all will like this one. Especially, Viv who is constantly yelling at Jonathan for being an idiot. Poor Jonathan. :-)
Jill Lynn A. Mar 10, 2009, 10:32pm EDT
Well, about Galveston. I did do a little research tonight, and it looks like the only months available for launching from Galveston is April or December. One seems too early, and the other too late. Mind you, I didn't do a great deal of research because AI was on, and there's all the sneezing I'm doing. Does it have to be Galveston, Jamie? And, Dana, of course you can come.
Sherrie Super Mar 10, 2009, 10:32pm EDT
You know, Jamie, I think you have a real knack for that type of writing!
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:33pm EDT
She rode the bike in a skirt in Portland, Sia. At dusk. It's never warm there. And that is why she's freezing. Brian will warm her up, I'm sure.

My google ads have changed to publishing ones now. I still don't know where those Christmas ones came from.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:35pm EDT
For me Ulysees was wonderful. Now War and Peace--that one I tried and just couldn't get through it, yet I loved another he wrote. My parents and grandparents (especially them) felt that you weren't educated unless you read the classics. My paternal grandfather could quote shakespeare as well as trained stage actors. So I got lots of Book Club gifts of classics. In between, I read lots of stuff from my school library when school was in session. Then my maternal grandma got me into a book club of Nancy Drew, hardy boys, and the Bobsie Twins. In the summer I'd get desperate for something to read and read whatever was around the house, lolol!
Pat S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:36pm EDT
Keep planning that trip, Sia. And know that so MANY prayers are winging your way. Deal with your knee, and plan the trip. Keep dreaming BIG (Ken taught me that; even when "I didn't know to dream big enough").

Jill, what a grand goal! I really want to get back to Anne, but she's been stalled since November. Every time I take a step forward, seems someone is there to toss me back in the pit again. And I'm enjoying the Amazon forums. Then again, this whole concept of giant free-for-all contest is new to me. Must be a bit like the FC contests were for you. The only reason I entered Amazon was so I'd have a better understanding of what you all endured. The first cut will be on Monday, so all of you non-Amazon-entrants need to be standing by prepared with food and solace and broad shoulders. Or be prepared to deal with shameless begging for reviews, depending on the outcome!
James R. Mar 10, 2009, 10:36pm EDT
Dana S., congrats on the new position. It sounds like you're much appreciated in both the current job and the new one. Do you need to re-locate?
Sherrie Super Mar 10, 2009, 10:37pm EDT
I like your resolutions, Jill! Oddly enough, finishing two WIPs is my goal this year too. This is too weird. So now we're Google Ad Twins AND Resolution Twins. Well, this is just getting weirder by the minute. About our Amazon entries, I believe that unless we post previews, our entries won't appear unless/until we're named quarterfinalists. That's March 16, less than a week away. Yikes!
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:39pm EDT
Portland? the bike isn't the only thing with headlights, lolol! Oh man, you couldn't get me on a bike without jeans and leather. Now stationary...well, lets just say there are many things to be done on a stationary bike...

you do have a knack for this Jamie.
Trish A. Mar 10, 2009, 10:44pm EDT
I'm a reader, always have been. I remember getting my first library card and the joy of checking out books every week. I seem to go in spurts with my reading now. Sometimes when I'm deep in the middle of writing a play I don't read books. Then after I finish the first draft of the play I head to a book to unwind.
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:47pm EDT
Thanks for all the congratulatory sentiments, everyone.

James, no, I do not have to relocate. I will travel all over the country and possibly Canada from whatever home base I choose. I'm so excited, I love to travel and to teach. Now that my children are grown I have landed on the perfect career for me.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 10:48pm EDT
I'd post the bike scene, but it's very explicit and this is not a flagged thread. :-P
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:50pm EDT
Sia, dear, could you please flag this thread? I do so love Jamie's love scenes.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:52pm EDT
Okay, its cold outside.

Pat, I don't know about my knee. Today wasn't a good day for it. I would have been hurting if I had the blasted thing done, but at least I would know it was going to get better. With the warmer weather, I'm carefully walking. The flexing of the muscles helps keep charlie horses at bay. Taxi? it's a 3 1/3 hour drive to where I have to go. I can drive there, its just the getting my car and myself home. But I'm checking with my sister to see if she can take me and then Dan can come get me.
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:52pm EDT
No pressure, Jamie. Jus' sayin'.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 10:54pm EDT
Sure I can if it's agreeable to everyone, Dana.

Hey Trish, good to see you here! Books are for celebration, or if I'm sad, pretty much any time.
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:55pm EDT
Sia, my dad had his knees done this summer and in November we went hiking and digging for ginseng. The old man walked my legs off!
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 10:58pm EDT
The point I'm getting at is, if he did that well after surgery, just think how much better off someone as young as you will be!
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 11:00pm EDT
I'll just post it in an article, that way no one is offended by it. Back soon. And feel free to offer criticism. It's a first draft, after all.
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 11:01pm EDT
Oh, and Sia I hope your pet emergency wasn't too serious. We lost 2 of our sweetest girls in one year.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 11:08pm EDT
No, Dana. Rex had dug a hole. I didnt know he had. Of course the downpour filled it and he couldn't get into his house without walking in through 2 1/2 feet of water, can we say he has royal tendencies, "Rex" and wants a "moat". So it was a matter of getting some hay and laying it in the moat. He's fine and I have lots of hay, lolol!
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 11:08pm EDT
Jamie, I'm anxiously awaiting your post!
Dana S. Mar 10, 2009, 11:11pm EDT
Sia, that's too funny. I'm sure you didn't think so at the time. I'm trying to teach my Max to go get his leash when he wants to go out. He's hilarious. He goes to the leash and puts his paw on it and barks at me.
Wanda H. Mar 10, 2009, 11:12pm EDT
I really believe that one can't be a writer if one doesn't read. I doubt anyone would WANT to be a writer if they weren't a reader first. It doesn't make any sense to me.

I read all sorts of things in all kinds of genres. I find there is something to learn in almost any book I open. I do see typos but I don't find myself looking for them and mostly I just ignore them. I don't blame the writer so much. I know there are a lot of stops between the writer and the end product in my hand. I guess I'm pretty easy going with that sort of thing.

Dana, congrats on the job! I know you'll be terrific!

Jamie, I love your new work! I think you should for sure shop them around! I believe you got a best seller on your hands. Sex and Rock 'n' Roll sells, that's for sure.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 11:21pm EDT
Okay, here it is. I posted it to my Wombat Friend set only. You should all be able to access if you are so inclined. If you want to read it and can't access it, let me know. I'll need to add you to the Wombat friend(fiend) set.

Bike Scene.

And I'm not sure what is up with the tiny font. I'll try editing it again.
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 11:31pm EDT
And now the font is HUGE. Whatever....
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 11:32pm EDT
Hey, Wanda! How are you feeling these days?
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 11:33pm EDT
Dana, I'm sure once I get the stupid surgery done, I'll be fine. I'm a determined lady. About 5 years back, I fractured my back and tore up my foot to the point I couldn't walk. I spent 5 months in a wheelchair and 7 months on a cane. Was told I wouldn't be able to walk any distance one I was healed, doubtful I'd ride my horse. My reaction? The hell you say! Took me close to 6 months of walking every day, doing nothing stupid, but listening to my body, and I was up to 2 miles a day. I walked rain or shine, cold or hot and in the snow--on a track. Then I couldn't run anymore, well I could in an emergency, but I increased my speed until I was walking 2 miles in 30 minutes. I was fine until I was in a car accident a year ago February. Didn't have any insurance at the time. Didn't know what actually happened. Jarred my back and good. Lots of soft tissue bruising which takes forever to heal. Did all the exercises I learned in PT to keep flexible. Wrapped my knee when needed for support. Was healing slowly, and then hurt it again this fall. So now surgery isn't an elective, it has to be done. My goal? Get back up to walking two miles a day, and drop 40lbs I've put on this past year of not being able to move as much. *shrugging. Gimme time, I'll be back at it walking circles around everyone. lolol!
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 11:35pm EDT
Jamie, I sometimes hate posting to gather. When I posted this article, it went smooth for a change. What a shock.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Mar 10, 2009, 11:38pm EDT
Bookmark. I love to read!
Jamie C. Mar 10, 2009, 11:38pm EDT
I have no doubt you'll be back to 100% in no time, Sia. You're a feisty one! If you lived closer I'd drive you. And you and your brother really do need to go on that trip. It will be a great experience for both of you. I'm glad to hear Roland's T-count is going back up. A very good sign that his body hasn't given up yet.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 10, 2009, 11:46pm EDT
A wonderful sign, considering where they were in September. The trip depends upon his health and his finances. He's still waiting on SS disability. Feisty? Yah, I am. I apply it to my writing too, although, like you, Sherrie, Jill, and others, I have a few things stalled. I know how to set goals and work to achieve them. This blog has been a big boost to my morale.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 11, 2009, 12:00am EDT
Nice job Jamie! Smokin'. Good characters.
Jamie C. Mar 11, 2009, 12:13am EDT
Thanks for the feedback, Sia. It's past my bedtime. Nighty night, 'bats!
Beth H. Mar 11, 2009, 12:15am EDT
How could you write if you didn't read? You'd have no sense of rhythm or pacing. You wouldn't know how to write dialogue, wouldn't even know how to craft a paragraph. You wouldn't know conventions and shortcuts and how to reveal a plot. You wouldn't know to create hooks or how to provide just enough information without giving away everything.

Thinking you could write without being a reader strikes me as stupidly arrogant.

Uh... I love to read.
Pat Bertram Mar 11, 2009, 12:15am EDT
By reading, you can learn what's marketable, but for me, it worked the opposite. I've read so many thousands of books, that I cannot bear to read another "marketable" book. So mine stray off the genre path. No wonder it took so long to find a publisher.
~Sia McKye~ Mar 11, 2009, 12:16am EDT
Yah, me too. Don't trash the joint. Oh wait, this is Tuesday, not Friday. lolol!

Anyway, good dreams. Read Jamie's story excerpt and you're guaranteed good ones...lolol!
Pat Bertram Mar 11, 2009, 12:19am EDT
On the other hand, all those books in my head have given me a template for storytelling. Makes it easier to find the flow of the story. I can feel it.
Dana S. Mar 11, 2009, 12:48am EDT
My god, Sia, you've endured and conquered a lot. Your determination and positive attitude are admirable.
Wanda H. Mar 11, 2009, 3:09am EDT
Just read Jamie's excerpt! It's great. What a fun pair of characters and all that hot action on a bike, whew!

I'm feeling great (in answer to Jamie's question). Shoulder is all better, cold is gone and my weight loss is continuing steadily. I am at 46 pound as of yesterday. My main activity right now is going through the first set of 'fat' clothes and getting rid of them. I am in what I call zippy pants for the first time in about 4 years. I wore elastic waisted jeans and hated them! I am so glad to be back in my regular jeans with front and back pockets! LOL

I'm not keeping any clothes I have shrunk out of, no more 'in case' clothes. My health is good, I'm taking all my vitamins on schedule... I am being such a good girl!

Sia, you ARE fiesty! I'm sending hurry up and get the surgery thoughts to ya... you'll feel so much better with it all fixed up. I can understand about wanting to get back out walking. I've been so long unable to walk far that it's a treat to just walk easily to the mail box and back. I'm starting to take longer walks now and it's wonderful!

Now if I can find that inner something that I've been lacking so I can get back to writing. I keep starting and just fading away. My muse or inspiration or whatever has dried up. I feel like perhaps I'm spending all my creative energy on this weight loss and change of my life. I certainly hope so.
William Dotani Mar 11, 2009, 3:31am EDT
I am a writer and a teacher and of course a reader. I love reading what Gather friends write and also reading comments. I'm like a junkie looking for ideas and they are there for my own twisted and creative originality. Thankfully I like positive things and a roast beef sandwich. Yes, the roast beef filled with harmones and all kinds of drugs, so that I'm getting high just from eating food approved by watchdogs eating peanut butter sandwiches.
Jamie C. Mar 11, 2009, 7:18am EDT
Good morning.

No more caffiene for me at night EVER again. I do so love sweetened iced tea with my dinner, but it keeps me in that semi-awake state all night. I don't feel like I slept at all. Water with dinner from now on. It's better for me anyway (but doesn't taste as good).

46 pounds! Wanda that is AWESOME! I'm so proud of you. I'll be using you as inspiration for my own battle of the bulges. (yes, that's plural)

Thanks for all the positive reinforcement on my new erotica writing hobby. :-)
Jamie C. Mar 11, 2009, 7:21am EDT
And I know they make decaffinted tea, but it tastes funny to me. Maybe it's all in my head.
Judi F. Mar 11, 2009, 8:06am EDT
g'day, bats!
simon g. Mar 11, 2009, 8:37am EDT
Who could not be impressed by our Jamie. She is writing a biochemistry lab manual, a young adult romance with an incredible teenage voice, a medical mystery, a couple of Sci Fi books, a few more that I have heard about, and now it turns out she can write erotica that is actually, really erotic. Phew. Rock on girl!
simon g. Mar 11, 2009, 8:37am EDT
Dana S.

Congratulations on the new job. It is a great feeling to be wanted, isnt it?
John Philipp Mar 11, 2009, 8:38am EDT
Way to go, Wanda!! Woo-hoo!!

Hi, William. Good to see you here.
simon g. Mar 11, 2009, 8:41am EDT
One more for my mini Dana, before I get to work. In answer to Sia's article.
Unlike so many of you, I am always strongly influenced by what I read. After reading three or four Ivanovich books, I started trying to write a similar one, but from a male POV, which turned into A Pound of Cure (Still working on it, now and then). This doenst mean I dont have my own voice. I do. Im just highly susceptible to... well, everything.
simon g. Mar 11, 2009, 8:44am EDT
Hi John. Speaking of which, whenever I read John's articles I want to write humor. Sometimes I will try in a comment to one of John's posts. So I guess you could ask what happens when I read Jamie's erotica. Go ahead, ask.
Judi F. Mar 11, 2009, 8:46am EDT
ok, what happens, Sy?
~Sia McKye~ Mar 11, 2009, 9:06am EDT
Sy wants to read more of it?

Wanda, 46 lbs is GREAT! And the success of doing that makes you want to continue. Right now, I'd say you have lots of things that you have to think about and do. Once you get all that taken care of, you and your muse will be working with cleared decks. :-)

Morning Judi! The house is empty again. So how's Logan and Angel coming along? Oh guess what? Stephanie will be doing OVER COFFEE with me May 6th, isn't that cool?
~Sia McKye~ Mar 11, 2009, 9:11am EDT
Speaking of the morale building OVER COFFEE, my guest today is Christie Kelley from Zebra Books. She wrote her latest contracted book in Coffee Shops because her house was being renovated at the time. She talks about the challenges of doing that today.

Writing Amid Chaos and Coffee Shops
Jamie C. Mar 11, 2009, 9:25am EDT
Yeah, Sy, what happens....?
Jamie C. Mar 11, 2009, 9:28am EDT
Despite my sleep deprivation, I'm in a GREAT mood again. I really do love my phototherapy lamp. I want to marry it. Are there laws against marrying inanimate objects?