Let me start off by saying that if you are seeing this post, it is a technological miracle. That’s the kind of year I’ve been having so far. Still, I’m blessed.
Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Optional Monthly Question: Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
I try to make a point to read from the genres I want to write so I know what is expected. When it comes to reading purely for pleasure, I mostly stick with the speculative genres though I’m enjoying romantic suspense and cozy mystery at the moment. I also tend to be drawn to historical books, fiction, and nonfiction. Still, I like to challenge myself with reading. That’s one reason why I love being part of the IWSG Book Club. I’ve read so many books with them that I never would have picked up on my own.
It tickles me that this is the question for this month when the video I have to share below touches on the same question. What a coincidence!
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IWSG BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS
Our March/April/May reads are…
The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel is our fiction selection that offers a great use and example of description.
Deep Point of View (Busy Writer’s Guides Book 9) by Marcy Kennedy is our writing craft book with a focus on deep POV view.
Discussion Day for both books will be May 26, 2021!
You can still JOIN US for our current discussions on Ghost Light and Preparing to Write Settings that Feel Like Characters.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
Reading and writing is going well, not as well as I’d like, but I’ve written more in the last month than I think I did all last year. So, that’s something. Not sure if any publishing is in the works, but I can be hopeful. I hope to have my February book reviews to share next week. Perhaps, next month, I’ll have a WIP update worth sharing. I’m so excited about what I’m working on, just not sure I’m ready to share any of it.
I’m launching a Google Drive video tutorial soon for my Patreon patrons, but I will post it publicly for free, giving my patrons some special features.
I’ll be participating in LitCon this weekend (check out my virtual booth here) and created a tag video to kick things off. I tagged three author-tubers in the video, but hope they know not to feel any pressure to participate. I tagged Tyrean Martinson, Chrys Fey, and A. F. Stewart. If you have 5-minutes to spare, please give the video a watch.
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What, as a writer, do you like to read?
Read any good books lately?
How’s your writing going?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen,
Jacqui Murray,
Chemist Ken,
Victoria Marie Lees,
Natalie Aguirre, and
JQ Rose!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #37).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter
25 replies on “#IWSG March 2021: Do you read what you write?”
Hi,
I’m a member of the book club but whenever it comes around, there’s something else that steals the time. But I love to read.
Wishing you the best with your projects.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I get that. Sometimes I can’t start something else until I finish what I’m into, book club or not.
Good luck with LitCon! Glad you are part of the IWSG Goodreads club and it’s making you stretch as a reader.
Thanks, Alex. It’s been the best book club expereince I’ve ever had.
Ah, technology…it can be so frustrating at times. But I can see your post so everything worked out 🙂
I’m going to check out the deep point of view book. That’s something I’d like to work on craft-wise.
I’ve read one other book on Deep POV. I’m looking forward to see if this one helps or hurts what I already know.
LOL Every time I post, it’s a technological miracle, so I totally understand. Enjoy the LitCon!
Before 2021, I felt like I had technical issues far and few between, but now it’s been something different every week.
Brave new world. jumping into video. I’ll watch it later tonight. I tend to read detective novels although I write romance. I read absolutely no romance unless I’m reviewing one of our romance groups novels. Every time I start a novel, I am convinced it will be an adventure mystery. It always turns out a clean romance (no sex) with a dog or cat as a major character. go figure.
I like trying new things. I find that some things work out really well while it’s good to learn what one doesn’t care for.
Nice video!
Thanks for watching it.
That’s good to hear this year is a much better writing year for you. (Probably for most writers.)
Yes, I hope writing is going better for everyone. I also hope it leads to something down the road.
A technological miracle occurs every time I post! I love your video – I’m in awe of anyone who has mastered that technological ability. I miss going to writers’ conventions – there was always so much positive energy at those gatherings. Someday again, perhaps.
I read widely, fiction and non-fiction. Thanks for reminding me about the IWSG book club – I think I’m at a place where I could participate and enjoy it.
I do hope you give the book club a try. It’s been a great experience for me.
Thanks for watching my video. It was fun to put together.
Good luck with LitCon! Glad you’re excited about what you’re writing. That’s a great feeling.
It is a great feeling to be excited about what you’re writing. Sometimes we writers lose our excitement, but it’s so precious when it returns.
Toi, where you say you read genres to ‘improve’ (my ‘ ‘s 🙂 ) your writing I started reading after read a genre and deciding I could do as well. Yeah, hubris. 🙂
Good luck with litcon. I’m part of the book club and read the books, mostly. I sometimes write my opinion on the goodreads website. Happy IWSG day and looking forward to your book post.
And its more than just the type of writing isn’t it? The cover has to fit the genre, too. I hadn’t thought of it until my cover designer mentioned it. Then, it was obvious!
That was something I pondered when selecting book covers for my books, making sure they fit the genre. So many elements to consider when reading and writing!
I read books in the genre I write but also expand my search into other genres. I have a ecletic collection of books in my personal library and on my kindle. I just love to read a variety 😀
Good idea to read in genres you’d like to write in. It really helps. My book group challenges me to read outside my comfort zone. Reading helps me escape the crappy year we’ve been through.
Time, it’s always about time, Toi! Good for you being a part of a book club. I have trouble reading outside my comfort zone sometimes. And I find it difficult to read more than one book at a time. Good post, Toi! Enjoy your weekend!