Okay, here’s the poop!
Stop smirking, you know what I mean.
Way back in early, early days, works were literary; we still read many of them today. Or are forced to by the college freshman reading list.
Literary evolution, with time offering particular constraints, brought about genre fiction. A good read, but to the point and on topic. Thanks genre fiction.
Today, in most families, both parents work. Sometimes more than one job each. So where is the time to read ANY book, let alone literary?
Is it on its way out? Are there still die-hard fans?
Can most folks even squeeze in the genre fiction?
What is the answer you ask?
I don’t have a clue. It’s all up to the reader. How often he’s willing to pull himself away from the TV to enjoy a good read. How about the tub reader who enjoys her book all at one sitting, er, soaking? Does she exist in today’s rushed lifestyle?
There are no excuses. If you can’t finish an entire book, how about a short story?
Again you asked, “Where can I find them?”
I’m glad you asked.
Written World Communication has launched a new magazine, Splickety, with editor, Ben Erlichman. This new mag is devoted to short stories, so short, they lend themselves to one sitting in the reading room.
I love the idea for this and wish them the very best in this newest venture. If anyone’s interested, I think Ben might still be looking for a few good submissions. You can contact him at: splickety.wwc@gmail.com.
Out of curiousity, how important to you is finding time to read?
4 comments:
Reading time tends to be fairly low on the priority list with me. It isn't that I wouldn't like to have time to escape into a story, but there's always something that needs to be done and the sooner the better. For me, short stories don't help. If I've got time to read a short story, I've probably got time to read a book.
Thanks for the info, Linda. Here's my vote for turning off the TV!
I ALWAYS make time to read. I read at breakfast and lunch (which I eat alone), I read when I'm waiting for anything, I read in the evening while kids do homework and hubby practices music, I read in the bath, which is a nearly-nightly ritual with me. I've never been particularly fond of short stories; I prefer novels, the longer and more literary the better. And I manage to get through one or two a week. While writing daily, working a day job, carpooling long distances for two high-school kids, and being active in my church. If you are a genuinely dedicated reader—which in my opinion all writers must be—you can always find time to read. If you truly can't, something has to go. In my case, it's housework and all beyond-minimal cooking. :)
How important to me is reading? While on vacation this past week and busy, busy, busy with Mom and my sisters, I managed to read two novels -- JUST TAKE MY HEART by Mary Higgins Clark and THE HELP. Also nearly finished HIDDEN IN THE EVERGLADES by Margaret Daley.
The truth is, I don't go anywhere without a novel. Hey, life has lots of dead spots -- waiting for a scheduled appointment, eating at a restaurant, time-outs at a ballgame, wherever. I love filling in those boring minutes by reading an exciting novel.
But my favorite trick is reading during TV commercials. Yup, it's amazing how much reading anyone can get in while commercials interrupt a movie, football game, whatever.
Reading is one of life's great pleasures. No matter how busy my day turns out, I find some time to read.
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