| Irony: “An outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.” - www.dictionary.com |
Ironic indeed! I didn’t expect to burn out when I did, but that’s exactly what happened. Christian Women Online Magazine was going so well, I was working on this website, and I was monitoring the world’s largest blogroll. I had also started a book project with actress Candace Cameron Bure (Full House). Just when things were right where I wanted them to be career wise, I got to the point where I couldn’t even look at the internet without feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. Work had consumed every minute of my thought life, and I needed time out. 
While I was away, I was doing the best thing I could as far as writing is concerned. It’s the most relaxing activity I could find, and a healthy one for my mind--I was reading.
It got to the point where my husband joked that I was rotting my brain. I have purchased enough books over the past two years to stock a small library, and then some. While I was relaxing, my brain was filing away information on grammar, punctuation and sentence rhythm. It’s for this reason that I highly recommend reading for all writers. If you have writer’s block or you’re just not in the mood to put pen to paper today, grab a book on any subject and start reading.
| Reading is as important as writing since it opens our ears to hear other voices. We each have a writing voice, and that voice is shaped over time by the bits and pieces we glean. |
When I got the nod from B&H Publishing to start writing the book, I noticed that my voice had improved incredibly over time. It wasn’t due to the fact that I had been writing, but rather that I had been reading so much.
With that said, I’m happy to report that I’m refreshed and ready to take on the world. I’ve stepped down from the position of editor at CWO. I’ve also wrapped up my book project with actress Candace Cameron Bure, which is expected on shelves in the Fall of 2010. My intention is to focus in this little corner of the web, where I hope to give and to glean with the friends that I meet.
Let’s have some fun, and let creativity soar!
3 comments:
I missed you greatly, me dear friend. We do need a brake here and there. And I totally agree with you on reading...that is where I learned most of my English. Although I still need to work on my grammar, I much better in understanding the English language (girl, I am glad for spell-check too - lol).
At any rate - welcome back to the web.
Love & peace,
Iris
Iris, I'm so glad to be back too. I'm excited about reconnecting with you and some of the other bloggers I miss so much. And FYI, I think I have learned more spelling through spell check than I ever did through school. It's awesome!
this is inspiring and a good advice. I also have issues on writer's block and it is actually frustrating. It does help to once again hear what others have to say (or write) rather than always speaking (or writing) your mind.
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