{"id":27711,"date":"2023-11-03T03:00:07","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T10:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/?p=27711"},"modified":"2023-10-31T10:48:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T17:48:23","slug":"reading-to-write-by-catharine-bramkamp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/2023\/11\/03\/reading-to-write-by-catharine-bramkamp\/","title":{"rendered":"Reading to Write by Catharine Bramkamp"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Reading<\/a>Let\u2019s welcome back monthly columnist Catharine Bramkamp<\/a> as she shares with us \u201cReading to Write.\u201d Enjoy!<\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Writers read,<\/strong> it\u2019s the gateway activity for all writers. Nothing drives an author to drink than a rap star bragging he or she is writing a book but can\u2019t be bothered to read one.<\/p>\n

Not you, you assure me, I read 100 books a year. Excellent! But so what?\u00a0 Racking up the titles is one thing, enjoying them is another thing but there is a third thing: use the books you read to contribute to the books you write.<\/p>\n

The Mini-MFA Program<\/h2>\n

How?<\/p>\n

Start a book journal.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was inspired to keep a book journal after reading a blog suggesting we make a collage along with notes expressing our reaction to books like Lessons in Chemistry <\/i>or The Goldfinch<\/i>.<\/p>\n

I modified this idea and simply began writing a couple of sentences about each book I read.<\/p>\n

Since 2017,<\/strong> I\u2019ve been recording the books I read to keep track and to prevent purchasing a book I\u2019ve already read which is a hazard of frequenting used book stores and Friends of the Library sales (I\u2019m a donor as well).<\/p>\n

Besides having everything to do with writing, creating a list along with a short journal on your read books can serve as mini-MFA program without the lectures or assignments.<\/p>\n

All you need to do is pay attention.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What to write?<\/p>\n

Entries From A Reading Journal<\/h2>\n

Here are a couple of my unedited notes from this year\u2019s reads – so far –<\/p>\n

Checkout 19- Claire-Louise Bennett<\/b><\/p>\n

I bought this at the book fair in Berkeley, thinking it would be a new take and book on the Irish imagination.<\/p>\n

It was interesting, but nothing I could really get into. I had better luck with Ulysses. But the author won awards for her work. I will move it along.<\/p>\n

A Rule Against Murder – Louise Penny<\/b><\/p>\n

I had read it before, but all I remember is the bathroom wall scribble that damaged the reputation of the Daughter who is murdered by a falling statue. The rest was a pleasure to read even if apparently I was reading it again.<\/p>\n

Midnight\u2019s Children – Salman Rushdie<\/b>.<\/p>\n

I admit I did not dive in and read every word, because I just wanted to have read the book.<\/p>\n

But the language is wonderful, very rich and evocative, and the density of the thoughts and experiences in the book reflect India, the dense, rich, overwhelming life of it.<\/p>\n

So yes, it\u2019s good and I\u2019m glad to have read it. I finished it Monday night, March<\/p>\n

Albion – Peter Ackroyd\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Found at Strand in NYC and read while still in New York.<\/p>\n

Dense, many essays attributing anything in England as a creative influence. So interesting, but not conclusive. Am glad I read it. Hardcover and heavy which shows how insane about books I am.<\/p>\n

Those are indulgent and quick notes on the books.\u00a0<\/strong> How can this idea be elevated to that MFA level, so the notes actually help you achieve your writing goals?<\/p>\n

Create a handy list of questions to ask of each book:<\/p>\n