When 2018 began, I created for myself an aggressive book reading plan of three to four books per month, which would mean, if followed, I would read completely 36 to 48 books by year's end. The goal was not met; in fact, I didn't come close to the lower amount, and even half of that lower amount. I often wonder how people can read 100+ books a year, a supreme effort I applaud. In fact, a friend of mine reads 350 to 400 per year! I wouldn't think of or consider that number, nor half of it, or even 100. So, as 2019 was fast approaching and I knew that, for me, I both wanted and needed to read more, I set the bar at two to three books per month, which over the course of the year would be 24 to 36 books. Somewhat aggressive for me still, but something that if I planned well could be accomplished. As January comes to a close, I am finishing a second book for the month, and on Thursday evening headed to Montclair State University's Sprague Library, checking out and taking home with me two offerings to meet my February quota. The smaller amount has fostered in me a feeling of accomplishment: I'm getting it done, and I'm enjoying the reading more. Pictured below on the left is the book I'm finishing up, and the books in the middle and right are my February "victims." The reading plan, or the fact that early on it has been a small win, has also lent itself to my freelance writing life. With a deluge - yes, you read that right - of assignments, reading more has encouraged getting more done, a more positive work effort. Not that the effort wasn't there, it's just that it's been strengthened by a self-used maxim: "Someone wrote this, and they finished it. As a professional writer, I'm going to do and I am doing the same thing. I contribute to a reader's world."
Then, at the end of my writing day, I'm anxious to bear down on my reading, my writing fueling the experience. It's nice how that works. I hope to report back next December that I am on target with my reading goal. I also realize that things happen that blitz or curtail even the best plans, but having an initiative set down and working it gives me an extra, positive outlook that has (currently) made both my reading and writing exciting. Steve
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There are times when, my life being overly busy and sometimes discouraging, I seek an escape that avoids the mirror of my every day writing life. Please don't misunderstand. I love what I do for, but occasionally needed is a trek that more than trounces the daily trip of 10 yards to the corner bird feeder, that a reprieve in itself. I had just twice before been to Island Beach State Park; once with my wife and daughter, the other walking the ocean and bay side with a naturalist. This time, on a blue sky, 45 degree December day, my wife and daughter were with me again, over 20 years separating our last "voyage" here together, Crystal doesn't match the beauty of this serene 9-mile piece of calm. Everywhere we looked there was something to be learned, something to be studied, something to be met, but most of all, something - whether it be a blade of grass, errant driftwood, or grain of sand - to be indulged in and thanked for its peace.
Lucille, Stefanie and I did our twice-weekly prayers and scripture readings as the sun started to set over Island Beach State Park, it the idyllic setting for such a task. Saying our final "Amen" was appropriate. On Island Beach State Park, the sand is whiter in color, the air clearer, the view - no matter what you're looking at - more splendid.
Yes, a true escape. Steve |
Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
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