C.S. Lewis once wrote a short essay, the essence of which was "Read Old Books". Read the older books at least half the time, because it is the old books that have survived through the ages because of their clarity and wisdom. Recently, I read the unabridged "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe, which dates from the 1600's. Much better and deeper than the simple adventure story I had read as a child - full of philosophical musings. Of course, if you'd like to read some of my substack, I'd be honored. brianboley.substack.com
Just finished reading Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt. Before that, Miriam by Tricia Goyer. Both of those had impactful take aways for readers. Before that, other books from the pile that made me think again about the creative part of writing. We see that there's the * how * we weite (prose) and the * what * we write (our message for readers). In between all the reading, last week I wrote 3 blog posts ahead to post this month. Today, 4 pages (which is fast for me) on current historical fiction WIP. Both writing endeavors prove that yes, writing cannot happen without reading.
C.S. Lewis once wrote a short essay, the essence of which was "Read Old Books". Read the older books at least half the time, because it is the old books that have survived through the ages because of their clarity and wisdom. Recently, I read the unabridged "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe, which dates from the 1600's. Much better and deeper than the simple adventure story I had read as a child - full of philosophical musings. Of course, if you'd like to read some of my substack, I'd be honored. brianboley.substack.com
Brian, I'm a huge C.S. Lewis fan, but i don't think I've read that essay. I'm going to seek it out. Thanks for your comment!
Just finished reading Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt. Before that, Miriam by Tricia Goyer. Both of those had impactful take aways for readers. Before that, other books from the pile that made me think again about the creative part of writing. We see that there's the * how * we weite (prose) and the * what * we write (our message for readers). In between all the reading, last week I wrote 3 blog posts ahead to post this month. Today, 4 pages (which is fast for me) on current historical fiction WIP. Both writing endeavors prove that yes, writing cannot happen without reading.
Sounds like you're being very productive, Tracie! Thanks for the recommendations. I love Tricia Goyer. Thanks for joining the conversation!
I’ve enjoyed some great reads this summer:
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kip, by Sara Brunsvold
The All American, by Susie Finkbeiner
The Story of With, by Allen Arnold
The Eden Option, also by Arnold
Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport
Thanks for the recommendations, Karen! I will look to all of those.
You’re welcome, Keri. Enjoy.
I found it as the forward to Athenasius on the Trinity.