Now that life has gone back to normal, (my mom and brother are back home safely. They had a wonderful European tour!) I can return to my regularly scheduled life. This means copious cups of tea, studying the art techniques of masters (aka my favorite artists), and reading like crazy. The first week of autumn has hit and so have the rainy days.
I’ve been posting a lot about reading because I’ve got Nanowrimo coming again this year. While I know I’m writing for myself, I want to improve on my technique and storytelling. While I feel accomplished as a amature writer, I still know I can improve on my voice. I always want to improve my voice.
So allow me to share with you my Autumn reading list!
For fun
Reading for fun is something I’ve always enjoyed. I’m thankful that Sander loves it too! After dinner he likes to curl up on the couch for hours. My reading time is in bed after the lights go out. It’s a quiet and dark time, one where I can focus on the words and imagery on the page. It’s becoming harder for me to sit down and read during the day so I’ll be enjoying these titles late at night!
The Institute by Stephen King
I’m about 20% done with this book and I’m having a good time so far. It’s supposed to be a great story of children confronting evil. I don’t read a lot of adult books, and it’s been forever since I read horror. Needless to say I’m excited every time I can settle down to read.
Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel by A.W. Jantha
I’ve been waiting all year for this one! I love Hocus Pocus and this is supposed to be a follow up to that movie. I don’t think there will ever be a movie version to continue the original story but I have this!
Jackaby by William Ritter
This series is supposed to be a mixture of Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes. I love both franchises so I can’t wait until I can start on this first of 4 books.
Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures by Walter Moers
My brother brought me this book from my collection in CA. I was so excited to get it back. I’ve been waiting forever to read it! I had a friend recommend it to me years ago and I hope this is the season to pick it up!
Legendary and Finale by Stephanie Garber
I enjoyed the first book in this series and I feel like it’s finally time to finish it. I’m pretty sure I read the first one early last year but I remember it quite well. It also makes me want to pick up The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. We read that one years ago in our book club and I loved it so much!
For research
These are from my Autumn Reading list that are for research purposes. I’d like to finish them all before November! I hope I can get them all done, I know it’s a lot to get through but I have hope!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
I read this in college but I’m excited to pick it up again for a good refresher. I enjoyed it back then and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it now.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
I haven’t read this one but I’m excited to dive into it. I heard about it online and it’s supposed to be good!
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book has been talked about a lot on the creative accounts that I follow. I’m hoping that it will help me get over my creative fears and see a new light at the end of the tunnel.
Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques by James Hynes
I don’t know anything about this book but I heard about it on Reddit. I enjoy going into books with no previous knowledge because I have no expectations and I can keep an open mind.
Something from Neil Gaiman
If there’s one author I would love to be more like, it would be Mr. Gaiman. His method of storytelling and his command of language moves me to my core. There are few authors that can hold my love but he is one of them. I’m not sure which of his books I want to read and study before November but I’ll figure it out eventually. I’ve got most of his books on my bookshelf now so I have a lot to choose from!
So ask you can see, my Autumn Reading is quite full. It’s going to take some serious dedication to finish everything and I know I’ll need to make a priorities list!
No Comments