The past week has given me opportunity to delve a bit deeper into the writing side of reading. Put another way, as much as I enjoy the unfolding of plots, characters and ideas that reading provide, I am equally interested in the process of putting together ideas and characters in a way that holds the interest of the reader.
My benevolent dictator is, rather uncharacteristically I might add, actively encouraging me to dig beneath the surface and cultivate my natural talent for putting thoughts to paper. It is equal parts humbling, touching, and laughable to me, his belief that I might actually have what it takes to receive remuneration for my efforts. And so…I have spent less time reading politics and issues of late and more reading about what it takes to be more than a hobby writer.
In addition, and this is why homeschooling in community is a great thing, I was blessed with a writing curriculum for our upcoming school year which can only serve as a reminder to me along the way of details about the mechanics of writing I most certainly have forgotten. So, to the links and things:
I didn’t discover The Quintessential Editor. He in fact, stumbled into my path as a new follower of this blog. After reading a few pieces of his, I am fascinated by his writing journey; so much that I am happy to send the few bibliophiles who follow me over to his little spot on the web.
A friend recently shared this link to a 2014 article written by Anthony Esolen. Are there any homeschoolers who haven’t read his book?
Booky McBookerson left this one here when I first started this little blog, but for those who missed it the first time, it is worth repeating: The Long Winter and Reading’s Reward.
John Hope Writing is a great site. He not only features his work, but includes educational resources for instilling a love of reading into children. You’ll hear more from me about this author’s work. Not only is a he a good writer, but it was he who encouraged my benevolent dictator to encourage me to get serious and write.
Please, feel free to include any additional links worth a look in the comments.
Well I haven’t read that book, but looking at the sample on Amazon I’m betting I could have written it myself if I wasn’t so lazy and had more of an imagination. 😛 Perhaps I will get a copy for myself.
Excellent article Anthony Esolen too. Thanks for sharing it!
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It is certainly a book you would appreciate. Of course you know most of what’s in it. I actually learned a few things from it. Maybe I should say a 💡 came on a few times
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Sometimes there’s some small (but maybe not small) aspect you wouldn’t have thought of and even if not, it’s nice to have some confirmation from various sources that it’s not “just you” that thinks these things. Also it’s just nice to read something eloquently expressed, and I like his style from the little bit I read. Never heard of him before that I know of!
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Good for you!
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Elspeth: This post inspired me to finally finish and publish an essay I’ve been working on for months. If you have time and interest, I’d like to hear your opinion (and any of your readers who are so inclined) on my topic, one which you’ve touched on here in relationship to choosing books. I’m honestly not trying to drive traffic; you and Booky are two people whose opinions I value, so I’m soliciting your opinions 🙂
https://haideemetea.wordpress.com/2016/07/30/good-is-not-the-same-as-like/
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“benevolent dictator” love it!!
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I went through this list and a few others like it of writing accounts to follow on Twitter. http://bit.ly/1HPJAU8 Some of it is good stuff 🙂
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Thanks for the links!
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