Reading Feeds the Soul by Eleni Konstantine
For the last year, I had been part of conference committee and I also began studying. So much of my spare time was tied up with those activities that I noticed that my reading had gone downhill. My current reads are at 25 for 2012 whereas in 2011 I had read 74 books. That’s quite a difference. Please check out my reading list at Eleni’s Library.
The other thing I noticed was I felt down that I couldn’t get more reading done. Gone were the days when I used to read all night. With chronic fatigue syndrome, if I’m tired, I can’t read past a few pages.
That is very sad. Don’t you think?
I’m of the belief that reading feeds the soul, especially the writer’s soul. Nothing is like escaping into a book, reading about events and characters as if it were happening right in front of you. And when that isn’t happening - it’s like losing a piece of yourself.
I was finding that my own writing and creativity suffered because of this. I couldn’t really get settled into my work. Editing was fine (thank goodness because I had releases to work on), but writing something new felt stifled. No new idea grabbed hold or felt right.
However for the first time in months, I wrote something new the other day. It’s different, and still forming, but I like the basic idea.
Why the change?
Conference is over for 2012, I dropped a couple of subjects at school and I’ve started reading more again. In the last month, I have read six stories. Not all of them were novel length, but it’s still more reading than I’ve done for ages. I feel so much better for it.
My muse is rubbing her hands together and saying, “Yes, we can work on this and this, and that. Oh, and this one as well.”
It’s a good feeling to have choices for writing after a year where it really didn’t seem to.
How about you - does reading feed your soul?
~Eleni
Mastering a unique power was much safer for Zeta Kosmos with a mentor to help her along. Now that he’s disappeared, Zeta must continue alone with her calling—closing Gateways to Hell.
Daniel Richards is in the family business—Warding supernatural evil from causing havoc on humans. As such, he’s only interested in the safety of one-night stands. Until Zeta. This bad boy now wants a long, lasting relationship.
But Zeta can’t let go of her past, nor can she ignore the secret demonic threats against Daniel’s life. She’d rather fight demonic spawn and be dragged into Hell than allow anything happen to him. Can Daniel convince her to stay? Will she have to pay the ultimate price?
To read an excerpt from Gateway to Hell, please click HERE.
Eleni Konstantine is Fantasy and Paranormal fiction writer, with a number of shorts published. Her stories range from flash fiction to novels. She blames her mother for her writing bug because as a child she was given many books, including illustrated fairytales. That and a love of Greek mythology, and Eleni was destined to become a writer.
Eleni lives in Adelaide, Australia, with her family and feisty American Staffy.
Learn more about Eleni Konstantine on her website and blog.
Thanks for hosting me, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteHi Eleni,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more - reading soothes my soul, feeds my Muse and let's me escape to exciting worlds. It's a magical hobby and I'm glad you've found time to indulge again.
Cath
Anytime, Eleni! You do so much to support your fellow authors! Cheers and best wishes for a spectacular publishing career, you certainly deserve it!
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad Eleni, I can't read more than a chapter without drowzing out, even if the book is very interesting. Maybe with me it's old age. LOL I hear it's warm down under. We're freezing over here!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Gateway to Hell Eleni. I usually fall asleep with my kindle on my nose. :)
ReplyDeleteThis resonates with me. Work is always time demanding, and so are the kids, and the husband, and the critters. So, my choice was write or read. This made for a sad Nancy. * Sniff Sniff * But then I discovered audio books. While it's not the same as holding a boook in my hands, I've managed to pick up two to three hours (yes, I'm in the car far too much) reading time a day.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Gateway!
I understand the lack of reading time due to writing and other things too! It is so refreshing though when I do make the time to read. I basically just devote the few days it will take to reading it until it's finished and then go back to writing or whatever. Reading great writing often helps give me inspiration too if I get stuck or lose motivation. :)
ReplyDelete