ANOTHER WINTER NOT SHREDDING BUT READING.

“Writing is not thinking written down after all of the thinking is completed. Writing is thinking.” – Donald M. Murray

If you’ve been following my blog, then you know that I figured this would be a great place to list all of the books that I read from 2013 to the present, I have broken these into multiple posts six months apart, and I’ve discovered that I read an average of 35 books a year. About 3 per week, followed by a week off without reading, digestion, and reflection period.

I’ve read many essays and books on grammar, writing, and writing instruction lately. I spent four months teaching teen writing recently, and I’m glad the librarian who asked me wouldn’t take no for an answer. I tried to pawn off every Portsmouth Writers’ Salon member for the job on her, but she insisted it had to be me.

When I finally agreed and asked why it had to be me, I had never published one work of fiction.

As a working writer, I’ve had a few bylines in magazines, newspapers, and blog posts. However, I’ve mostly done digital marketing copywriting, including email campaigns, digital newsletters, press releases, publicity pieces, social media content, copy, and management.

Her answer surprised me, “You are young and close to them in age. You skateboard, you are cool, and they will relate to you.”

I guess I couldn’t argue with that, and viola, I was now teaching teenagers.

Without further ado, in order of oldest to most recently read:

Can’t and Won’t by Lydia Davis

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan

Joyland by Stephen King

A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

Gwynne’s Grammar by N.M. Gwynne

The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White (1959 edition)

The Gotham Writers’ Workshop Writing Fiction by Gotham Writers’ Workshop Faculty

Eats, Shoots, & Leaves by Lynne Truss

A Guide to Writers Homes in New England by Miriam Levine