The Importance of Reading
Stephen King famously said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” Reading fuels our creativity, exposes us to different styles and perspectives, and keeps our passion for storytelling alive. But finding the time to read can be tough amidst all the demands on our time. Here’s how I manage it:
- Set a Reading Schedule: Just as you schedule your writing time, carve out dedicated reading time. It could be 20 minutes before bed, during your lunch break, or on your morning commute.
- Carry a Book Everywhere: Whether it’s a physical book or an e-reader, having a book on hand means you can sneak in reading time whenever a moment presents itself.
Writing Your Own Story
Toni Morrison’s words resonate deeply: “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Writing is our chance to bring our unique stories into the world. It’s important to protect this creative time fiercely. Here’s what works for me:
- Prioritize Your Writing: Set specific, achievable writing goals. Whether it’s a daily word count or a set writing time, consistency is key.
- Create a Writing Space: Having a dedicated space for writing, free from distractions, helps signal to your brain that it’s time to write.
Promoting Your Work
Book promotion is another essential, albeit time-consuming, part of a writer’s life. Malcolm Gladwell reminds us, “There is a simple way to package information that, under the right circumstances, can make it irresistible. All you have to do is find it.” Effective promotion means finding the right way to share your work with the world.
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to connect with your audience, share your writing journey, and promote your work.
- Engage with Your Community: Attend literary events, participate in online forums, and collaborate with other writers. Building relationships can significantly boost your visibility.
Balancing It All
Balancing reading, writing, promoting, and life can be daunting, but it’s essential for our growth and success as writers. Here’s how to keep it all in harmony:
- Be Kind to Yourself: Understand that some days will be better than others. It’s okay to have off days as long as you keep moving forward.
- Integrate Your Passions: Find ways to combine activities. Listen to audiobooks while exercising, brainstorm plot ideas during commutes, or use social media breaks to promote your work.
Remember, each aspect of our writing life feeds into the other. Reading enriches our writing, promoting connects us with readers, and balancing it all helps maintain our sanity. With the right strategies, you can find harmony, balance, and become an expert juggler.
Brentom Jackson is an award winning poet/writer, actor and psychotherapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise Brentom tells stories that explore the universal lessons within Black-American history and heritage. His debut picture book Elijah’s Easter Suit with Doubleday/Penguin Random House is available now. Follow him on all social media @brentomjackson. www.brentomjackson.com
