Back to Reading


Leave it up to me to make a liar out of myself. Two weeks ago I posted a story about my love of reading entitled Books, Books, Books…And Books. In the post I shared my love of the written word and how I can knock back between 5 and 8 books a week. I'm ashamed to say that since writing that post I've read a total of ZERO books.

I don't know what happened. It used to be that if I didn't read something during the day I would get cranky. How is it possible to go from reading everyday to reading nothing? I've bought books during this time, in fact I've bought 18 books to be exact. So, I guess I still have a problem there. Phew. It's good to know some things don't change. 😉

Most of those books were written by fellow writers I've met on Twitter and I am genuinely excited to read their works. However, when I sit down to read one my mind starts wandering and I end up staring at my Kindle.

I have also noticed that in these past two weeks I'm finding it increasingly difficult to write. Connection? Most likely.

When I was reading I was inspired, I was constantly surrounded by words and ideas. Now, I feel like a zombie just going through the motions of my day waiting for night time to come so I can go to bed only to wake up the next day to repeat the monotony.

Sparky has asked me countless times if there is anything on my mind. I give him the honest answer, “nothing”, because there is honestly NOTHING on my mind. It's like a fog up there.

However, due to a back injury last week I have had plenty of time to lie around thinking about my dilemma.

This is a very busy time for me. The show I'm involved in opens at the end of the month meaning that the pressure is on to fulfill my responsibilities for the publicity committee while making sure I have mentally prepared perform on the stage.

I have recently joined my church's choir to help out with Easter services. Why I added this to my plate, I don't know? Oh wait, yes I do. Its because I can't say 'no'. To anyone…ever.

Even my gym time that is supposed to be a chance for me to get away, has been adding to the stress. I'm rushing to get everyone dressed, fed and out the door so I can make it to class on time.

I've concluded that by the time I get to sit down to either write or read I'm completely brain fried.

Lucky for me, I hurt my back. This injury is making me stop running from rehearsal to rehearsal to the gym to play dates and just lie around and get better. Today, after 4 days of recouping on the sofa, I decided to pick up a book..er, well, my Kindle, but you get the idea.

It was like running into an old friend and picking up right where you left off as if those years in between weren't there. My Kindle felt right in my hands as I snuggled into the warm embrace of my soft sofa. I forgot about all my responsibilities, I forgot about my back pain, I forgot that it was raining outside and I left the windows open – none of that mattered.

What mattered was that I was becoming inspired again. I felt my brain working, taking in the words and envisioning the scene as it played out in my head. It felt good. It felt damn good.

Am I ready to go knock out 2,000 words tonight? Probably not, but I do have some ideas that I jotted down and that made me feel good. All I can say is that I'm back to reading and I'm confident that my ability to write without hesitation isn't that far behind.