Writing about Reading

I just spent the morning writing a book review for The Montreal Gazette about a new novel for adults. It’s called Late Night on Air and it’s written by Elizabeth Hay. The book is set in Yellowknife, and my favourite part was learning about that part of the world.
So, today, I thought I’d talk a little about the connection between reading and writing. I’m addicted to reading and I hope you are, too. I hardly go anywhere without a book. One of the things I love about reading (especially fiction) is that it’s an escape from the busy, sometimes troublesome world.
Also, and this might be useful for you young writers out there, reading is a great way to work on your writing. When I read, I try to read like a writer. I try to figure out why the author made certain choices. For example, why did an author choose to use the first-person point of view? Why did Elizabeth Hay set her book at a radio station in Yellowknife during the 1970s? Reflecting on these kinds of questions can help you when it’s time to work on your own project. Also, when I read something beautiful, it makes me want to aim high as a writer. Here is an example of a beautiful thing I found in Eliabeth Hay’s book: she describes one of the characters as having a “cauliflower ear” (the guy’s ear was damaged by frostbite). Now you could say the description is a little gross, but by beautiful, I mean that it works, that it lets readers draw a picture in their minds.
Okay then, it’s nearly time for me to transform myself back into a teacher. If you’re not reading something interesting and inspiring, get yourself to the library or the bookstore — and fix that problem! Hey, if you’re reading something beautiful, why not write and tell me about it? Maybe you could even include an excerpt that you found inspiring — and I could share it on this blog. “Talk” to you tomorrow!