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Library building
Aug. 24th, 2009 09:42 pmOne of the most important tools - in my mind - that a writer can have is a personal library. That personal library doesn't have to be huge (though most end up being so, in my experience) but I think you'll find as time goes on, you'll find more and more books to add to that collection that really are needed.
And, if you've chosen genre writing, you're going to find that your collection contains not only your chosen genre but many, many others that seemingly have no connection to your own chosen genre.
Why? Because no genre is exclusive. They all draw elements from each other. Westerns, romances, mysteries, thrillers, all of it takes elements from each other and twists it in different ways.
So, reading all other genres can actually enrich your writing, no matter what you want to write.
I, personally, like fantasy. But to write it, I need to understand military movements, how horses move, and their limitations. I need to understand everything from guns to swords, to armour, to catapults, castle defences, and... Well, I'm sure you get the idea.
Which means, I need to read a lot of history books. Reading fiction gives me inspiration. Reading... Again, I'm sure you understand.
Today, I got a new book in my library. I'm planning on sitting here, for at least part of the night, and reading some of it, while I enjoy Lara Croft, and maybe something to munch on.
Think about what books belong in your library, and try to think outside the box.
And, if you've chosen genre writing, you're going to find that your collection contains not only your chosen genre but many, many others that seemingly have no connection to your own chosen genre.
Why? Because no genre is exclusive. They all draw elements from each other. Westerns, romances, mysteries, thrillers, all of it takes elements from each other and twists it in different ways.
So, reading all other genres can actually enrich your writing, no matter what you want to write.
I, personally, like fantasy. But to write it, I need to understand military movements, how horses move, and their limitations. I need to understand everything from guns to swords, to armour, to catapults, castle defences, and... Well, I'm sure you get the idea.
Which means, I need to read a lot of history books. Reading fiction gives me inspiration. Reading... Again, I'm sure you understand.
Today, I got a new book in my library. I'm planning on sitting here, for at least part of the night, and reading some of it, while I enjoy Lara Croft, and maybe something to munch on.
Think about what books belong in your library, and try to think outside the box.
