Category Archives: books

Reading as a writer

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So far this year I have not been writing anything of significance. I am in a lull between projects – and ideas. However I have been doing a lot more reading than I have done in the past, and I find I am reading like a writer.

Inspired by Benjamin McEvoy I wanted to expand and enrich my reading, and after watching his videos and taking notes I felt daunted by the prospect of a year’s worth of reading The Classics.

So, I looked at the award winners at the Booker Prize, the Miles Franklin Award, and others. I noted some of these titles on my “want to read” list. On closer inspection, some of these stories I find uninspiring and not what I want to read at all. Sometimes I will push through. I read the award winning Honeybee by Craig Silvey and gave it three stars, but I don’t think I am the target audience for that story.

Goodreads is a great tool for managing your own reading journey and since 2013 I have challenged myself with a target of reading 50 books each year. So far, I have failed every year. Of course I only include books that I have read from start to finish. I don’t list books I do not finish, or books I just skim. (In the past I used Library Thing).

This year though I have started well as I certainly have more time in this retired life, but also I am reading in an attempt to see how these books are crafted. I read on a more analytical level, noticing how the story arc is told, how the characters come to life, conversations, what the story is actually about, and how it evokes feeling and imagery.

So far I have finished 12 books this year. The last story I read was Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. I loved it and gave it 5 stars on Goodreads. I am currently reading The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill and this book is a great example to would-be writers. While the story unfolds, we are shown three levels of how this story is being created. First from the main character and her friends, then in correspondence between the fictional author and a trusted friend and fellow writer, and then as the actual creator of the story. It is thoroughly engaging especially for other writers.

I have just added a page of contents to my blog Sues Bent, because with 15 years of blog posts I wanted to make it more accessible.

It is no surprise that when I look at my tag cloud I see that the main topics I write about are: books, reading, creativity, writing, libraries, learning, technology and lifestyle.

I have looked back through these posts knowing that I have written about ‘reading’ from different perspectives over these years, especially in my work as a librarian. The ones that stand out to me are these:

Meanwhile this retired life allows me the time to do all of those things I struggled to find time to do when I was working. I can write, read, practice French, play my piano, knit, play with my granddaughters, sketch, paint, walk, listen to music and podcasts, swim regularly, do yoga each morning, cycle occasionally, try new cooking recipes, archive the old family photos, and catch up with friends. It is amazing how quickly the day passes, and I find I still haven’t done all of the things I planned for that day.

Zen and the Art of Creative Writing

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The things I have written this year are ‘Not For Publication’ (NFP). Am I wasting precious time? I think not. I am practising the art of creative writing and trying to adjust to this lifestyle. I like it. It suits my psyche. I feel like I am in the apprenticeship phase of my writing life, despite the fact of my Earth years.

I have written a short story from a particular incident from my family history. It could be for publication, but is it finished? I am not sure.

I have also written my life story, to get that out of the way and out of my head. Not for publication, but I feel relieved of the burden and the obstacle to a freer creative mind.

My own personal writing process has been revealed to me. I now understand how this energetic force unfurls within me, and then abates with The End, post editing of the Zero Draft.

Writing desk

    I feel well behind when it comes to my skills with crafting the English language. I place blame in part on the negligent curriculum set by Victoria’s Education department during the 1970’s. Grammar was not taught at all, and yet this is an essential tool for being able to express oneself properly, and this leads to effective and genuine communication. This society now converses in memes and acronyms, and we can see how that’s going.

    I favoured math, design, art, science, became an Industrial Designer and left English behind me in secondary school. And yet I have always needed an outlet to express my thoughts and ideas. My main blog is Sues Bent that I began in 2008. While continuing with this blog, I have also written for my side projects such as our big trip around Australia, and my love of French culture.

    Of course, I have written work-related items during my years employed as an Information Professional: reports, media briefs, copy for websites and advertisements, instructional manuals, strategic plans, and created presentations.

    All of this writing over many years has strengthened that muscle. I have put in the ten thousand hours towards mastery (as prescribed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers).

    I feel match ready.

    My Self-Initiated Lifelong Learning Experience continues and I draw further learning about the English language and writing from Benjamin McEvoy and his Hardcore Literature teachings. The Writers HQ continues to be a great source for motivation.

    I have my Writing Plan and some ideas for 2023.

    Next month I will write a review of 2022; things accomplished, books read, writing completed, etc. I have done this before, inspired by Chris Guillebeau. It is great way to plan for the year ahead.

    PS The title of this blog post highlights my love of the 1974 book by Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I wonder if Benjamin McEvoy has a tutorial on this classic novel.

    Catching butterflies

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    “Catching butterflies” is a poetic notion offered by author Jock Serong at a recent workshop at the Peninsula Writers Club, that I attended recently.

    Jock Serong presenting at the Peninsula Writers Club

    It refers to one of the ways writers engage with the creative process. The butterflies are the ideas that flit around in our heads, or out in the ether. As writers (or artists) we get a glimpse of the colour, a shimmer of light reflected from their wings, and then it is gone. Maybe to return.

    How quick do we respond? Can we catch it, study it, pin it down, find the words to describe it accurately? Or will it dart away to another creative soul who will be ready? Elizabeth Gilbert, in her book Big Magic, expresses the idea that ideas have their own life that is independent of the writer. If one creative person will not express it, the idea will find another willing creative.

    The topic of the workshop with Jock Serong was Plotting and Structure. He paced us through his ideas, giving examples from his books, and others. I liked his presentation style and the easy logic of his process. His description of his own novels inspired me to want to read them, as I haven’t yet. The Settlement is his most recent and the third of a trilogy.

    We did a few exercises that he set for us. One was to put a character into a stressful situation and see how they react. A method often used by Stephen King.

    We wrote for ten minutes. Others read out what they had written, and they were great. How quickly they put themselves into this character and the situation. Meanwhile I was still imagining my hero in her setting. Obviously, we have different approaches, but it illustrates my beginner’s ability, compared to the seasoned writers in the club

    I was not disheartened though and left with a new ‘to-do’ list and fresh ideas. I made a structure table for my story and will have a look at the Scrivener software. I am now reading On Writing by Stephen King as this seems to always crop up as a ‘must read’ book for writers.

    My own story has a new thread and I have plotted out the scenes, ready to start writing.

    2020 Year in Review – The Year of the Virus

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    The year of 2020 was great for me and my husband! Despite it being The Year of the Virus, we were able to do what we set out to do. It was to be our Gap Year and a year to travel Australia with our home-on-wheels.

    In 2019 we sold our house, bought a caravan, left our jobs, and put all of our possessions into storage.

    Our loose plan was to do the Big Lap of Australia in a figure of 8 route. First travelling west to Western Australia (WA), then north up the west coast to Broome, then east across to Darwin, then south down through the centre, to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia (SA), then home to the Mornington Peninsula for Christmas with the family. Then up the east coast into New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD).

    Trip Plan A

    So, although not quite retirement age, we decided the time was right. We wanted to be able to do all of those epic walks before we are too old.

    We set off at the beginning of December in 2019. Pre-pandemic we had a nice time exploring the coastline from Melbourne to Perth, as well as the southern Goldfields of WA. In March 2020 we were in the desert of WA north of Perth when the first lockdown occurred, and the borders were closed. We dashed back across the Nullarbor Plain, back to regional Victoria where we spent three months parked on a relative’s farm still living in our caravan.

    So, Plan A was scrapped, and Plan B became a creative exercise in random serendipity. We went where we could, crossing borders when allowed, staying put when there were no options. We went to places we had not planned to go.

    The Northern Tip of Australia – Cape York Peninsula QLD

    We explored, camped, swam, walked, watched wildlife, snorkeled, went out to the Great Barrier Reef, and watched sunsets, sunrises, and stars. It was hot and we loved it. We lived in shorts and t-shirts and thongs. We drank beer, made new friends, and didn’t have to wear a mask until we returned to Victoria in December. We were lucky and we knew it.

    I read less because I was travelling, exploring, walking, taking photos, sketching, and writing the travel blog. The books I did read were random and not worth mentioning, chosen from caravan parks, book exchanges, op shops, or an eBook borrowed from my local library then downloaded onto my iPad. I did buy a couple of books from book shops.

    I was happy that my travel articles were regularly picked up by the online newsletter Camping News. And this validated my writing pursuit that I hope I can develop into a professional job.

    Of course, we missed our family and friends and felt very sympathetic during the long hard second lockdown in Melbourne and Victoria.

    Trip Plan B – Actual trip 2020

    We spent 373 days travelling 41,175 kilometres of Australia. We stayed in 80 caravan parks, 20 of which were free camps. We visited every state except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

    We had a great adventure in 2020.

    Searching for Phosphorescence

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    Phosphorescence by Julia Baird explores ideas around the things that can lift us when life gets us down.

    She begins poetically with the enchanting existence of phosphorescence in the natural world. I loved her descriptions of lit-up underwater creatures and this drew me in.

    Julia goes on to talk about people who seek the deeper beauty that exists in this world: storm-chasers, divers, forest bathers, silence seekers, tree huggers, cloud appreciators. I relate to these ideas as here she validates my own deeper yearnings and life pursuits.

    With my smartphone handy I enjoyed looking up more information about the people and ideas Julia mentions: Nick Moir, Robert Hoge, and others.

    Julia touches on feminism and her own indecision about using her hard-earned title of ‘Dr.’. Her ideas on ‘lookism’ I appreciate and needs more exploration generally.

    My interest waned a little when she discusses religion but given where she was in her own precarious battle with cancer, I understand.

    Returning to the initial ideas of searching for phosphorescence in the underwater world was a nice way to close the book and reignited my own sense of wonder.

    Books read in 2019

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    I read 26 books this year of my personal challenge of 50 books. Of those 18 are fiction and 8 are non-fiction. Books Read 2019-12-27 103509

    These are the books that I read and enjoyed in 2019 with my rating – three I rated 5 star:

    1. The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma – Fiction – 4 stars
    2. The Rain Watcher by Tatiana de Rosnay – Fiction – 4 stars
    3. The Library Book by Susan Orlean – Non-Fiction – 5 stars
    4. The Greenprint by Marco Borges – Non-Fiction – 4 stars
    5. Attitudes of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan – Non-Fiction – 3 stars
    6. Wormwood Mire by Judith Russell – Junior Fiction – 4 stars
    7. Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion – Fiction – 3 stars
    8. The Strawberry Thief by Joanne Harris – Fiction – 5 stars
    9. The Book of Dreams by Nina George – Fiction – 3 stars
    10. My Life After Death by Erik Medhus – Non-Fiction – 2 stars
    11. Wanderlust by Jeff Krasno – Non-Fiction – 3 stars
    12. Vanlife Diaries by Kathleen Morton – Non-Fiction – 2 stars
    13. State of Fear by Tim Ayliffe – Fiction – 3 stars
    14. Writing Your Life by Patti Miller – Non-Fiction – 5 stars
    15. Artemis by Andyd Weir – Fiction – 3 stars
    16. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert – Fiction – 4 stars
    17. Eucalyptus by Murray Bail – Fiction – 4 stars
    18. Everything is F*cked by Mark Manson – Non-Fiction – 4 stars
    19. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland – Fiction – 4 stars
    20. The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva – Fiction – 3 stars
    21. The English Girl by Daniel Silva – Fiction – 3 stars
    22. Bruny by Heather Rose – Fiction – 4 stars
    23. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd – Fiction – 4 stars
    24. Homeland by Barbara Kingsolver – Fiction – 3 stars
    25. The End of the Ocean by Maja Lunde – Fiction – 3 stars
    26. The Night Ferry by Michael Robotham – Fiction – 3 stars

    I am yet to reach my goal of 50 books in one year. Here is my record from Goodreads over the past few years:

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    Books Read in 2018

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    Here is the list of books that I read in 2018 with my ratings.

    goodreads_challenge_2018_pic03

    FICTION

    1. The Shepherd’s Hut by Tim Winton – 5 stars
    2. Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak – 5 stars
    3. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George – 4 stars
    4. Black Rock White City by A.S. Patric – 3 stars
    5. Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord – 3 stars
    6. The Vegetarian by Han Kang – 3 stars
    7. My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent – 3 stars
    8. The Quiet Side of Passion by Alexander McCall Smith – 3 stars
    9. The Other Wife by Michael Robotham – 3 stars
    10. The Nowhere Child by Christian White – 3 stars
    11. The Little French Bistro by Nina George – 3 stars
    12. Close Your Eyes by Michael Robotham 2 stars
    13. Six Years by Harlan Coben – 2 stars
    14. The Lucky Galah by Tracy Sorensen – 2 stars
    15. Scrublands by Chris Hammer – 2 starsgoodreads_challenge_2018-pic01

    NON-FICTION

    1. Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari – 5 stars
    2. To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No Regret by Jedidah Jenkins – 5 stars
    3. Staying: A Memoir by Jessie Cole – 5 stars
    4. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson – 4 stars
    5. The Plant-Based Solution: A Vegan Cardiologist’s Plan to Save Your Life and the Planet by Joel K. Kahn – 4 stars
    6. The Great Spring: Writing, Zen, and This Zigzag Life by Natalie Goldberg – 4 stars
    7. The Hidden School: Return of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman – 4 stars
    8. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising by Marie Kondo – 4 stars
    9. The Alzheimer’s Solution: A Revolutionary Guide to How You Can Prevent and Reverse Memory Loss by Dean Sherzai – 4 stars
    10. Shining: The Story of a Lucky Man by Abdi Aden – 4 stars
    11. Random Life by Judy Horacek – 3 stars
    12. 8 Keys to Forgiveness by Robert Enright – 3 stars
    13. Living as a River: Finding Fearlessness in the Face of Change by Bodhipaksa – 3 stars
    14. The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi – 3 stars
    15. Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It: Life Journeys Inspired by the Best-selling Memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert – 3 stars
    16. 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris – 3 stars
    17. The Longevity Diet: Discover the New Science Behind Stem Cell Activation and Regeneration to Slow Aging, Fight Disease, and Optimize Weight by Valter Longo – 3 stars
    18. Lovelands by Debra Campbell – 3 stars
    19. Unequaled: Tips for Building a Successful Career Through Emotional Intelligence by James A. Runde – 3 stars
    20. Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss by Joel Fuhrman M.D. – 3 stars
    21. The Vegan Starter Kit by Neal D. Barnard – 3 stars
    22. OMD: Swap One Meal a Day to Save the Planet and Your Health by Suzy Amis Cameron – 3 stars
    23. Marcia Langton: Welcome to Country by Marcia Langton – 1 stargoodreads_challenge_2018-pic02

    Goodreads Reading Challenge 2017

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    These are the books I read in 2017 with my ratings – 11 fiction and 14 non-fiction:

    books_read_2017

    TITLE AUTHOR RATING
    How Not To Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease Michael Greger ★★★★★
    The Museum of Modern Love Heather Rose ★★★★★
    Good Morning Midnight Lily Brooks-Dalton ★★★★★
    Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn ★★★★★
    Green Kitchen Travels David Frenkel and Luise Vindahl ★★★★★
    Life On Earth Mike Dooley ★★★★
    Healing from Family Rifts: Ten Steps to Finding Peace After Being Cut Off from a Family Member Mark Sichel ★★★★
    Beyond the Rock Janelle McCulloch ★★★
    Origin Dan Brown ★★★
    Maestro Peter Goldsworthy ★★★
    The Book of Joy The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams ★★★
    The Whistler John Grisham ★★★
    The Desire Map Danielle LaPorte ★★★
    The Course of Love Alain de Botton ★★★
    How to be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living Rob Bell ★★★
    How to Live a Good Life Jonathan Fields ★★★
    Persuasion Jane Austen ★★★
    A Whole Life Robert Seethaler ★★★
    The Fast Diet Cookbook John Chatham ★★★
    Siddhartha Hermann Hesse ★★★
    My Italian Bulldozer Alexander McCall Smith ★★★
    Hiding in Plain Sight Susan Lewis ★★
    Kissed by a Deer Margi Gibb ★★
    The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work Jon Gordon ★★
    Fight Like a Girl Clementine Ford ★

    To sit or not to sit

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    Art, music, love, life and loss: a novel that weaves these themes together falls into a favourite genre for me. And obviously for many others, given that Heather Rose has won the Stella Prize for her 2017 novel The Museum of Modern Love.

    FullSizeRender

    I love it when I discover something new that I had never heard about before, and I confess that I had never heard of the artist Marina Abramović before reading this novel that is inspired by her work.

    The Artist is Present was an amazingly popular artwork that Marina performed at MoMA in 2010. For seventy-five days Marina sat while individuals sat across from her one after another. 1,554 people sat while another 850,000 observed from the sidelines, many coming back.

    Here is a video clip from the last day of her sit. And here is another astounding video of when Ulay came back to see her after their epic parting on the Great Wall of China years before in 1988.

    Heather Rose writes:

    The days had been fields of faces, bright, unique, vivid, strange. …Every face told countless lives and memories and part of humanity she had never glimpsed, not through all the years of seeking.

    But it is the intertwining story of Arky Levin that gives this work of fiction life and opportunity for exquisite prose.

    His hands ran up and down the keyboard…He heard the theme that would run in and out of the film, threading the scenes together. Raindrops falling on leaves, a moon in the sky and this lovely melody.

    He is a sad, reserved, composer of film scores: a private man who is reluctantly drawn into this temporary and unusual life that surrounds Marina Abramović as she sits and gazes into the eyes of strangers at MoMA.

    Rarely do I give a 5-star rating on GoodReads. Thank you Heather Rose.