What’s on my nightstand?

There seems to always be an interest in what authors are reading. Make no mistake, most of us are always reading something. Some of our favorite places are bookstores after all. So, I’m going to do a recurring posting series talking about books I’m reading and what I think of them. Hopefully I’ll be able to promote some of my fellow independent authors in doing this too.

I admit that I’m a slow reader. Between a day job that consumes many of my waking hours and trying to write my own fiction, this blog, and market the whole, I don’t get a lot of time to read for pleasure. But there is always something on my Goodreads shelf, Kindle Fire, and bedside table.  In fact, I’m one of those people who start a lot of books and take forever to finish them. If you want to follow me or connect over on Goodreads, I welcome you to check out the profile by clicking here.

So, what am I reading?

Big Magic

Big Magic cover courtesy of Elizabeth Gilbert’s website. https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/

 Creative Living Beyond Fear – by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is a great read for anyone who is ready to make the leap into a more creative lifestyle. I found it to be both inspiring and practical really. Gilbert doesn’t mince words when it comes to the valid fears that come up when you consider embracing your creativity.

She talks about various concepts that depict creativity as a series of experiences that are almost spiritual in nature. It is not a new concept. In fact, I find that the more creative people I talk to, the more I find most of us hold that belief about our own unique experiences in living this creative life. And there is something almost transcendental about bringing something to life on the page, easel, or whatever other media you choose to work in. What it definitely takes to do that is courage.

Big Magic is a huge pep talk for creatives. Wonderfully modern and frank in tone, Elizabeth Gilbert essentially tells creators to push aside the fear more often than they give into it. Reminders that while ideas are always out there, they may not all work out or be great ideas for a particular artist. The key is to step out and make the art instead of wishing we were or pining away for a life we aren’t willing to allow ourselves to lead.

I am definitely taking a page from her book of wisdom.  Realizing that life is about discovering what we are capable of.  I’m taking steps to write more and put myself out there more. Which is why you see me more often here and hopefully on the Amazon virtual book shelves in coming months.

What is your favorite book on creativity? I can always use more on my shelves.

Stop over and check out my Amazon Author Page for my latest work in print. All available in both Print and Kindle format. And don’t forget to subscribe so you can get the latest posts from yours truly.

The Currents

Since this blog is supposed to be a little bit of a window into my world for all you readers. I’ve decided to do a little thing I’ve seen here and there on the internet but, of course, I’ll put my own twist on it.

Without further ado, I give you The Currents List

Currently Listening To:  My mom skype chatting with my nieces in Kentucky. Love hearing a kid giggle.

Currently Watching: Nada. The TV is off but, my fiance got a hold of Season Two of Once Upon A Time. I’m really excited to watch it this weekend with him.

Currently Eating: Will be having something sweet in a bit but nothing at the moment. It’s my momma’s birthday so, I think there is a brownie or cake sort of thing in there.

Currently Drinking: Iced tea. Yep, I had two bottles of Coke earlier. I really need to ween myself off of those. I am taking a water bottle with me tomorrow. Hoping that helps.

Currently Wearing: A tank top and shorts. I’m already in pajamas as I’m writing this to post the next morning. I have to leave early to get to a different clinic so I’m not going to stay up as late as usual.

Currently Working On: Marketing copy, Continuity Edits on the Work In Progress.

Currently Looking Forward To: Time with my hubby-to-be and the kiddo this weekend. Working so many days keeps me away from them during the week right now but, that will all be changing soon. And they know I love them.

Currently Reading: I actually just finished an inspired Young Adult book by and author named Ransom Riggs. It is called Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children.

I was inspired by this book’s inventive story and delivery actually. I was captivated by the excerpt that came across my desk back in 2011. I immediately wanted to have it in my personal library but I wasn’t able to acquire it for a number of unimportant reasons. Then I happened upon it in a store a couple months ago and was so excited over it that my fiance bought it for me. Now that I’ve finished reading it, he’s starting to read it.  I have a feeling that it will go through a number of hands before it finds a place in my fledgling library when we move.

Riggs has an easy to read style that seamlessly blends description and dialogue. The concept of basing the story around these peculiar vintage photographs was positively inventive, in my opinion. The quirkiness of the story and the striking impression of the characters he created for those photos is both intriguing and endearing. I was left wanting more as the book ended and was delighted when my fiance looked online and found that there is indeed a sequel in production now. I will definitely be looking for it on bookshelves and will purchase the hardback copy for my collection. It is a story that I hope to share with my kids one day.

This is the trailer for the book: 

And you can purchase it on Amazon.com here

I don’t know what I will read next. However, I’m actually going to have to take something with me to the clinic tomorrow. From what I’m told it is fairly slow there and that most people who fill in take something to read. Who knows, maybe I’ll get some drafting done while I’m there. Reading is good too though. Just need to find a new book. I think I have s Stephen King book that I haven’t read yet in the back room. Perhaps I will take that.