Time flew by this month (as it does every month, I suppose). I tried to curb my compulsion to start new books before finishing other ones, but failed. My reading slowed a little bit, and it may continue as I try to stay focused on freelancing.
The Curse and The Undead- Bill Myers/James Riordan
These are two books in a series I read in my early teens to mid teens. I even brought one with me when my family went to see Titanic. They’re fairly light reading, but I still enjoy them.
(reread) Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? – Lorrie Moore
After finishing all the stories in Self-Help, I wanted to reread this book. Nostalgia clouded my memory, and I found it more tragic than I remembered. Still, Lorrie Moore is a fantastic writer.
The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success – Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell
This is a great guide to freelancing, but it also confused me since I had read a handful of books that explained the rules. Now I’m trying to figure out which rules I should follow and when I need to be unconventional.
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer – Robert W. Bly
Another great guide to freelancing, but it’s part of the traditional camp. There’s a lot of practical advice, but I wish it had more on query letters. If you’re looking for a practical overview, this book is great.
Gilead – Marilynne Robinson
After trying a couple times, I returned to this book. I like Marilynne Robinson’s fiction for her biblical allusions. This book was rather slow, though.
Road Racing for Serious Runners - Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglass
Ryan was reading this one, and I couldn’t help but pick it up. It’s not as good as Jack Daniels’ book Daniels’ Running Formula, but it’s short. The book frustrated me to no end because they repeat exact sentences and paragraphs in various sections. I realize that they might have done this so a person could pick up the book, look at a section on 5K training or marathon training and still get all the necessary information. But did they have to repeat themselves verbatim? If you’re pressed for time, check it out, but I recommend Daniels’ book over this one.
Right now I’m waiting for a few library books on query letters, and I’ve begun Kelly James-Enger’s Six-Figure Freelancing. So far she’s does a great job of explaining freelance writing as a business, which is something I’ve lost sight of in the last two weeks.
I’m running a 5K tonight, my first since last August. I’m not expecting a great time, but I’d like to run well and race smartly. Hopefully the temperature drops a few degrees. Right now it’s 99 degrees, making this the 20th straight day of 90-plus degree weather. The past record was set in 1901. We hit 104 at DIA. Not my favorite racing conditions, that’s for sure.
