Reading, writing and re-writing

I was in a meeting last week with one of the best editors I've ever had. He told me that writers are only as good as the books they read.

At that moment, I was grateful that I wasn't in the middle of a grocery store bodice-ripper.

I agree with him to some extent. I know I've read books where the author turned a phrase particularly well, allowing the reader to get lost in the prose and beauty of a story- inspiring me to do the same in my work (I'm a writer. No, seriously, I am. I actually pull a regular paycheck.) But I also disagree with that statement. We all need an escape from whatever reality we have. Sometimes it's fun to pick up a fun novel and read for the joy and entertainment of reading. I call those books, "brain candy."

So, now I'm reading In Cold Blood as well as a book about how Abraham Lincoln crafted the Gettysburg Address. I aspire to be a speechwriter, so this second book seemed right up my alley.

I suppose at some point I should just pick one book and go with it, but that's not me. Ask my hubby. At any given time, I'll have two or three books going at the same time. I'm a multi-tasker.