When it comes to Superbowl Sunday, I’m really more of the “Huh? What big game?” school of thought. But somehow I ended up at a Superbowl party anyway. I wasn’t really invested in either team, but I did happen to catch the touchdown the 49ers made when they only had 6 points, and it was pretty awesome. But there were two things I really loved about the Superbowl.
1) The Extended Look Iron Man 3 Preview. Robert Downey Jr. just oozes with coolness in this new preview, which certainly made me smile. And now I’m wishing I could travel a few months into the future to see the movie. Argh! May will be so awesome, what with Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, and potentially the Great Gatsby. I heart Baz Luhrmann, but you never know with these things sometimes. Anyways, the preview:
2) The Ram Truck’s Superbowl Commercial. I grew up in Idaho and I have family that were and are farmers. Farmers are some of the best people you’ll ever meet and this ad really touched me. It kind of gave me a “Yeah! Go America!” vibe too. It just brings back so many happy memories from my childhood and the love I have for small town people. Plus, love the Paul Harvey!
Okay, I know what you were expecting was a quote, and here it is. This one is from Stephen King:
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
I remember in my very early days as a writer this was my mindset. I didn’t have time to read because I was so busy writing. But friends, that’s a terrible mindset. We have to make time to read. Period. It makes you a stronger writer and it helps you get a feel for your genre and, I think, helps prevent you from becoming too clichéd because you know a lot of what’s already been done. You start to notice patterns and formulas less creative writers are using and have the ability to avoid them yourself.
I know I addressed this somewhat last week, but I cannot stress its importance. If you want to be a great writer, be a great reader. Take the time to read.
What do you think about this quote? What do you do to help yourself become a better writer? And, for those of you who did watch, what was your favorite part of the Superbowl? Any favorite commercials?
Lit and Scribbles with Jae 
We totally skipped out on the superbowl this weekend..we sat around and watched Disney films instead LOL Can’t wait for Iron Man 3!
I know, I’m soooooo excited for Iron Man 3. Have you watched the Superbowl commercials. There’s a few you should definitely check out. Here are the others I loved:
Brotherhood
Whole Again
Get Happy
Whisper Fight
Prom
GoRun
I was in the same boat a year ago, well last decade. I wrote but didn’t read because I didn’t have (make) time to read. I realized I needed to read to become better. So I totally agree! As of last year, I make time to read. I try to do it daily if at all possible, even if only a page or two.
Excellent advice. Having the Kindle app on my phone has helped with it, but I really rely on book blitzes to help me (where I dedicate 3 weeks to reading several books from the library). I have Pat Rothfuss’ new book, but haven’t got up the courage to read it yet. I’m still working on Writing the Breakout Novel. What are you reading these days?
I’ve just started the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. It’s a fantasy written quite some time ago. I’ve read it before but when I was in middle school. Reading it again to refresh myself before starting the next 2 trilogies that’s been written since then.
Obviously you like it, but why? Just wanted to know if it’s something I should add to the list. 😀
Well.. that’s a hard one. I remember enjoying it when I was younger but that’s really about it. It’s dark and it will push your emotions in weird ways, especially since the hero is more an anti-hero than anything else. A lot of people can’t get through it because it strikes them so hard.
So just random late night blog skipping but if you’re talking about the Wise Man’s Fear, I’d recommend taking time to read it. I loved it. 😀
I’m planning to, but thanks for the added encouragement. I really liked Name of the Wind. I’ve just got a couple other books in line that I’ve been slacking on, but I will. Glad to hear it’ll be something to look forward to. 😀
Well, maybe I’ll add the first Chronicles of Thomas Covenant and see how I feel about it. I’m always interested in knowing what people are reading. 😀
Can’t wait to see the new Iron Man, and as for the reading, I absolutely believe that writing is key and though I am busy I try to make time. My biggest thing is that I can’t get into books at the moment. I am the type to devour books but since Christmas and devouring James Rollins “Bloodline” I just can’t get my teeth into anything. It’s rather annoying but I shall keep trying, eventually something will hook me.