I was delighted to find a new Little Free Library this morning. My errands sent me closer to a different park, and I walked the perimeter just in case a new LFL popped up. When I found it on a far corner of the park, I took a picture of it with my Pokemon Go buddy, Manta.
I like to visit the LFL's in my vicinity every once in a while to make sure they are stocked and also to drop off any books I've read. Peeking through the selection is always an adventure. This one contained a mixture of fiction, children's books, and what looked like obscure, older titles. Though I didn't take any books today, I now know this LFL is there and will visit it in the future.
As much as I love to read and write, sometimes I hit a rut. Reading is just as important for aspiring authors — especially reading current titles — as practicing writing skills. I know this, and yet I still take breaks now and then. I started reading a book, The Authenticity Project, almost a month ago and haven't read even a quarter of it yet. I have, however, been reading the Bible on a daily basis.
Last night, I lingered in the Old Testament.
Ecclesiastes is one odd book. Wisdom from King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king to ever live, has a depressing undertone. Overview: There is nothing new under the sun, so endless toil is meaningless. Eat, drink, be merry, and enjoy what God gives you.
This is decent advice, but I still want to get published someday. For that, I need inspiration, not a reminder that I can't come up with anything new. If that's true, other authors are in the same boat I am, both published and unpublished.
Sometimes picking up a book at a Little Free Library surprises me. I've read outside my favorite genres thanks to the accessibility of LFL's and lack of pressure to buy or return a book. At times, I've kept a book I loved and returned different ones in its place. This creates a revolving door of possibilities for others who stumble upon the "tiny book boxes."
But even while taking a break from reading or writing, I still have characters running around my head, fighting for attention among daily tasks and obligations. The drive to bring all these worlds and characters to life is what keeps me writing. God willing, one day they'll be accessible in published form someday.
Keep on smilin'!
So cool you found the LFL with your Pokemon Go Buddy. I should try finding a few to drop off some books as well. Always wonder if people would read one of my books if I dropped one or two off. Speaking of ruts, definitely in a reading rut and have just been slowwwwly chipping away at books, far below my norm.
Truth be told, the Bible has a lot of odd books although I’ll admit it’s been a while since I’ve read from the good book. And there are always new takes to offer even if not new ideas...which I honestly think is lazy thinking. Still, more than new, fresh, or innovative, I think writing something deeply true and…