This past week has been busy in my little corner of the world.

A couple of days ago, I finished another round of edits on my work in progress. I won’t say my final round because I’m sure there will be a few more changes, but it’s getting close! Then I devoted some time to work on our Women Writers of Catawba County website and recruited some fellow authors to contribute their talents to the page this coming week. I’m super excited about that!

I stayed busy writing, working or running around outdoors throughout the weekend. You know what I didn’t spend enough time doing? Reading!

Reading is one of my favorite things to do- ever. Over the past few months, I’ve read several middle grade novels, but it takes me so long to get through each book. I get antsy and feel like I should be up doing something or typing like crazy as I work on my next story.

Somehow I tend to equate sitting down to read with being lazy. I have no idea why I feel that way, and I have to remind myself that reading is one of the best activities that I can do as a writer.

I want to be knowledgeable about my genre and my future audience of young readers. So, I took some time last week to head over to the library and meet with a librarian in the children’s book section to ask some advice. I described the premise of my middle grade book and asked what current books out there are similar to mine. She was helpful and kind, and I left with an arm full of colorful novels to read.

I’ve already finished one, and it was terrific! Now, I’m on to the next. Just as soon as I finish writing this… and doing some laundry… and taking a walk… and …

P.S. What are you reading these days? Any good books you want to recommend? Comment below!