I finally finished a book!  I am remembering how slow a reader I am.  I don’t read… I analyze.    But, even though I won’t get the highest number of pages, I will finally read books that have been waiting for me for years.  I obtained this particular book at a garage sale at least 2 years ago, so I’m happy to get it read!

The Elements of Editing: A Modern Guide for Editors and Journalists by Arthur Plotnik – 150 pg.

Running total:  150 pg.
(I am also keeping track of Bible reading in a notebook; I will tally and add it later.)

A Review of The Elements of Editing:
Despite the references to outdated technology, this knowledgeable book provides a tidy introduction to the being that is an “editor.”  If, like me, you are interested primarily in critiquing the written word, you will find this book to have some extraneous information, as it covers the many talents required of professional office editors (such as a crash course in photography and an overview of printing procedures).  Nonetheless, this book is an interesting read for any writer, as it gives you an appreciation for the people you will deal with when you solicit a manuscript.  Caution should be taken with Chapter 5, in the section regarding the potential legal problems involved with publishing works that contain “adult” content.  Mildly amusing, somewhat snarky narrative.

Smoke Mountain (Seekers book 3), by Erin Hunter – 259 pages

Running Total – 6378 pages

Read aloud:
Esio Trot, by Roald Dahl- 64 pages

Running Total: 1,308 pages

Trackers by Patrick Carman, 214 pages.

Triss, by Brian Jacques: 381 pages.

The Elements of Style by Strunk & White – 100pg

Running Total – 250pg

A review of The Elements of Style:
Clear and simple, this “little” book is truly the must-read guide experts make it out to be.  Presented in easy-to-understand text with the lovable dogmatism of Strunk, this book neatly dictates basic rules of grammar and style invaluable to any writer.  White adds a whimsical introduction and a down-to-earth chapter on the elusive mystery that is “style.”  A closing glossary of grammatical terms provides a nice refresher course.  Sprinkled with humor and irony, it is both an enjoyable and informative read.

While some of the “rules” may be interpreted as personal preferences, most of the suggestions are supported with logic and examples.  Commonly misused words and basic rules of punctuation are just a few of the things reviewed in this book.  What I found most helpful was a bundle of easy ways to simplify my writing – common unnecessary phrases and words that clog up sentences unknowingly.  I plan to apply these principles when I edit my works, thereby increasing their velocity and power.

Winter Tidings (Prairie River book 3), by Kristiana Gregory – 173 pages

Running Total – 6955 pages

Shadow in the Deep by L. B. Graham – 483 pages