This. The best way to learn to write is to read. I would add that your other best tool would definitely be a blank wall. Or a game like Tetris or Minesweeper, if you are the sort of person who can do it with just a little of your mind. But no matter what form you give it, the Blank Wall is one of the most important parts of any writer’s toolkit. Probably the package of fine-tip Sharpies is just...

So I got linked to this post on reading and how it ties in to becoming a writer. And I mostly agree with it based on observations in my own home. See, Rugrat is the first kind of reader. There are books everywhere and he's grown up with the idea that reading is a part of life. But, it's not all he does to amuse himself. There's playing with his brother, hanging out with friends, playing videogames...

On the connection between being a writer and being an avid reader . (Thanks to  rosefox8 for the link).  I don't write, but most of my friends who are book addicts do. How many people here also consider themselves writers? How many of you are published authors? Also, things seem to have died down here a little. I know it's a busy time of year-- for me too. But I want to encourage you...

A reader reacts to Escapement [  Powell's  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Borders  ] RULES OF SEDUCTION: writing the opposite sex — Justine Musk on character. English, Jack — A blog for you really high end grammar geeks. Articulated Railroad Car: 1935 — Another quite cool patent drawing. The Fairey Rotodyne — This looks to me like some crazed Soviet project. Would you fly in it...

Yanked from eblgorton . Couldn't just do it once, was too addictive. ;D Dear Santa... Dear Santa, This year I've been busy! In May I ruled Canada as a kind and benevolent dictator (700 points) . Last Tuesday I didn't flush (-1 points) . Last Saturday kmessner and I donated clothes to the needy (11 points) . In November I pushed jbknowles in the mud (-17 points...