Goodreads

Jayne Q Public's favorite books »

From the official site:
What is Goodreads 
Goodreads is the largest social network for readers in the world. We have over 2,500,000 members who have added over 60,000,000 books to their shelves. A place for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads members recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they've read and would like to read, form book clubs and much more. 
Why? Let's make reading fun again. Somehow, reading books seems to have gotten a bad rap. People are working too hard and not making time to read, people are watching TV because they can veg out and turn their brains off—hey, we feel it too! But every once in a while you run into a friend who tells you about this "great new book I'm reading." And suddenly you're excited to read it. It's that kind of excitement that Goodreads is all about.

I joined goodreads last night. My username is Jayne Q Public. Feel free to befriend me there.
I think I already like this website because you can save your favorite quotes. I am a quote collector and have been for years. There are tons of books already on the site and you can also search Amazon.com from goodreads. It's quick and very easy to rate and add books to your bookshelf. I took quizzes last night based on the books I put on my shelf. I haven't reviewed any yet, but plan to do so. I joined the NaNoWriMo discussion group and posted a few comments. I had a pretty good time exploring the site. I encourage you to check it out and sign up if you like it.

Reading Is Crucial To Writing

From the book On Writing by Stephen King:
"Reading is the creative center of a writer's life. I take a book with me everywhere I go, and find there are all sorts of opportunities to dip in. The trick is to teach yourself to to read in small sips as well as in long swallows."

I usually have a couple of books going at the same time when I'm reading. There is always one by my bed for night-time reading and I always have one at work for lunch-time reading.
I usually take a book with me when I know there is going to be a waiting time. Times such as doctor's appointments or airports, you know what I mean. I love it when I have something to pass my time enjoyably and sometimes get dirty looks from people who are forced to sit there and just stare at the walls because they didn't have the foresight to bring entertainment.
I only have half an hour for lunch so that reading time is definitely a small sip, but one I find I look forward to each weekday. A small slice of escape and I make myself stop at the beginning of a new chapter when time is up. Sometimes it's in the middle of something good, so I can't wait until tomorrow's lunch to get back into it. I haven't mastered reading while walking on the treadmill, but think it would be a good talent to keep pursuing. Talk about a win-win situation.
I think if you keep reading the kinds of books that you want to write, you will pick up skills as to how things are done or what not to do. And you also find out what has been done over and over - to think outward to new scenarios, not just the old standbys.