In the morning, I follow up my Bible reading with some devotional time. Isn't it amazing how many incredible devotionals exist? The stack is now teetering on my little table which is filled to capacity with gems! Old classics, modern volumes, and everything in between. I’m working on a C.S. Lewis devotional which taxes my neurons. Then it’s off to writing land! Four thousand words today, Dana, so get to it!
In the afternoon, I aim to push in some non fiction reading. Since I’m working on a proposal for a new four book series set in the desert, it’s time to learn all about all things cactus and scorpion! In addition, I’m part of a continuity series for Love Inspired Suspense that takes place in Queens, so that’s a whole other beast to tackle. I have learned more about the subway system than I ever thought possible! These details are super important and they have to be just right.
I keep the fiction books far away during this part of the day because pleasure reading and word counts don't go together! I've got books to write and deadlines to meet, so I must restrict myself to non fiction in the daylight hours. Such discipline, don't you think? Of course, the car is my loophole. If I must jet out to grocery shop or perhaps to make an emergency trip for coffee, why not listen to a book en route? Currently I'm listening to the P.G. Wodehouse collection. Bertie Wooster and Jeeves just crack me up!
In the evening, it's fiction time. Hooray! I've got a TBR pile of amazing fiction books next to my bed including mysteries, thrillers, sweet romance, romantic suspense, and other books that seem to defy genre labels. It's my favorite time of day to snuggle up and break out the fiction. I'm a traditionalist, so it's paperbacks for me, no ebooks here. (I've been reading more and more about the negative effects of electronic devices on sleep.) I can devour as many chapters as I can manage before the eyelids begin to close.
So what do you think of my summer reading/writing diet? According to my calculations, I should be able to read a couple of books a week at this rate. Of course, if I cut out walking the dog and have the groceries delivered, that would free up time to squeeze in another hour! Acck! Somebody save me!
What's on your TBR pile right now and how to you squeeze in time to read?
After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at www.danamentink.com, on Facebook, and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
