Reading to a Writer

A friend of mine once told me that if you want to write, you should also read. This is very true! I had begun writing before I had any interest in reading, and I would say that even though I liked my stories then, they really could have been better.

Nearing the end of 2012, I decided that I should seriously take on reading as a hobby. I decided to begin with the classics, because they are the stories that have lasted generations and have proven themselves. My first book was "Of Mice and Men." My author friend Shawn O'Toole made fun of me because he supposed I might have thought it was a book about a mice which everyone knows I love. I knew well what I was getting into, however.

I read the book rather slowly-as I was not used to reading-and by the end of it, I found that it was an experience that I needed more of. I cried by the end of that book, and my heart had been warmed as if I had been apart of the entire account portrayed by the author.

After taking some time to decide what classic I would tackle next, I chose "Moby Dick." I think this book was a turning point for me, for I had found a style that really pleased me. I began reading other stories by Melville as well. "Typee" and "Omoo" ended up being my favorite.

Since then, I have been trying to write in a 19th century style in a couple of books I have been working on. I really love how it sounds to me, and I am taking it very seriously. Stories from that era drive my inspiration for all things forward, and I find myself thinking about different scenarios and happenings that I wish to put into new adventures.

As I said before, anyone who wants to write should read as well, and I think that when they find that certain author or style that they love the most, it will really open up their minds to new ideas that they can implement into their own works. Inspiration and imagination are wonderful things especially when they work in conjunction.

Please feel free to comment to this blog if you like. I can also be reached by e-mail at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. Have a lovely day!

The Adventurer has been Published!

This is actually coming late. I became very ill shortly after I went through the publishing process. My new book "Adventures in Cottontail Pines - The Adventurer" has been published through Smashwords!

In this new tale, a famed mouse adventurer named Rocky Road comes to visit Cottontail Pines. Gumdrop right away becomes his biggest fan and wants to spend all her time with him. Unfortunately, Flopsy begins to think that her best friend doesn't want to hang out with her anymore.

This is a cute story about how jealousy can creep into our hearts told through a cast of lovable and adorable animals. Let's face it, I totally love writing stuff like this.

If you want to pick up a copy, free of charge, head on over to Smashwords by clicking the following link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/344754

Also keep in mind that my stories also appear in places like the Barns and Noble eBook app, Kobo, Deisel, and Sony Reader. I like to give people lots of options.

If you have any questions or comments, you can leave them here or send me an email at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. Have a squeaky day!