Our Executive Director, Blake Schnirring, writes a monthly book review for our newseltter, the Writers’ Weekly called Blake’s Books. She discusses story from a reader’s perspective and craft from a writer’s perspective. She'd love to hear from any of you on a book you’d like her to read and review!
1.) Have you always been an avid reader?
What is the first book you remember reading that really moved you or changed your perspective? Yes, my began reading to me from day one. I loved books and how you could escape into them. There are so many that I remember, but one that stands out is when I was alone in the library, bored and in 7th grade when I found a book called The Girl Who Owned A City. It blew me away how strong and smart the female character was portrayed. It is now a book I recommend reading to my own children.
2.) When/How do you fit reading into your busy life?
I try to wake up before everyone else on a Saturday and Sunday, grab a cup of coffee, curl up in a blanket with my little pug Winnie on my lap and carve out a few hours of reading time. The problem is when a book is really, really good those hours can turn into an all day event.
3.) Do you have a favorite genre?
ALL.
4.) How does reading inform or influence your writing?
It has been an interesting switch coming from someone who read only for pleasure and who is now looking underneath the covers so to speak of the "mechanics" of writing now that I"ve been involved with the workshop for so many years. I can see patterns, brilliance and form and I love knowing that I am in good writing hands.
5.) What's your favorite book from the past year?
The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez. When you read a master of writing it takes you to a whole new level of engagement with the novel. She's a MASTER of her craft. Style, intelligence, humanity and her writing style is uniquely hers.
*Look for Blake's Book series towards the end of every month in our Writers' Weekly!