Red Badge of Courage

I don't by any means call myself an avid reader.  Actually in 6th grade it was well known that I had a copy of the Red Badge of Courage in my desk the entire school year, but never actually finished it. Friends sometimes remind me of this story. But now that I have been out of the classroom for a few years, I have found a strong desire to make reading a habit. So I have picked up and started about 6 different books in the last few years. I may have finished one of them. And no it wasn't Red Badge of Courage.

I understand why people say that television turns your brain into mush. It really does require very little thought. I do feel a significant jump in brain activity when I read, however. Maybe its the kind of books I'm reading.  I often feel like I'm entertained enough through tv/movies, so I have rarely ever gone for fiction. I have really gravitated towards "self-help" books (for lack of a better word). This includes books on faith, as well as the more educational stuff like first-time homebuyer or investing books.  But I have noticed that my mind is stimulated when I read these books.  It even inspires me to write some of my thoughts here from time to time.

I think that reading causes inspiration to write, just like seeing a great musician might encourage you to pick up an instrument. I have always been so inspired by C.S. Lewis in particular. He had a way of putting things that I think to myself "wow I must have always known that, but he pulled it out of the deepest corners of my mind and worded it so perfectly!"

While inspired to write more, I ultimately come to the frustrations that any novice faces. Writing well is not as easy as it may seem. Almost like when I picked up my guitar to learn "Yesterday", only to put it down after 20 minutes of complete frustration.  I suppose that its why we have famous authors, musicians, or actors. They excelled in areas most struggle in.

Like anything else in life, one must practice to become good at anything. Maybe, if nothing else, I write here to keep improve my writing and also get out some of these things stirring on my mind. Man, tv was so much easier.