I have spent the majority of my time on this blog writing about writing, so I thought I would address the most fundamental and most important part of this experience with books: reading.
I have been reading my entire life; in fact, I cannot remember a time when I did not read. And reading has informed my life in many ways, not only in terms of career but also in the joys of life itself.
I read books, I teach them, and I write about them, but mostly, I enjoy them. I remember my mother telling me when I was very little that you can go many places that you might not ever have a chance to visit, real and made up, if you read. And I have visited and continue to journey to real and fantastic lands.
I am not a reading snob. While I teach college English Literature, I read in a very wide range, from adventure and horror to drama and so-called high literature, although I am not so certain that this distinction is accurate. Both Shakespeare and Dickens were considered popular writers in their time. Hemingway straddled the mythical fence of literature and genre writing. Today, I happily read authors in a multitude of genres, including Stephen King and John Connolly, among many others. So, I read whatever I choose, in any area. And I get great pleasure from the reading.
I hope that all people can experience this pleasure. I realize not everyone will, but I can keep hoping they do.
Happy Reading!
Get The Draft Done! is available here: Amazon.com

Gallows Hill can be found here in ebook.
Gallows Hill in paperback can be found here.
An interview about Gallows Hill can be found here.

Please follow the following links to find my novel:
Thank you!
The book trailer:
Maledicus:Investigative Paranormal Society Book I
My radio interview:


i love reading a wide range of authors and types of books as well. as many moods as once can have, there is always a book to go along with it.
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You are correct!
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I, too, have read all my life and I cannot imaging a life without books! My friends 🙂
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Yes, they certainly are.
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I taught high school for two years, and the kids didn’t read for pleasure. It pretty much tied one hand behind my back when it came to teaching them how to write effectively.
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Yes, it can be difficult, but sometimes they can be reached. It is very hard though.
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Sometimes, yes–and perhaps more often than we know at the time.
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So, we do our best and never stop trying.
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Beautifully said, Charles!
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Thank you, Jennie!
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You’re welcome, Charles!
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So true! I live to read, anything and everything I can get my hands on. Growing up, I didn’t have much access to books but when I found them, I absorbed them into my soul.
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Thank you so much! I love the way you said it, that you “absorbed them into my soul.”
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Thank you!
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I love reading, Charles, and agree that it’s a vital step of writing. Read often, read widely. Can’t beat it.
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Yes! Well said!
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I am just a beginner, but i will try getting better in, means reading more. Thank you for mentioning your first book “Get the draft done!” Think its best for me getting better a better writing style. Michael
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Michael, you are very welcome!
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Thank you very much Charles! Hope you are all save, and well. Best wishes, Michael
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Michael, you are welcome. Stay safe and healthy!
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Thank you. You and yours too.
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