I certainly didn't expect this.

Something strange and kind of disturbing has happened since I published a novel. I'm not sure exactly when it started, and I'm a little worried that it's a permanent condition.

I don't enjoy reading anymore.

Of course, now that I've typed the words, I realize that's not completely true. To be more specific, I don't enjoy reading fiction anymore. It may have begun a couple of years ago, in fact. I can't remember the last piece of fiction I enjoyed reading.

It's a problem, for sure. I belong to a book club. There tends to be a fair amount of reading in a book club. Sort of like moving one's arms in tap dancing.*

Not only am I a member of a book club, but this month, I chose the book. I selected The Book of Salt, by Monique Truong. It's beautifully written, bordering on poetry, really. I should love this book. I should be writing a little, unauthorized and unsolicited review on how incredible it is. Because it is.

But I could barely read it. At first I thought it was simple jealousy. Wow! To be able to write like that. Well...I can write like that. WHOSS isn't that kind of writing. OWSE is. I went with WHOSS first because I thought it would have a broader commercial appeal. (Of course I'm pretty sure I've done it all completely wrong, but that's a post for another day.)

I would ask other writers if they have the same problem, but I don't like talking to other writers, as I believe I may have mentioned in this space. We're all weird, honestly. We really shouldn't intermingle.

I'll keep trying, I guess. But if The Book of Salt didn't do it for me, I don't know what will.

* Yep. Raquel Welch on Seinfeld, in the Broadway show, Scarsdale Surprise. I hand't referenced Seinfeld in forever. Figured it was time.

NOTE: Check out the Events page. I'll be speaking at the Women's Finance Exchange in Houston on Thursday, March 18. As you'll see, I've selected a completely non-controversial topic.

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[Stasa]

You know I'll be there. :)