New blog

As I may have mentioned in a previous blog, I find myself with a thirst for knowledge, and I've started reading a lot more non-fiction - books, magazine articles, wikipedia etc. The problem is, a few weeks later I find I've forgotten most of what I've read. There's an old adage that if you write something down to remember it, not only will you have a permanent record of it but the very act of writing it down will make you remember it better. So I've set up a new blog, Knolij, where I'll jot down information that I've read and learned. It should be useful for me, and perhaps interesting for anybody reading it. I'll try and give links to other internet resources on the topics too, such as wikipedia. The new blog can be found at:

Knolij Blog

Update

So what have I been upto? Not blogging that is evident. I have had problems moving house, changing car etc. but mostly all done now. What about my writing and reading?

I have been attempting to read authors with surnames beginning with different letters of the alphabet, as part of the 2007 A-Z challenge. I am up to 2 now - pitiful really since my wife is up to 5 or 6. I've read so far:

B - 'The Winner' by David Baldacci
F - 'Pandora's Star' by Peter F. Hamilton and 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop

Am currently reading a biography of Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson, and have 'Ireland' by Frank Delaney to read next.

As for writing, I've written a couple of poems (see my writing.com portfolio), and am working on an 'interview' of Benjamin Franklin. I didn't realise how much research would be required for the latter, so it is taking a while.

I've also been thinking about writing a grand historical novel, linking British and American history. A lot of research and planning to do before I even think about putting pen to paper however!

New Year's Resolutions: Reading

Every year, I write down a list of New Year Resolutions, in the hope that I will improve myself and my writing, and achieve some goals. This year is no different, and I've set out some of them below.

Books & Reading

This year I'm looking forward to reading lots of good books. I don't want to set myself goals that would spoil the enjoyment of reading. Often in the past I've had lots of books that I feel I 'should' read from 19th century classics to contemporary critically acclaimed literary masterpieces. I've come to realise however that I am a lazy reader. I like a good story, usually with a fast pace, good characters, good writing and in some cases a fascinating or wondrous subject. Recently I've read mostly crime thrillers, but always used to love SF and fantasy novels and sagas. SF (science fiction) in particular can have a sense of wonder and awe which is lacking in most other books. SF also has a limitless scope to explore different ideas and possibilities. I may therefore have a go at reading some SF & Fantasy again this year.

While not wanting to decide what I should read yet this year, I thought I'd set myself a couple of challenges. The first is to try and read authors begining with each letter of the alphabet in 2007 (though doesn't need to be in order). This is harder than you might think - I tried it a couple of years ago and the authors I wanted to read all seemed to have surnames that began with either 'B' or 'H'! I may not achieve it but it could be fun trying.

The other challenge is to read at least one book from each of the following genres:

Crime
Thriller
SF
Fantasy
Horror
pre 20th century classic
Historical fiction
Biography
New book (HB or PB first published in 2007)
Non-fiction: Historical
Non-fiction: Science

That's it for now, I've run out of time. More later.