The Tools of the Trade
Launch Week | My Favorite Reading and Writing Tools
In January I was watching videos on the Hardcore Literature YouTube channel run by Benjamin McEvoy. He creates great bookish content and through his videos I discovered his online book club, appropriately named the Hardcore Literature Book Club. Ben’s in-depth and thought-provoking lectures are truly a treasure. His passion for making classic literature accessible to the masses is tangible. In addition to deep dives into some of the greatest written works, he lectures on how to slow read for quality rather than quantity, make annotations, take notes, keep a writing journal, and tab books. Those lessons took my reading to a deeper level. If you are looking for a guide to take you through a Master’s class on literature then I encourage you to check it out.
In my last post (linked below), I wrote about the annual reading plan I use. This reading plan matured over the years, starting from a simple list in an excel file, to its current iteration as a detailed syllabus laying out my reading month by month. This syllabus helps me to develop thematic congruence across everything I am reading including selections from many different genres. The development of my reading syllabus is a favorite activity of mine and typically takes place during October or November each year. I will deep dive that topic in a future article.
What About Those Tools?
The first tool of any reader is a book. A great pen, a trusty notepad, some good tabs, and a good writer’s journal can all add to the reading experience. New words, ideas, quotes, and topics to explore fill my notepad. Tabs mark lengthy sections awaiting my return. The writer’s journal is a record of my thoughts. A high-back chair and reading lamp create a comfortable space to read in the early hours of the morning. My headphones for listening to an audiobook work great while I take a walk or cook. Most importantly, a piping hot cup of coffee to accompany my reading and writing. Other than having a book to read, none of these tools are required, but they help me be a more engaged reader.
A list of my personal favorites:
Pen - TUL Medium Needle Point 0.7mm
Notepad – Skilcraft legal size, yellow paper notepad.
Tabs – ELII Morandi Sticky Note Tabs.
Writer’s Journal – Leuchtturm 1917 size A5.
I’m All Grown Up
As a child I thought 40 was old. Now in my mid-40’s I believe I am hitting my stride. This year I matured as a reader. This doesn’t mean I am a reading snob. I love a Stephen King or John Grisham novel. Now I also appreciate a wider variety of books and genres. The tools I use enable me to get more out of the books I read.
“The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over half a library to make one book.”
—Samuel Johnson
Maturation as a reader brought me full circle – the dream of writing. As an avid reader I would dabble in writing occasionally. Mostly I read voraciously and dreamed of being the next John Steinbeck or David Foster Wallace. The more I gleaned from books, the more I desired to share how it relates to my life. So I find myself here, in this place, writing these words. Hopefully you find value in my writing. Maybe you stretch your own reading muscles and embark on new adventures.
Would using an easily customizable plan help take your reading to the next level? Would you like to support additional content creation and literacy advocacy? Consider subscribing at one of the paid content levels and I will send you my reading plan template for your own use. You will also receive my 2024 personal reading syllabus and 10% of your subscription fees will be donated to support public libraries.
I would love to know your thoughts on this topic along with what you are reading that is adding value to your life right now.
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