Book: Every Last One (12/3)

December 3rd

Book: What was your favorite book you read this year? Was it for school or work? Or, was it for fun? And, how did you read it? On your Nook or your Kindle? Or, do you still enjoy reading with an actual, physical, book? Why did you like it? Maybe take a picture of it. 

Anna Quindlen wrote a book called, “Every Last One.” I read it this year in just two and a half days. I had nightmares for possibly two nights and all I could think was “brilliant.”

Book are that are decently worth reading are called page-turners for two reasons. One, you actually buy the tangible books so you can turn the pages. Second, you simply cannot put it down because it’s worth every ounce of your time; you care about the characters as much as you would your own family.

I cared about every last one.

Now, as a writer, when I am not writing a blog or scripts or letters, I'm engrossed in my characters - their thoughts, their movements, their feelings. It's said if a writer cannot cry, a reader cannot feel. This, I believe.

When I was younger, probably about 13, I had an Internet chat with author Tom Clancy. He wrote “Clear and Present Danger” and all the other Jack Ryan books. I hadn’t read any of his books and wasn’t entirely sure who he was. The name sounded familiar because I had seen my Papa read books with that name. 

In addition to wanting to be President, a Lawyer, and a News Anchor, I always wanted to be an author. So, I asked him what I needed to do. The evidence of that discussion exists in the archives of a newspaper column that same year. Anyhow, what I remember he said was to pay attention to how the books I enjoyed reading are written. Mr. Clancy advised me to focus on the words used, the tone, and the voice of the author. 

To this day, when I talk to young reporters and anchors at mentoring workshops I tell them: 

Read and read some more. 

Then, I say, work on your writing. Know both broadcast and newspaper style writing.

Finally, I say, watch more newscasts and pay attention to the structure of the entire newscast from beginning to end. 

Writing a book, I imagine, is much like putting together a newscast. Every word counts. 

Updated December 4, 2011