Reading like a reporter was a different perspective than what I was used to.
Actually, I think I've gradually developed a regular habit of reading in the complete opposite way of a reporter. I hang on details. I highlight generously. I re-read thoroughly. I-re-re-read. I'm worried that if I'm quick, I can't be accurate.
Or can I?
I think this really depends on what it is you're reading, though.
Right now I'm reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I think he's slightly redundant, but brilliant none the less. His main theme throughout the book is consistent and his style of writing is easy to follow. I'm reading bits and pieces of Gladwell because his writing tone is similar to the approach I'm using, or attempting to use, for one of my writing assignments. Gathering information in reporter-esque fashion worked well for Outliers, but I don't know how successful this technique would be for a more complex topic.
I have to read "Courting Disaster" for another class, so it will be interesting to see if it works for something that I think requires more detail-oriented note taking action. To be continued.
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ReplyDeleteI asked you about _Outliers_ in class yesterday because (I think) it's really really pertinent to what we're doing in Mindful Writing.
I don't want to spoil anything, but from what I remember, Gladwell goes against the idea that there is some inherent genius in those who are amazing at what they do. Instead, what connects those amazing people is the amount of practice they put into their respective trade.
This sounds an awful lot like Boice who constantly reminds us that writing is not Magic, but instead can be practiced, learned, and improved with regular work.
Dang it. I was really banking on the whole 'genius' thing to come out of me someday. Oh well, I guess I better start working towards 10,000.
I'd love to hear more :)