Comments on: (The Key to Life is) Running, Reading… and Writing

By: The Key to Life « Home School College Counselor

The Key to Life « Home School College Counselor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:15:40 +0000

[...] like to thank Jarkko Lane for the inspiration to write this [...]

By: Home School College Counselor

Home School College Counselor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:48:56 +0000

Wow...great thoughts. I've been thinking along the same lines recently, but never had it laid out as succinctly as you have just done. Thanks for sharing, this is a game changer! .-= Home School College Counselor´s last blog ..Questions of the Day =-.

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:34:39 +0000

@David: You’re right, to say that to put the things you have read into use you have to write is an exageration. There are many reasons for reading and one definitely is to get practical information you need to do things such as programming or running.

But I still believe that there is something more between reading and writing. When writing, you are working on the ideas themselves, not (just?) their implementation.

About running and other kind of sport, I think that’s exactly what Will means, and it makes a lot of sense.

@Shamelle: You know, I have the same problem as you do – English is not my first language. But I guess we’re both doing OK :) By observing and reading a lot, we’ll get there.

By: Shamelle - TheEnhanceLife

Shamelle - TheEnhanceLife — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:36:25 +0000

Yes, I also agree that if we are to improve our writing we need to read. Indeed it has helped me a lot. I started blogging as a hobby about 2 yrs ago and the blog has grown beyond my wildest dreams!
As a result the expectations are more from the readers. The fact that English is not my first language doesn’t help either. But I have gotten by :-0) It has a lot to do with observing and learning by reading great writing.

Shamelle – TheEnhanceLifes last blog post..DVD Clutter: How To De-Junk A DVD Collection

By: David Hutchison

David Hutchison — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:12:21 +0000

I certainly agree with all your points about reading, but I’m not sure the need to write holds true. As long as the knowledge gained from reading is used in some way – for example since running is part of this discussion, is you read about running and it makes your experience as a runner better that was certainly not time wasted.

“because if you just put more and more new ideas in your brain but never use that wealth of information, who will benefit from your reading? No one.”

There are many ways to benefit from information besides writing.

To those wondering about running vs. other sports – Will’s point is that the lessons of running will help you over life’s hurdles. There are many sports that do that, as long as there is a goal involved and enough triumph over adversity or striving for a difficult personal best to give you confidence in other situations. Try cycling – but try to achieve something challenging like riding a century (100 miles). Try a triathlon. Hike a significant mountain. Take up rowing. There are lots of ways as long as it’s more than just going out and having fun (although believe me there is merit in that too – I just think that is different from what Will is talking about).

David Hutchisons last blog post..University of Toronto Schools (UTS)

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:21:01 +0000

@Scrubs: Thanks! Now I finally get it – there are jobs where you can (almost) only read. Although the reviewer needs to comment on the book, I guess it’s the closest you can get to just reading all day long…

Good luck job hunting ;)

By: Scrubs

Scrubs — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:54:50 +0000

Funny that you’ve posted this. It’s always been one of my dream jobs to be review books. I believe some of the large publishing companies actually do have these positions within their firms. I’m off to the Monster.com lol.

By: Timo

Timo — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:41:36 +0000

@Jarkko: Thank you! I know that he’s is in good shape because he finished the half-distance triathlon this summer but let’s see if I can make the same myself next year :)

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:05:02 +0000

Hi Jarkko, I didn't even know you responded to me. I was just nosing back this way, because your site was my favorite that I found yesterday. Seeing your response made me smile. I know someone who is a professional reader. She hates her job. She has to start at the bottom of the slush pile, and recommend the good stuff. I don't get the impression that she sees very much of it. Really, I love everything about your site. The colors, and the text. Really great job. See you around. Writer Dads last blog post..I Promise.

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:45:43 +0000

@Writer Dad: Thanks!

I tried hard to think about the reader jobs – but I think there is something blocking my mind from reaching the answer… I can’t think of any. What are the reading jobs you are thinking of?

I love your blog and it’s great to meet a fellow writer dad! It’ll be interesting to share experiences with you!