My guest today is Robin Bayne.
What I’ve Learned About Reading Fiction from Golf
You may have noticed that the cover of my story, “Prodigal,” features a golf ball. That’s because one of the scenes takes place on a driving range and is based on a real life experience. Personally, I’ve given up trying to learn the game and let my husband go out to the course so I can have quiet reading or writing time.
But over many years of observing the game both in real life and on television, I’ve picked up the following:
In golf, patience is the key. It is a slow sport to play, and can be slowed further by lagging players in front of you. (You can however, speed things up by playing golf on the Wii machine.)
In fiction, patience is also needed. Reading a love story is a slow, unfolding process that makes us wait for the payoff at the end. We also must sometimes wait patiently for the next story in a series. (You can however, sometimes speed things up by ordering your books as downloads for immediate receipt.)
In golf, there is a code of etiquette to be followed. Many rules apply out on the green. It is considered the “gentleman’s sport” for a reason.
In fiction, there are also rules of etiquette for readers like not revealing “spoilers” and ruining the experience for others. And not criticizing an author, focusing instead on her work.
In golf, your spouse might become irritated by the amount of time you spend at it.
In fiction, your spouse might become irritated by the amount of time you spend at it.
So in what ways is reading a superior hobby to golf?
–You don’t need to wear plaid pants or a collared shirt to read a book.
–Reading is a year-round sport, regardless of weather. –You can buy many books for the cost of one typical round of golf. –You can re-read a scene anytime, but in golf “mulligans” are frowned upon. –No special equipment is needed to read, unless it’s reading glasses. –You can’t play golf on the beach or in the tub. –If you completed grade school, you won’t need special instructors to help you read. –You can read all alone, without needing to call your buddies.
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Forgot to mention–after leaving here stop by my blog and enter my drawing– open until Friday the 17th. http://
So send your spouse out to the driving range and curl up on your couch. Tell us, what books are in your TBR (to be read) pile?
Thanks Robin for this fun post. You can read more about Robin on her website and her blog.
Tim Gardner has worked hard to rebuild the family business after his older brother nearly destroyed it. He’s restored the clientele base and the restaurant’s reputation. But if Rachel Martin can’t get her act together, she won’t fulfill his orders for the Gardner’s Gazebo signature dessert, a gold-leaf cheese cake, which also happens to be Rachel’s secret recipe. When Rachel Martin’s partner abandons their bakery and catering business to study with the master chefs in Paris, she’s left with nothing but bills and obligations-and no one in Portlandville seems able or willing to help her. No one except for Timothy Gardner, and she knows the handsome young man is only after one thing—her cheese cake. But as she gets to know him, during her time of need, she wonders if maybe there’s a little bit more in the mix. And as Tim gets to know Rachel, he finds himself wanting to be her Good Samaritan–permanently.