I'm a writer who doesn't read (much).

I've been writing creatively for a long time. It's something that is defining of my personality. I am the writer of my friend group, my family and most of my social media accounts. Sadly, for the past few years, I have committed the cardinal sin of being a writer. I don't read.

Well, I shouldn't say that. What I should mention is that I don't read as often as I really should be. It's not an activity that I do often and consistently.

Stephen King's immortal words read as follows:

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut."

Sorry, Mr. King, I have failed you. I give you the right to take my writer's card and rip it up so you can throw it back into my face.

I don't know why I don't read as often as I should. I have never sustained a daily reading habit for long periods of time. There will be times where I'll read a book every few months, but after that, I don't pick anything up. As I write this article, in 2018, I have finished only three books so far according to my Goodreads account. (technically 2, I reread Becky Albertalli's Love Simon twice).

Merely writing the fact that I've only read three books this year is bothering me. I feel as though I am secluding myself in my writing and failing to look to other writers to see how they have managed to complete such beautiful projects.

A reading habit is hard to build. Life can get in the way, and there are papers to write, textbooks to read and jobs to do. Reading has fallen to the wayside for far too long.

As I delve deeper and deeper into college, I'm making the change. I'm trying my best to read daily, even if it's for a few minutes in-between classes. I am starting to carry my current read in my book bag as I go through my day and making use of my timer app to set aside time to read.

So far I am doing well. I had forgotten how much a good story could completely entrap me and keep me close. I am finding stories that I love, and that shakes me to my core. This habit is in it's earliest stages.

But, Mr. King, I will take that writer's card back from you. You wait.