Reading, Writing and what's the Arithmetic?

I'm stuck, trying to find a balance between reading and writing. As a fiction writer it is necessary to do a lot of fiction reading. I have a stack of books on my night stand that I am attempting to read.

Currently I have "The Notebook" and "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks, "White Sister" by Steve Cannell, and Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver. Those are just the ones on my nightstand. There is a barrage of other fiction books on my living table, waiting to gain entrance into the bedroom.

I also have non fiction on my night stand "The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and "Don't Kiss Them Goodbye" by Allison Dubois,"Expect the Unexpected" by Roger von Oech, "The Hanging of Arthur Hodge"by John Andrew, "Tears of Fears...Behind Closed Doors." by Lyn-Dee-Eldridge and "Finding Your Voice" by Less Edgerton.

Then there are the books on CD I have yet to listen to......

So my question for writers is this..

How much time do you spend a day reading?

How much time do you spend a day writing?

How many WIP do you have at the moment?

Do you edit one WIP while writing another?

In general what is your typical day like?

Should you devote 33 percent to writing, 33 percent to editing? and 33 percent to reading?

I do read when I am in the car and my husband is driving, and when I am driving I listen to books on tape. I try to remember to take a book w/ me when I go someplace where I might have to wait like the doctors etc..

Right now I am trying to find a balance... between reading and writing.. any tips are greatly appreciated...

Fan Mail

I'm not famous, but every so often I get an email, or a card from a reader. It always makes me feel wonderful. That someone whom I never met, takes the time to jot a words of appreciation.

I've been writing a weekly column for about 8 years (if you combine them). Often I will get feedback from folks on the street, but the notes and emails are special.

Being a writer often finds you alone at your computer and pondering.. Should I do this? Or should I put this in, or maybe take this out. So it's heartwarming to know that someone reads and appreciates your work.

So if you have a favorite columnist, writer, etc. drop them a line. They will appreciate it.

Poem In A Pocket - Contest

April is National Poetry Month and April 30, 2009 is the second annual
"Poem in Your Pocket Day."
The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then
carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends on April 30,
2009.

In honor of "Poem in Your Pocket Day" I would like you to submit a poem no
longer than 10 lines to me at novelistatwildbluedotnet with the words Pocket
Poem in subject line.

Put the title of the poem in the body of email above the poem. Please do not
send attachments.
Deadline is April 28th and poems will be posted on April 30th at: Poem In A Pocket Contest without names
and winners will be announced on May 8. Prizes will be awarded for 1, 2, and
3 place.

Poems must be G rated... no erotica or X-Rated Poems.

Now stop reading and get on with writing your poem..