“If you want to be a writer you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” —Stephen King

It is well-known that reading improves writing, and writing is a large part of the responsibilities of a grant professional. Because of this, the DH Leonard Consulting Team discussed our reading lives recently based on a shortened version of the What Does Your Bookshelf Say About You? Discussion presentation developed by Trish Bachman, GPC and me for the Grant Professionals Association annual conference.

Here is the summary of our discussion so you can learn more about the team:

What are your favorite books, blogs, and podcasts about grant writing/fund development?

• Fundraising HayDay
• Prepare for the GPC Exam: Earn Your Grant Professional Certified Credential by Pauline Annarino, Danny W. Blitch II, Kimberly Hays de Muga, and Leslie Mitchell
• Writing to Win Federal Grants: A Must-Have for Your Fundraising Toolbox by Cheryl Kester and Karen Cassidy

To read more about these books, check out Three Books that Should be on Every Grant Professional’s Bookshelf.

Why do you read?

• Escape
• Relax
• Provide boundaries
• Help fall asleep
• Learn
• Reading is like food. It is a necessity.
• You can go anywhere with a book.
• The social aspect of discussing books – book clubs, Bookstagram, etc.
• To be sophisticated

What books sparked your love for reading?

• Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
• The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin
• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
• Ulysses by James Joyce
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Aesop’s Fables by Aesop  
• Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene

What is the last book finished?

• Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves by Glory Edim
• A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith
• Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
• The Rejected Writers’ Book Club by Suzanne Kelman
• On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

What book do you frequently recommend to others?

• Any of Brene Brown’s books
• Any of Joh Krakauer – specifically Under the Banner of Heaven
• Any of Thomas Hardy’s books
• Any of Robin Robert’s books
• Any of Gretchen Rubin’s books
• Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

We’d love to get you know you through books as well. We would love to hear what the last book is that YOU finished. Let us know in the comments section!