As a freelance writer, I love nearing the end of the month because the new magazines come out. September in the world of magazines is a big month, with big issues and lots of fresh content and ideas.

I’m also studying the book world. I’m focused on learning the industry, getting better at my craft, reading and learning from the best and most talented writers in the Northwest and beyond.

These are my #amreading highlights this week:

Portland Monthly Magazine, September issue. Portland means food in the travel writing world and I’m loving Portland Monthly‘s new food issue. My friends in #PDX have so much fun eating out, celebrating the success of small food and drink businesses in the capitol of weird, fun food.

The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac: A Novel by Sharma Shields. Sometimes you read something and you want to quit writing because you may never be that good. This book is like that. It’s by a Spokane, Washington, writer, and I’m having so much fun suspending my disbelief, being scared, disturbed, and laughing.

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson. This book has great tips about getting organized to write your best story, finding the key elements of a plot, and getting motivated to get to work writing. The writer’s “Universal Story” is something that I’ve always believed in, too.

What are you reading this week? Leave a comment and let us know.