For some of you who have been reading the blog for awhile, you know how much I love reading books. Mostly fiction for teens and kids (because that’s what I write) and also craft books about writing. It’s nothing for me to read 40-60 books a year (and that’s only the fiction).
But I’ve heard other writers state that they can’t read novels while they are working on their novel project. One writer friend said that she’s afraid of “sounding like the voice she’s reading” while another one says that she “doesn’t want the plot details to influence her work.”
I can see their points. And I have noticed that I don’t tend to read books that are similar to my novel-in-progress, but I do *still* read a LOT of books. For me, they inspire me especially when I’m in a rut or have gotten stuck but most of all, I learn so much — maybe even subconsciously — of how these novels are put together. It’s sort of like in the Matrix when Neo can see all the code behind the “world” he once lived in.
As a reader, I just always liked a book because it was “good.” Now as a writer, I see *how* the author did the things that made the novel great. For me, reading a novel is almost like reading a craft book — I guess now the only disadvantage is that I don’t think I can read a book without “seeing” the structure behind it. But I guess that goes with the territory.
What about you? Can you read while working on a project? Does it help you or hurt you?
I can read except during the most intense portion of the “getting the story out” phase, and the only reason I can’t read then is I don’t want to do anything else. Having to get up to go to the toilet seems like a huge intrusion.
I agree with you, however. I can’t read in my genre. Or whatever genre I’m writing at the time. I do find that tv shows, movies, music and other forms of art, along with direct experiences with nature affect my writing, but in a good way, I think. They move me. They keep me in an emotionally in touch place when sometimes in regular life, I have to shut that part of me down in order to cope. (Grieving a recent death, for instance).
I am more picky than I used to be. I used to read solely for story and writing wasn’t important to me. Now I read for both. Like you, I can’t read now without seeing craft.
After finishing my first book, I noticed that anything I read I read in a different way. Like you, I could analyze the structure better. When I write though, I can’t read things that are similar to what I’m writing. I still like to read, but if it gets to be too similar, I have to put it away and move on to something else. I actually had to “learn” how to write and read at the same time though, since at first it would color my writing.
I read daily. I don’t think I’ve missed a day reading since I learned how :)
I do read a pretty wide variety of genres, so I don’t really fear copying voice and style much. Once I’m in my sotry, it’s all about the characters, and the other stuff just floats away.
Because I am still struggling to find my own voice and style, I read widely in my genre when I’m writing. While I might be subconsciously influenced by books similar to mine, it’s good to be conscious of what is out there, so I will less be likely to fall into cliches. :)
If I couldn’t read while writing, I probably wouldn’t write. ;-)
I read widely as well, in my genre and others, no matter what I’m writing. I seem to be one of the few writers who can still read for enjoyment – unless I’m specifically looking for some craft execution on purpose to take back to my own writing, I generally ignore the structure of the book when I’m reading and just enjoy the story.
Yes, my wide reading does occasionally bleed over into my writing, and then I have to go back and “fix” things. But it’s worth it – I’d sooner not breath than give up reading, even for a few weeks/months.
Ohhh, so nice to hear from other people who do read while they write. I’ve always felt a little nervous admitting that when others seem to struggle with it. Maybe I’m subconsciously stealing things and don’t even realize! But like others have said, I read widely, read daily, and can’t imagine life without a book by my side constantly. I definitely read in my genre to get ideas, but I don’t THINK it overly influences my own writing.
Jennifer: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I love what you said about how different art forms affect your writing in a good way. I think this is true for me as well. I also think being in touch with nature helps. I get some of my best ideas when I’m out strolling in the woods or on nature paths.
Jemi: I think you’re right about once getting into the story. I still believe every author’s story is unique — not matter how similar the theme/topic. So more than likely your characters/plot are hugely influenced by WHO are you are and not WHAT you read.
Tiana: I think when we first really start writing, we tend to “imitate” other things/authors we’ve read until we start to develop our own voice. This is what at least I think happens.
Sandy: I personally think it’s good to read what you really love when you first start writing because you start to learn what works and what doesn’t. And I still believe the best way to learn is by reading a LOT of books you love.
Jamie: I’m SO with you. I don’t think I could go even a few days without reading some fiction. I can’t really read a topic that I’m writing about though, but I have to read something. LOL.
Anne: I *think* I can do it too. I can read say in my genre (paranormal), but I don’t think I could read a paranormal book on the same topic that I’m writing. But I do feel that reading in your genre helps you stay on top of what’s out there. You’d be surprised how many people want to write in a certain genre but haven’t read one book — that’s why their writing may seem “out of touch” with editors.
Lots of great comments guys. You all have given me lots to think about. :)
Ha, this is very timely. I had a couple glorious weeks of reading at the beginning of the month – but I wasn’t writing. Then I went back to revising last week, and now I can’t get into reading anymore. But I’ve found that I can read up a storm when I’m working on something new – I just have a harder time reading when I’m revising. Maybe my brain gets a little too crowded?
When I come up with an idea for a book (PB or MG), I do an advanced Amazon search on the topic, then try to read some of the books. I’ve heard it said that there are no new stories, but there are new angles to write them. I like to see how the topic has been approached. That gives me the opportunity to rethink my plot points before I get thousands of words into my story!
Anna and Gail: I can see how this is important to read while working on something new. I tend to do this as well. As Gail said, to see what’s already out there.
But once I get knee deep into the story, I can no longer read anything similar to what I’m working on. Yes, I do think my brain may be too crowded too!
Reading is one of my greatest, most enjoyable pleasures, but I don’t do it nearly as much as I used to. I’m very limited on time, and I’m an obsessive sort of writer, so what little time I get, I generally devote to writing. But I still try to squeeze in reading time when I can! And sometimes, my brain needs a break from writing/editing as well.
Hi Carolina: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
My time is very limited as well so I wish I could read even more than I do. But you’re right it’s a great break from writing/editing and also can be inspiration too.
I can read while writing. Even in my genre. Actually reading my genre takes me out of myself, and I when I return, my writing feels fresher. That’s just me, Roland
Roland: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Interesting that reading in your genre.
I can see how that happens. When writing, we have our “voice” and maybe reading other authors gives us the distance we need to come back to our projects with a fresh eye.
Roland: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Interesting that reading in your genre.
When writing, we have our “voice” and maybe reading other authors gives us the distance we need to come back to our projects with a fresh eye.