Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Reading and Writing...No Arithmetic Please!

 


I've got a few books I'm reading at the moment that I can't seem to put down, and I love that feeling. However, it has created a problem with my writing, because I'd much rather be reading. In an effort to get more writing done, I'm attempting to make reading my reward for finishing my writing for the day.

Do you writers ever get caught reading more than you're writing? Do you think this is helping or hurting your craft?

*Photos courtesy of Google Images

14 comments:

  1. I only allow myself to read at the end of the day right before bed after all of my other obligations are taken care of. I read books slowly sometimes for that reason, but at least I'm reading and getting my writing done.

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  2. It depends, really. Sometimes, but when I'm fully invested in (writing) a story... I don't even think about reading :)

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  3. Yea, a good book will suck me in. But, I usually take a break between books. It helps if the book is really good, I'll be done with it in a day (two at most). It's like a mini-vacation. Then I get excited and get back to writing. So sometimes it just gives my mind that little reprieve to get over a stuck spot in my writing.

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  4. Yep, this is the same thing I do. Reading is the ultimate reward. Sometimes I even reward myself with a new book before I finish the one I'm reading:)

    Whatever it takes to get the job done right?!

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  5. Susan - I read at night too, I just forget about that whole "other obligations" thing sometimes ;P
    Marieke - Thank you for the comment, and I go through periods where I feel that way about my writing too. I suppose that would lead one to believe that I'm not exactly fully invested in my story yet. Hmmm...
    Diane - I agree with mini-vacation analogy, my problem is that I just jump into the next book so as to vacation longer! :P
    Tamika - glad you identify! It's a tough job sometimes, isn't it?

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  6. Mostly helping. Depends on the book, but anything well-written will help.

    It all comes down time management--yeehaw!
    ~ Wendy

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  7. Hummmm, yes. But I was "told" to read. That writers, must read and also check out the best-sellers to see what people are reading. I do find myself wanting to write if the book has been good. But like Wendy said-time management.

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  8. I know reading helps me write better-- I need a good book to start!

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  9. weeeelll... I do tell myself that reading helps my writing even if I have abandoned my wip for months in favor of books

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  10. Oh, I do struggle when I get into a book that I simply must finish before I can do anything else. That has to help the creative juices, at least, right?

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  11. I think that reading is always helpful to writing. The more I read, the better my book will be. (Okay, and the longer it will take to write, but I try to forget that part when I'm in the middle of a really good book.)

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  12. Yes, but somehow I don't think reading US Weekly in the checkout line is really helping the cause. :)

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  13. Wendy - yes, that ever annoying TIME MANAGEMENT ;)
    Karen - I agree, good books motivate. Some books, though, become a total time suck for me because they're wonderful (and that happen to be huge and come in a series!)
    Terri - thank you for the comment, and I agree it helps!
    Jo - thanks for stopping by, and I'm glad I'm not alone :)
    Heather - yes, creative juices. Except for when I forget where I put my juicer ;P
    Jessie - I ALWAYS forget that part when I'm in the middle of a good book.
    Angie - *snort* Try People, a little more literary ;)

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  14. Hi, I'm an aspiring writer who stumbled on this cutsie little blog. I think its great that you're writing this. As to answer, you're question, I think all writers have to be readers... you know, to check out the competition.

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