Do you writers ever get caught reading more than you're writing? Do you think this is helping or hurting your craft?
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Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Reading and Writing...No Arithmetic Please!
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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.
ReplyDeleteIt depends, really. Sometimes, but when I'm fully invested in (writing) a story... I don't even think about reading :)
ReplyDeleteYea, 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.
ReplyDeleteYep, 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:)
ReplyDeleteWhatever it takes to get the job done right?!
Susan - I read at night too, I just forget about that whole "other obligations" thing sometimes ;P
ReplyDeleteMarieke - 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?
Mostly helping. Depends on the book, but anything well-written will help.
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down time management--yeehaw!
~ Wendy
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.
ReplyDeleteI know reading helps me write better-- I need a good book to start!
ReplyDeleteweeeelll... I do tell myself that reading helps my writing even if I have abandoned my wip for months in favor of books
ReplyDeleteOh, 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?
ReplyDeleteI 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.)
ReplyDeleteYes, but somehow I don't think reading US Weekly in the checkout line is really helping the cause. :)
ReplyDeleteWendy - yes, that ever annoying TIME MANAGEMENT ;)
ReplyDeleteKaren - 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 ;)
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.
ReplyDelete