Like many writers, I’m a huge fan of books. If I hear a recommendation, I’m there. The library has made it so easy for me—simply sign in online, request a book, and go check it out. My favorites are purchased at bookstores and recommended to other book-loving friends.
But I seem to come up with roadblocks when I’m writing a book (which is, actually, all the time now.) I’m reluctant to read anything in my genre (cozy mysteries), even though they’re my favorite reads for escape. I have several reasons for this:
One is the fact that it’s less of a pleasure; I’ll read the book critically and pick it apart. Were the suspects introduced in an organized way. Were there too many/not enough suspects? Am I picking up on a clue or a red herring? Is the author’s description of setting distracting or does it add to the book? Blah, blah, blah.
Another reason is that I compare my work-in-progress to the completed, edited, marketed, beautified text that I’m reading. And, guess what—my book lacks in comparison. This brings on a huge case of insecurity and heebie-jeebies that may take me hours to shake off.
Another reason is that I’m afraid I may somehow, subconsciously, change my writing voice while reading someone else’s cozy.
The final reason? I have so little time when I’m writing a book.
At first, I felt stuck. Now I’ve come up with some ways to work around my love of reading and my love of writing.
Read something short: Pick up a book of short stories. There are books of short story collections in every genre out there. Check one out. This also helps with the low-on-time factor.
Try something different in the genre you enjoy: Broaden your horizons. If you enjoy cozies (and write cozies), try thrillers, PIs, and police procedurals.
Try something completely different: Now may be the time to read an inspiring biography. Or a nonfiction book on organizing your life. Or literary fiction.
Just do it: Galley Cat recently revealed that Barack Obama is reading Joseph O’ Neill’s Netherland right now. If he’s got time to read, what excuse do the rest of us have?
Stephen King (1947 – ), On Writing, p. 147
This is so true. If I start reading a book when I’m in the middle of writing something, I’m terribly afraid that I’ll start writing like someone else–and I have enough trouble writing like me!
BTW, I just discovered your (excellent) blog. (And found out we have something in common.)
Lance Olsen says that once you become a writer, you lose your innocence. You no longer read for the pure pleasure of it. You’ve crossed an invisible border and there’s no turning back.
Reading is one thing most of us love to do and hate to give up for any reason. Isn’t it ironic that the very thing that made us want to be writers in the first place is the thing we no longer have time to do?
Pat
http://www.patriciastoltey.blogspot.com
Excellent suggestions. I also tend to try to keep to a schedule – I don’t want to give up my reading time, but I don’t want to get caught up in the story and lose track of time and not get my own story to paper. Short stories are a great suggestion!
NA Sharpe
http://nancysharpe.blogspot.com
Wow! I should have read this post weeks earlier (if you’d written it then!)
Thinking I’d get some ideas about plot, character and style for my fiction novel, I started reading Robert Ludlum’s “The Bourne Identity” – and very quickly felt the way you did:
“…my book lacks in comparison.”
Oh well, at least I’m benchmarking against the BEST! :-)
All success
Dr.Mani
Author: “Think, Write & RETIRE!”
http://ThinkWriteRetire.com
I don’t often do a lot of reading while I’m in the thick of writing a novel – but I do use that time to watch movies and shows I’ve missed. Often, I will watch things that in the same flavor as my book for inspiration that won’t affect the voice of my writing
Elle Parker
http://elleparkerbooks.blogspot.com/
This is a good point — Just gotta make time to DO it.
Although I now read with a more critical eye (and have lost my innocence), I still get great enjoyment from a well-crafted story. And, now that I have one written/published and another in the works, I read to see how an author has structured their acts, how they’ve used foreshadowing, blended in detail with action, etc. It’s not the innocence of a pure reader, but it’s still fun.
Typically, I don’t worry about reading the same genre as I’m writing – even if I think the author has done a fantastic job, I know he/she couldn’t write MY book, because they don’t have my voice, or my imagination.
Gayle
http://gaylecarline.blogspot.com
Enjoyed the post and I so identify with the insecurity felt after reading some really brilliantly written book!
Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed this post and your suggestions. But I guess I’m the opposite – I tend to concentrate on reading books in my genre (semi-cozies with a touch of socially conscious noir). I pick them apart in all the ways you describe and try to learn from them, but I’m especially happy when I encounter one that makes me wonder how on earth it got published, and reassures me that I’m better. Perhaps you’re being overly modest in assessing your own work?