By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Reading and writing have always gone hand in hand with me. I read early and read books I found around the house or at the library, whether they were intended for me or not. I remember making up stories to fit the covers of adult books when I was in kindergarten.
I can’t imagine not fitting in reading now, no matter how crazy life gets. It would be like not fitting in time for lunch or something. I fit it into spare minutes during the day and a bit longer at night before falling asleep.
People who know I write usually ask me if I read the genre I write. And I do—but not the subgenre I write. Not often…these days probably only if I’m blurbing something for someone. That may be because when I read my own subgenre, I go almost instantly into market research mode, which is not the same as getting lost in a book. So I tend to read tons of mysteries, but mostly police procedurals or psychological mysteries, or traditional mysteries that are nothing at all like mine.
Although mysteries are probably always going to be my favorites, I read tons of other books, too. Discoverability is interesting for me. I buy books that other readers and writers recommend and blog about, books that Kindle emails me as the daily deal, books that friends of mine write, books that my favorite authors release. I try to read a little of everything—from poetry to nonfiction. No matter the genre, it always serves to heighten my own creativity (even, somehow, the biographies I read).
It’s always a little embarrassing to me that I usually don’t remember titles or author names or—often—even the endings of books after reading them. For this reason, I keep careful lists of books I’ve enjoyed and always have the list available on my phone. People ask me all the time what I’m reading and it’s a relief to finally have an answer for them, even if I have to look it up. But then, I’m someone who keeps cheat sheets of my own books so that I’m not caught off guard while speaking to a book club. If I can forget books that I’ve labored over for months, I guess I shouldn’t feel bad about forgetting someone else’s.
I used to read a lot of books about writing, but I don’t so much anymore. Or, if I do, I jot down notes in a separate document that I can reference during editing. If I read too much about writing, I don’t write as much, or I write more cautiously (which doesn’t really work for me).
I think, of all the reactions I get when I tell new acquaintances that I’m a writer, the worst is when someone says, “I don’t read.” I’ve gotten very good at an impassive expression when I get that answer, although the first time someone said it, I’m sure I must have looked shocked. But do also I like to get the message out to these folks that writers aren’t tied to books—because, we’re not. We’re about so much more than that, moving into the future. I’ll mention that if they listen to music or enjoy movies or television shows, or even enjoy complex video games…that writers are behind those forms of entertainment, too. We create content.
So…what have you been reading? When do you fit it into your day? How do you find new books to read? And—how long is your TBR (to be read) list?
Image: MorgueFile: jjulian812
I did that with book covers too. But I was a late reader, so I had the strongest desire to read, but couldn’t. Then one day I could and I started reading anything I could get my hands on.
Elizabeth–I wondered if other future writers might have done the same thing! Very cool. :)
Hi Elizabeth .. I don’t think you want to know about my TBR list … a mile long?! I have lots here to read and keep getting more and finding out about new ones …
I used to read a lot as a child … and it sort of fell away when I started playing lots of squash … and would read sensible magazines, or reference style books .. still enjoy those.
And now I may not read per se – but I’m constantly looking at different things -very eclectic is life around here .. though I’m going to make an effort after the A-Z and when I’m much more sorted here, as I am almost now .. and reading will get to the fore ..
Cheers and it’s great to see how you fit things in to your life .. Hilary
Hilary–I think you’re a *great* observer, which is what makes your writing interesting.
I know what you mean about the TBR list!
I’ve never really understood squash, but I love the name of it!
Elizabeth – I think that reading is one of the most important things a writer can do. In part I think it’s important to be aware of what’s out there. But it’s also to look at writing from the reader’s perspective if I can put it that way. And if reading is a passion, why not indulge it? One of the reasons I read as much as I do, too, is that it helps me learn how other authors handle certain things. Hopefully I can learn from what they do.
Oh, and I know what you mean about ‘market research mode.’ Talk about being pulled out of a story… *sigh*
Margot–It also pulls me out of TV shows and movies! I’m no fun to go to the movies with…I usually try to just keep my mouth shut…ha!
Hi Elizabeth – I was an early reader as well. Mysteries are my go to read.
I started with Trixie Belden, moved to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and then to the grand master… Agatha Christie. I still read Dame Christie even though I know the ending to the stories.
I’ve passed on my love of reading to my children, they grew up seeing reading every day. When they were younger I managed about 2 books a week. Now that they are adults and I have more time, I read about 5 books a week. Thank goodness for ebooks, electronic libraries and bricks and mortar libraries!
I find there are some authors I learn a great deal from as far as structure and pacing, others not so much but there is a huge value in simply reading for pleasure. I love “discovering” new authors in different genres but find I gravitate to the mystery genre as my default.
I read first thing in the morning with my coffee and just before bed. I must admit, the evening read can go into the wee hours of the morning if the book demands it!
Rose
Rose–I did it all backwards from you! Started with Nancy Drew in 2nd grade, read all hers and the Hardy Boys, then on to Trixie in 4th grade. And then–like you–to Christie! *Loved* those books.
Some authors I learn from even if their books are bad–I might learn more from those bad books, actually.
I’ve enjoyed reading for as long as I can remember. Your comment about forgetting authors’ names and book titles made me smile. I’ve picked up books before that sound interesting, started reading only to realize after the first chapter that I’ve read this book already. :) I read every chance I get and that’s one reason I enjoy audio books. They let me ‘read’ when I’m busy doing other things like cooking, cleaning, yard work or driving. People who don’t read are missing out on so much.
Mason–Isn’t that funny? Sometimes I don’t realize I’ve read the book until the VERY end and I remember who the murderer was. My children will end up putting me in a home soon… :)
Audio books are a great idea. I keep saying I’m going to listen to some books, then don’t get around to it.
My TBR list is infinite, it seems.
When I watch TV, taking mental notes about story structure is part of the fun. If the story allows me to slip out for some research, so be it. If not, even better.
When it comes to books, I’m dissatisfied if the story leaves me the emotional latitude for research mode. Suck me in wholly or I’ll move on.
Since my goal is to write in a manner which is so compelling even other authors are pulled into the vicarious experience, those are the books I want to be immersed in, in order to absorb their spirit.
Joel–So it doesn’t ruin TV for you? It does for me, sometimes. But I’ve found lately that I can see all the marionette’s strings and still enjoy the show. If it’s good.
I tend to be more analytical when reading, too. A shame because I really just want an escape.
If a show is powerful enough, I get sucked in and don’t analyze. But a show that’s a tad formulaic (I love Star Trek: Voyager, but it’s not always deeply original) dissecting it makes it more fun. The extra layer of concentration keeps me engaged. (Psych tip: thinking about B while doing A makes A boring. Focusing especially hard on A makes A more interesting, even if it is not intrinsically so.)
It’s also fun when Best Beloved and I turn to each other when they have the exciting moment just before the commercial, and we both say “Dun dun DUN!” as dramatically as possible.
Joel–This may be why I find “I Love Lucy” so amusing still…I *know* what’s going to happen. Even if I hadn’t watched the shows a hundred times, I’d still know how every member of that cast would react to any given situation. But that’s almost what makes it fun. Good point!
Watching TV is much more fun with a friend who’s into it. :)
We are more than that! I enjoy books and writing, but it’s not my life.
Don’t worry, there are things about my own books I don’t remember. And I really don’t want to go back and read them to find out, because I’ve probably forgotten that they weren’t as good as they should’ve been, either.
Alex–You’ve got so many other interesting activities (guitar, etc.) that it’s amazing how you fit it all together!
I don’t enjoy re-reading my books either. :) I always wince. That’s why the cheat sheets are so handy.
Elizabeth–
You describe having perfected an impassive facial expression, reserved for “I don’t read” moments. My own expression comes closer to dismissive. People who don’t read and are not ashamed to say so (or are even proud of it or, more likely, think that by making this confession, all is well) can be consigned to the outer darkness. This is not a generous point of view, but generosity needs to be heartfelt, don’t you think?
Barry–Oh, yes, that proud expression when they say they don’t read…I’ve encountered that before. I can’t figure out where they’re coming from. At least they could say that they *wish* they had time to read more. The first time I heard that was when I was at a bookstore signing and a customer was buying a gift for a family member (not himself, since he didn’t read). When he told me he didn’t read, I’m afraid my jaw hit the floor. And, of course, it’s just not what you’re expecting to hear in a bookstore.
I’m convinced it’s some goofy, populist “I’m just a solid, regular guy/gal who doesn’t need books” mentality. Go ahead, this attitude says. Knock yourself out. Me? I already know everything I need to.
Barry–I think you’re right…very populist. I have a feeling they don’t brag about not reading books in other countries…
I’m afraid my good manners would be strained should anyone ever say that around me with any positive tone implied.
Iffen you don’t read, what in blazes are we gonna talk about? Sports? Spare me.
Joel–Yes, and I’d be lost with a sports topic. The weather I’m always up on, though. :) But yep–I do hear those very words (I don’t read) entirely too often. Scary stuff.
I got away from my TBR pile for a while, now I realize I need to make time for reading. It fuels my writing and keeps the well full. I would never go back to not reading. It’s like the air. I read everything I can. Sometimes, I’m years behind the current content but I’m still working on it.
Traci–I do like to follow new releases, just to see what’s hot in the market right now. But I just finished a book that was “new” to me and then found out that it came out in the mid-90s. :) That’s kind of the cool thing about digital–we can skip around and read the old stuff…even accidentally, like I did.
TBR? What an embarassment. The worst part? I routinely let the list age as I read whatever new bright bit strikes my eye.
When I am writing seriously, I read poetry and non-fiction. I finished a profile of the ballistic missle submarine Nebraska in _Big Red_ on Wednesday. I read a compilation of state department profile papers on the Yeltsin government last week. I re-read _Soldat_ the weekend before … ( re-reading, another habit. More Twain, anyone? ).
I am a deplorable book hound… Just like the rest of you in these pages.
Jack–Oh, I do the same. I need to get my Kindle to show me all the books I’ve bought…backwards. So oldest acquisitions first. Maybe that will spur me on to things that have gotten lost in the shuffle.
I do love non-fiction. Although I think I’d find the non-fic you were reading tough going!
Like you, I can’t imagine NOT reading. I love reading even more than writing. I usually read 30 minutes a day. Way more if we’re on vacation. Right now I’m reading Divergent. I broke one of my own rules and saw the movie first, only because I was with a large group and I went with the flow. I usually don’t see the movie before reading the book!
The only thing about reading so much, especially if it’s a really great book, is I find myself lacking as a writer. But then I push those thoughts aside and learn what I can from the amazing book, and go back to enjoying the story.
Julie–I loved the Divergent book…and it’s not what I usually read!
I know what you mean about the insecurity thing. I just try to remind myself they’re writing a different book, after all…I’m uniquely qualified to write the books I’m writing and no one else can have the same spin on them.
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