Apologies for allowing so many weeks to pass between posts. I have been furiously trying to complete the first draft of my novel that, according to my book resolutions, is woefully behind. I've also been reading some fantastic books.
Which brings me to a question that I've been asking myself quite a bit lately.
As a writer, I've often wondered if one should forgo reading as they are working on a novel, especially when writing a first draft.
Now I love reading, I always have, but I worry that as I'm reading a particular author or genre of books, if it will influence my own writing. And for the record, I think influencing and inspiring are two very different things.
I know this is a very short entry - but what do you think? Any thoughts?
I could have written this exact post. My answer for myself has been to keep reading widely, but to avoid books that I believe could influence (as opposed to inspire) my work. I don't exclude everything in my genre (or I wouldn't read much while taking years to write books, ahem) but if the premise or themes hinted on the back are similar, I put those books aside.
ReplyDeleteBrandy I think that's a great observation. I've still been reading a lot, but I've actually tried to stay away from books that are maybe a bit similar in setting or themes to my own. I do find that reading gets my imagination going and I tend to write more when I'm in the middle of a good book. I don't think I could give up reading entirely if I wanted to!
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering the same thing over the past few days! I can't help but think that the books I've been reading have shown me things that I am missing in my story...or rather things that give me inspiration to write better...such as with character development and descriptive scenery. The thing that makes me wonder if I should keep reading, is that I sometimes get an overwhelming sense to just keep reading ALL THE TIME. It has the potential to be detrimental to my writing goals, but that could just be me.
ReplyDeleteNo Twitter, it's not just you. I've found my writing habits suffer as well when I'm reading something I really enjoy. I use my free time to read instead of write!
ReplyDeleteBut I've also found inspiration with my own writing as well when I'm reading. I also find myself specifically looking for certain aspects in my reading that I'm finding difficult in my writing. Such as creating and sustaining tension in my plot, which is something that I'm struggling with now.
I don't know if it will fit with your storyline, but I just finished writing a chapter with tons of awkward tension. Maybe you could add a little "awkwardness" if it will fit.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you are ever looking for a helpful source, I'd really recommend Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide From New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School by Gotham Writer's Workshop. I read it for a fiction class I took in college, and out of every book I've ever had to read for school, it's definitely one of my favorites. I even kept it once the class was done.
Actually, a little awkwardness might be what I need after all. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteI looked up the book you suggested on Amazon and it looks incredible. I plan on downloading it soon. Thanks for the suggestion!
Brandy's advice sounded like it made sense. I've thought about this topic often in regards to songwriting...
ReplyDeleteYes, this could also apply to songwriting as well. Do you stop listening to certain genres of music when you're writing McNary?
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