Writing and Reading Revelations – changing the way I do things this autumn-winter

I’ve realised a number of things about my writing and the books I’m reading that I thought I’d share in case they resonate with any of you, too.

Writing the wrong way

I think that I really enjoy writing in notebooks, but I rarely write my actual stories in them anymore, just notes. This is largely because it causes my wrist, fingers and shoulder pain but also, modern life calls for computers and laptops, right?

Well there’s something I find very creative and freeing about notebooks. I used to write my chapters in them all the time. My ideas come out stronger and more creative because I’m taking my time. I can’t write as fast as I type, so I have to be more intentional and therefore my wording is sometimes better. It also allows me to edit as I type up the chapters, resulting in a cleaner first typed draft.

Another thing I think it works well for is a connection to my inner child. As a young writer from the age of about 8, I wrote in notebooks. I adored it. I’d show my mom and she’d mark them. It was great fun! Maybe going back to notebooks (if I can find a way for it to not hurt so much) could fill my happy childhood heart.

Reflective writing

I naturally write fantasy. Most of the novels I’ve finished have been epic fantasy. Set in other worlds or our world but with a lot of characters and powers and battles. Maybe that’s just not me, though. There’s a difference between being good at something and it being right for you. Or being able to do something, and truly enjoying it.

I adore creating characters and worlds and magic systems. But I struggle with epic plots. I struggle with stakes and making it interesting enough for someone to keep reading. Maybe every fantasy of this kind that I write falls flat (for me, at least) or I don’t care to dive in and edit because I actually don’t love this kind of story.

Which leads me onto my next point…

Focusing on the wrong genre

I think that I’ve been focusing on the wrong kinds of stories. It’s sort of embarrassing but it was only yesterday that I realised whenever I list my favourite stories and characters, they are 9 times out of 10 from tv shows and films, not books. This means that for all of my writing career, I’ve been trying to write like the things I watch, not the things I enjoy reading.

Why does this matter? Because what you watch and what you read are different. Watching an epic fantasy fight is awesome, but maybe reading and writing one isn’t. I can’t name epic fantasy books that I’ve read and enjoyed. Aside from Harry Potter, which is largely kids having fun and doing mysteries and bonding at school, not an epic battle. So maybe all this time, I’ve been writing the wrong fantasy. The wrong sub-genre all together.

When I look at my reading stats and books I’ve enjoyed (even if I didn’t love them; I’m still seeking 5 star reads!), they aren’t epic fantasy. They’re either low fantasy and quirky, lighthearted books. Or contemporary books. Or thrilling, or horror books. Or reflective and emotional books. And this makes sense! I love fun writing that makes me go “that’s so cool you saw that in that way!”. I love a unique setting or spin on something ordinary. I love something creepy and eerie. I love metaphors and deep insights. I love digestible and interesting prose that’s not too flowery but deep enough to make me take note. I love something that makes me cry. Something deep and real.

So why aren’t I writing these kinds of books? Am I scared? Do I feel they’re outside of my comfort zone, as epic fantasy is all I’ve ever known? Well, I’m 28 and not getting any younger. I want to be an author so I shouldn’t be wasting time not trying my hand at something that may change my writing forever, for the better. I’m not saying I’m not going to write fantasy, but maybe I’m more like Neil Gaiman (god, I can hope!) and I want to write fantasy that feels odd and quirky and abstract and reflective more than epic? Or Margaret Atwood, whose dystopians aren’t epic but contemplative. They are the only authors of this kind that I know, so please suggest more if you can think of any in the comments below!!

Reading physical books

I’ve read 39 books so far this year, about to finished my 40th this weekend. But largely, I’m not blown away. I feel like there’s so many people who have 5 star reads and favourite books but I can’t say the same. Maybe part of the issue is that I mostly read on my kindle and listen to audiobooks. Only 14 of the 40 have been physical printed books. Maybe there’s something in that.

There’s something more immersive and comforting and cosy about a physical book. Maybe I would enjoy reading certain books more if I read them in paperback. I’m not saying I enjoy every paperback, of course, but maybe it does have even a slight effect on my enjoyment of reading without me noticing it?

Obviously, I read a lot of kindle books because they’re cheaper and simpler to buy. 99p deals are so enticing! Especially for a book I’m not sure if I’ll love. But maybe I need to rethink this. Stop mindlessly filling the kindle and look for secondhand physical books instead. Experiment with this idea.

The audiobooks are a different story (ha, pun!). I can’t stop audiobooks because without them, I would get through less stories and non-fiction books. It’s just a fact that audiobooks help us to read more often because it means you can “read” when you are otherwise doing something you couldn’t do while sitting and physically reading: while cleaning, driving, commuting, walking the dog, showering, cooking etc.

I’m trying to mindfully do more things, especially cooking, so I’m listening to my audiobooks less and just focusing on the task. But in other moments, it’s just convenient. Plus, there’s too many books out there! I need audiobooks to help me reduce my TBR!

Reading genre

Again, I’m noticing genre a lot more. The booktubers I watch talk a lot about fantasy and a lot of the time, I just don’t like what they suggest. I don’t think I’m a big standard fantasy fan. Love watching them, but maybe reading them is not my thing. I think there’s really something to that. That for some of us, watching something and reading something are very different tasks and so we are gripped in very different ways. Maybe I don’t care to read about someone defeating a big bad with their newfound magic, but watching that and being immersed in that world is fantastic. Maybe I want my reading to be a reflective, contemplation. A time of immersing myself deeply into something that makes me think, feel and experience other cultures, emotions and lifestyles. To learn and grow as a person.

We’ll see!

Everything I’ve learned are not absolutes. It’s all just feedback and experiments and intrigue. I’m going to trial these insights out and see where they take me. Again, if it’s not the case, not harm! I’ve learned something new again, either way.

What do you love to write? What do you love to read? Are your reading and watching tastes different? Let me know. And always give me book recommendations, please!

Sincerely,

S. xx