Ami
asked
Lev Grossman:
Do you find it hard to be a book critic and a writer? When you read a book, do you find you approach it initially as one or the other?
Lev Grossman
The two approaches aren't that different. But they are a little different, just for practical reasons. As a critic I'm flagging quotable passages as I go, and moments that work or don't work or seem to exemplify what's good or bad about a book. Moments when the writer seems to be laying out, explicitly or implicitly, the goals and scope of their project. I watch for these things when I'm reading as a writer too, but I'm also reading as a fellow traveler. I'm applauding the successes and sympathizing with things that don't work ... also I'm looking for good stuff I can steal.
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more