Reading While Writing

[K.F.]

Since many of the members here appear to write as well, I'm curious about something:

When I write I find it very difficult to read another book. I get caught up in the book's story and world (doesn't matter if it's good or bad) and find myself writing more like that particular author.

I've had to find another creative outlet while I write, which for me is video games. They're a different enough media, and far more interactive than any book I've read, that it doesn't affect my writing. Very often they will give me inspiration for a subject, or writing in general, that helps keep me going through difficult writing sessions.

I'm curious if I'm way on the left field with reading while writing, or if any of the other writers in here have - or have had - a similar problem with it. If so, what other creative outlets have you found while writing?

[Lora]

Yes, this happens to me. I either have to go read an author who I don't mind having influence from, or I go 'clear my style' with an old movie. It needs to be visual, like your games, and it needs to be something completely unrelated to the themes/topics in my writing.

[Dwayne]

K.F. wrote: "When I write I find it very difficult to read another book. I get caught up in the book's story and world..."

It was a huge problem when I was younger and the same thing happened to me as it does to you. These days it doesn't seem to have a strong affect on my writing. I've always felt it was important for writers to keep writing and have always felt it is important to keep reading - so how did I solve the problem? Read something that is different from what you are writing. For instance, if you are writing a horror novel, read a western. If you're writing a romance, read a spy novel.

[K.F.]

Thanks for the responses - glad to hear I'm not the only one!

I've read the author of the Stephanie Plum series, Janet Evanovich, also watches movies instead of reading while she's writing her books.

It's something I hope to get over - as Dwayne said, it's very important to keep reading - so thank you both for posting your thoughts about it.

But, hey, if I never do, it'll just be an excuse to play more video games! ^_^

[David]

I'm the opposite - I think I would go nuts if I wasn't reading something. Sometimes what I'm reading creates an idea that sends me off on a new story as well.

[Rose]

I'm a bit like David I have to be reading something. I'm working on a couple of stories at the moment one for DigiWriting and one for NaNoWrimo next month. My problem has been researching the background for both stories and oh my word I have read so much I have way too much info now. Once I have the basics in my head though I will put everything to one side and concentrate on the story (hopefully lol). Happy reading and writing everyone :-)

[Lura]

David wrote: "I'm the opposite - I think I would go nuts if I wasn't reading something. Sometimes what I'm reading creates an idea that sends me off on a new story as well."

This is me as well.

[Brandon]

Reading instead of writing is more my problem. I usually only write short fiction pieces - like flash fiction - but this year I thought I would write a longer piece like a novella. But when I ran out of inspiration I thought I'd take a break and start reading again. I still haven't returned to the project and that was months ago. I think I have to give up reading while I write to create anything of substance. I plan to enter NANOVWRIMON this year and I expect to shut down during the month. Don't know it I do it but I plan to give it my best. I tired of half finished writing projects everywhere I look.

[DigiWriting]

Does anybody find that there are similarities between the types of books or stories that they like to read, and those that they write? Do you have one favourite genre that you choose to read and write in, or do your tastes differ when creating your own material?

[Carla]

I think i stay close to what I like go read in terms of fiction -- especially in terms of humor. I prefer short to long, and sparse to dense. The authors I admire are ones that readers (or a few readers) have compared me to.

But I read widely in nonficfion, too--I am obsessed with WW1, and that's something i would never read fiction about.

[R.C.]

DigiWriting wrote: "Does anybody find that there are similarities between the types of books or stories that they like to read, and those that they write? Do you have one favourite genre that you choose to read and wr..."

Interesting question. To some extent there are similarities between stories I like to read and those I write. The books I enjoy most are rich in dialog...and that is how I write as well. Books with page after page of inner thoughts bore me to death. And I don't like it when a book has too much detail. I love The Outlander and Games of Thrones as t.v. shows but can't stand reading the books.

But historical romance is by far my favorite romance subgenre but I would never consider writing it. I don't think my voice is right for the genre and it would require a lot of research.