Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Addicts discussion
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Do you read while writing?
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Hi Frank, When I get into a writing groove, I definitely read less. Don't be afraid of inadvertently lifting or copying someone else. Write from your heart and you can't go wrong.
I definitely slow down on my reading while writing - but I can't give it up completely!I read when I get a block - seems to help break the lost train of thought.
I TRY to not copy another's writing but I have found that some of MY ideas - That I thought were original - are in others books.
I will say I probably read less, but I don't stop reading. Having a book to read while I'm writing is a great way for me to snap myself out of writer's block. When I find myself getting stressed or worn out with my writing, picking up a book is a great escape.
Maybe it's weird, but writing makes me want to read more. I find inspiration in the work of talented people. Good writing makes me a better writer.
I do read while I write but I generally read historical romances and I write paranormal contemporaries. Not that I don't love paranormals but since they fill my head all of the time it's a nice break to read something else. When I am writing I do read a LOT less.
I have noticed while writing I DO read. It isn't always less, though; nor is it more. If it is a short-story I don't worry about my reading etc., but with novels I am writing I tend to read a lot less because my time is taken up in my own worlds.
Frank,I definitely read while I write and I read in all genres.
As someone mentioned above, no two writers are alike, so you don't have to worry about sounding like anyone else. I find that reading good books or bad books helps me to hone my own writing skills. And that's what's most important. ;)
Nice to meet you too, Atoya. Great minds think alike! ;)
Definitely! I don't always read much in the genre I write, but I do read while writing. I find it helps the words to flow and helps when you're feeling a bit of a block. :)
I find it really difficult to read when I'm writing. Firstly, I tend to read a few pages and then find my mind wandering off to my own manuscript. Secondly, I fear that I'll draw ideas subconsciously from a novel!To each their own though, I know it works for many :D
I purposely read things while I'm writing that have little or nothing in common with my books. My wife will read something and say, "Oh, you should read this, you would like it, it's like your writing," and I stick my fingers in my ears and say, "LALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU." Well. Not literally, but you get my drift. I don't want to accidentally lift any ideas/phrases.
i usually don't read while writing since in my case it's a stream of creativity that I don't want to interrupt. But when I have the damn writer's blocade i take a break from writing and read some of the books I like, just to fix my mood while I wait for the solution.
Yes, I do. I also watch movies and visit people. It all makes great inspiration.
I read out of genre. It gives my brain a nice break from having to visualise what I'm writing about.
I find that whenever I get stuck on something I'm writing, the best cure is to pick up a book. Reading helps the gears in the bottom of my mind start turning again--I remember what I love about storytelling and imaginary adventures. It makes it easier to keep writing.What I have to be careful about, though, is that if I get really into another author, I'll unconsciously start mimicking their style. That never works for long because it's not *my* style, but I can get myself derailed that way. I even find myself being influenced by video games sometimes!
Lol, I'm a book addict and I'm always reading...when I'm writing, when I'm not, and when I should be doing other things ;D
A resounding YES! I read signs while driving, menus while dining out, and instruction manuals...well, maybe not that. But I will have a temporary respite from the genre I'm writing. I have an unhealthy fear that my book-world will blend with whatever I'm reading. It's so difficult for me to escape one world and travel to another just by turning on the computer. That being said, I will read nonfiction books.
I find that when I look back at my writing I can tell what author I was reading at the time by the subtle changes in my style. So, top tip; read what you want to emulate.
I read in the early stages of writing a new novel, but lately I've found it better to stay away from reading at the end of a project while I'm trying to tie up loose ends, and review and go through the editing process - it keeps my mind clearly on the details in my own work. My editor should be getting the final round of edits back to me this week, and then I can finally get back to my fave hobby - Boy, I can't wait! I have some awesome books waiting on my Kindle!!!!
I read while writing. I love both so much. I often find myself refreshed after reading and ready to write more.
Sometimes it depends, like if I hit a writers block, some books I will that help me get over it. Or I read some of my fav fanfiction, to get me into the mood to write my own.
I don't stop reading though I do read a bit less.
Hi Frank. I do, although not always, and not for any reason related to my writing. I like to keep abreast of what's out there, especially when it comes to author friends' books.
I usually have a small stack of books and magazines nearby. When I need a break from my own writing I do some reading, but never in a genre too closely related to what I'm working on.
I read as I write though I certainly read less because for me its one or the other (busy full time job!). I tend to read the same genre though I have a few other non para romance authors that I like. Trouble is when you pick up a good book and then can't put it down (just like me with Shadow's Claim by Kresley Cole!) it disrupts you're writing plans. I find it helps though to remind yourself how other authors do things - make sure you're writing doesn't get boring.
Mina wrote: "Lol, I'm a book addict and I'm always reading...when I'm writing, when I'm not, and when I should be doing other things ;D"I'm right with you, especially in the "while I should be doing other things" part.
Hi Frank,YES, I do read while I write. I find that just getting into another world, another story, another pace, another style and seeing words that I normal not use, releases the pressure and helps me get a little distance from my own text, so I can look at it with new eyes and continue afresh.
In an interview, Stephen King mentioned that he read four hours a day and wrote four hours a day, and that he did not read in the genre that he wrote.
While writing, I also do not read in the genre that I write, but I do read, albeit less than I normally would.
I have always had trouble reading books a few chapters at a time. Once I begin I have to finish, unless my eyes close and the book falls out of my hands. Therefore, I try to limit the number of books per week, but GR makes it very hard. I also never read books in the same subgenre I'm currently writing (ie no werewolves while I write my Alpha series etc.). There just aren't enough hours in the day. I'll be leaving my main job in March to write full time, so I'm hoping things will change.
When i was first writing a few years back I was reading all the time. I definitely saw improvement in my writing during that period, and things seemed to flow out of my head and onto paper much easier. I'm not sure why! I haven't read much over the last 2 years, and I really want to get into reading again but my life is sooo busy and the free time I have goes to working on my next book versus reading someone else's. It is harder right now to write as well as I used to. Maybe because i've been doing this for 4 years straight. Lol
I've always written more than I read though! Odd huh?
I don't usually read while writing because I'm too busy writing. I keep plugging along on everything: research, world building notes, and even editing. I just simply don't find the time for reading. It doesn't help that my mind keeps wandering over to my work. The only reason I'm not writing right now is because I'm waiting for a beta reader assessment on my current manuscript and decided to take the time to catch up on my reading.
For me it will depend. Sometimes I will read lots when I'm writing I find that it help me. But the further I get into a story and the more I'm writing the harder it is to find the time for reading as even when I'm just sitting or going to bed my mind is writing the story in my head.
I like to read when I am "stuck" but I always fear inadvertently "stealing" another authors idea. So, I read my friends blog where she posts her stories one chapter at a time. We are such different writers that I have no fear of copying her.
Elizabeth wrote: "It helps me escape from my own imagination for a while."In my case I escape from my imagination and the world at large. No problems, no debts, no family issues, nothing. Once that has been achieved, I can write again.
When I'm really on a writing roll, it's hard to take the time to read too much. But generally between projects I like to sit down to my TBR pile and start in on a good book in order to "refuel the fires" of creativity. :)
I also don't read while I'm working on a writing project, but I read a lot in between.
I find that while I'm in the trenches of writing, I'll cut back on my reading. It's when I'm editing that I'll start picking up books again. But I definately write more than I read lately. I wish I had more time for both!!!
I devour books when I'm writing, in any genre. I try to stick to books and authors which people rave about and hope some of the brilliance rubs off (but not the ideas). Strangely, I read a lot more classics when I'm writing. While doing my current book I've got through Dracula, Heart of Darkness and Moby Dick plus some Stephen King and Robin Hobb.
I don't read anywhere near as much when I'm writing. When I read, that escapism need gets filled. I have a happy life, but I love that all engrossing feel you get from a book. By cutting that back, I'm more productive because I get that same feeling from writing, I just have to work a lot harder for it.
Reading a book while trying to write my own is too distracting. I can't to both at the same time. It has to be one or the other. Also it would be very easily to unintentionally plagiarize someone else's work if you have their ideas mixed up with your own in your head.
If I didn't read whilst writing, I would never read anything again! It takes me that long to write :)
Donna wrote: "I don't read anywhere near as much when I'm writing. When I read, that escapism need gets filled. I have a happy life, but I love that all engrossing feel you get from a book. By cutting that back,..."I hadn't noticed that, but you are entirely right, both are "escapes" of some sort, but I do need my reading fix, at least every other day.
Scarlet wrote: "Reading a book while trying to write my own is too distracting. I can't to both at the same time. It has to be one or the other. Also it would be very easily to unintentionally plagiarize someone e..."
I don't read in the same genre that I write, so that is not a problem with me.
Like others have said, I can't stop reading...probably ever. I think it's an addiction. I do slow down though, simply due to time constraints as I spend more time writing, and I also try to stay away from my specific subject matter, but other than that, anything goes. For example, I'm currently working on a novel set in faerie, so I won't read any fae stories. But I am reading werewolves, vampires, or demon fantasy, or any sci-fi while working on this project. I don't worry too much about lifting styles. I can only write like me!
Lately my reading has been for critique partners.I critique erotic romance & BDSM. LOL.
No wonder my own writing gets more & more perverse as I go along. :)
I hardly have time for "enjoyment" reading, but I do catch something here and there.
I often don't read the same genre I write, but when I can I prefer to read UF/PNRe, fantasy, or sci-fi. Anything that stretches or removes the normal boundaries of reality. I guess I am really an escapist reader.
I stumbled across this and I remember reading once every writer IS a reader:-)! I'm not a writer maybe I should take up arms and write w A passion lol but nope not a writer BUT I love to read & YES it is a perfect escapism.
Hi All I am currently writing my first book and am still reading others and don't think that I have plagiarised anyone yet! well not knowingly. Also I am in the process of inventing a whole new world for my characters (which makes it easier - sort of anyway!) Funnily enough I have read Travis's book and loved it (pretty erotic :-)))The Nightlife: New York (The Nightlife Series) Have downloaded the second in the series and will be reading it soon. no doubt with a smile on my face. Don't think that I could stop reading! love it too much. Funnily enough have been tweeting and writing today.
Yup, I would miss reading too much. But I know what you mean.
I don't and honestly I really miss reading. I am so afraid of inadvertently lifting an idea or copying someones voice, that I usually don't read while writing for myself. Just wondering if that is common or if others do the same.