My To-Be-Read pile is growing. Our main bookshelf is about 20 feet long spanning a full wall. It is completely full. It is low, only two shelves high. Books are stacked four and five high on top- along the whole length. We have small bookcases on both sides of our bed- yup, full and stacked high on top. We both own Kindles and I really don't want to tell you how many books either of us have loaded onto them.
Jon's collection holds biographies, political analyses, lots of historical works- mostly around WWII- and a few thrillers usually with a political bent. My side of the bed and my additions to the long bookshelf tend to be mysteries, thrillers, woman's lit, and whatever people I know have written (gotta support my buddies!). Occasionally we'll make a recommendation for each other, but it comes most often from the NYT Book Review, rather than off the bookshelf.
When I read I'm deep into the story, even with books that I have to "work" to get through. I read quickly, but I read with full engagement. This is where I get into trouble.
I write nearly daily. I write suspense with romantic elements. I told you what I read. The joys of writing are the conversations you have with yourself, your characters, and your readers. This happens for me all at once. It's melded somehow. My characters speak out loud as I type. My descriptions somehow seem real. I wonder if the immediacy is there for the reader. You are a writer and/or a reader. You know what I mean.
As I said, this is where the problem begins. A caveat of writing is "read, read, read." We've all heard that. I can't. When I am reading I hear the cadence of the author. I identify with the characters. I lose my voice to the one of the book in hand. If I am reading snappy dialogue, mine tends to pick up. If I read tense somewhat brutal scenes, mine seem to become darker. If I am reading a sex scene, well I haven't been able to write that as well as I'd like, but my thinking does go there.
I have no wish to write in someone else's style. So, my solution is to not read--at least not read in anything similar to what I write. It's helped me expand my repertoire. It has added to the pile perched on top of the long bookshelf. It has given me more freedom to be sure I am finding my voice, using my words, and putting my characters in dangers of my invention.
But, the TBR pile grows as I slip behind in keeping up with you wonderful authors and so many more I really must discover.
Has this happened to you?
15 comments:
Oh I can't read when I'm writing a first draft. I do find that I start to loose myself and voice. I will pick up my TBR pile when I'm in edits. That way it gives me a break during the edits.
Tonya: I hear you! That's a time I also get caught up. I also read a great deal when I'm traveling. That's when my Kindle jumps in.
I also confess that I love editing--maybe that also has to do with the chance to read!
Has this happened to me? My Confessions of A Compulsive Book Hoarder tells the story. Also my YouTube Video on the same subject shows what I did to remedy my situation. Yet when I turn around I see piles of books creeping back on to the end tables, night stands, desk, dining room table, etc. I do find that I don't read as much when I'm working on a project, or when I do read it's usually nonfiction books the latest one being Mother Benedict Foundress of the Abby of Regina Laudis. (A far cry from what I write which is erotic romance.)
Along those same lines, I had difficulty with my first CP. Her sense of where my story was headed was different than mine and her comments veered accordingly. It's very difficult to hold true to your own voice and not be swayed by what others are writing. But if they stir your creativity, that's good.
I'm actually the opposite. I love to read, especially the same type of story as mine, when I am writing. I love to see what others are doing. It helps spur my own imagination. So far I haven't noticed my voice change at all (thank God) but I can see how it could potentially happen.
Movies similar to what I'm writing also really help spur my imagination.
I miss getting absorbed in a book--it doesn't happen as often now that I'm writing. I seem to re-read portions as I go along, because I'm analyzing it without even realizing it. Or I read the first 50-100 pages and don't feel compelled to read further.
My TBR pile never seems to get smaller. Only bigger. I don't have to much trouble reading and writing except when I'm going to the last 50 or so pages of a really good book. Then all writing and plotting stops so I can finish the book. I tend to stay away from contemporarys except for a few select authors so their voices don't overwrite my voice.
Great post and question. I'm new to writing and still trying to discover my voice. I don't "think" the books I'm reading influence what I'm writing, but I guess only time will tell. While I'd be flatter to be in the same realm as the those that I read (currently reading Jessica Andersen's Blood Spells), I still want to tell my own story. Thanks for sharing this thought, it's something I'll be watching out for while writing.
And referencing back to my never shrinking TBR pile-Kari Lee I just heard that my local Borders has your Samantha Granger in and I've got a copy on hold.
Collette: I laughed while reading your post. i grew up in a household of academics and compulsive readers. It doesn't feel like home unless there is a stack of books everywhere.
I appreciate the comment about CPs and the influence they can have. That's a whole 'nother post by itself. I have found that I can't let anyone read my work until I am pretty clear where I am going with it. Hence, also holding back on some of the reading of my TBR pile.
Donna: I too have put books down after the first third. I hate doing it. I have a New England Puritan ethic thing going that whispers that I haven't been fair- or something like that. But, time is precious and often I have to let the book go.
Hey, Lindsay! See you at CrimeBake.
Cassy, as usual, a very thought-provoking blog. If I had to list the only regret I have about writing on a deadline, it would be that I have had to give up all my reading. I don't think it messes with my voice, but it does mess up my juju.
I plot lying in bed at night. I also like to read before I go to sleep. Do you see where I'd have a conflict? I fall asleep thinking about someone else's plot.
One of these day, I'll get to my ever-growing TBR pile.
In the meantime, reading on planes is always good. On the trip to Boston for Crime Bake Friday, I'll be reading Kari's FUSED. I had panned on also reading Lindsay's but decided against taking my laptop. His will have to wait until I finish Book Two.
I read so widely that it doesn't seem to affect my writing, although I'm sure it does in some way I'm not aware. I do make a point of reading non-fiction or something outside my genre when I'm writing. In particular, I read a lot of MG/YA when I'm writing dark, adult stuff. Go figure.
And I'm sure it's all about control, but I, too, love to edit. :)
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