THE Group for Authors! discussion

Hi fellow writers - especially fiction writers:
Just wondering who, like me, finds it virtually impossible to read fiction while writing one's own, and if so, why. For me it's a matter of unwanted influence. Whenever I need a bit of diversion from work, I try to seek fact-based or picture stuff. What about you?

Since I'm constantly writing (fiction), that would mean never reading again. I've been reading since I knew how, and I see no reason to stop. I read many different writers with very different styles and as far as I'm concerned any influence they may have are positive ones.

In fact when I write historical fiction, I deliberately read books from or dealing with the period in question in order to capture the flavour of that era and to help keep my language in line with the times.

Excellent question. Reading good fiction while I'm attempting to write same is crucial. In another author's book I may find a word I love and want to use. Colorful verbs--BIGTIME. I find inspiration to finish my story.

I find that if I read well-written fiction in the same genre, which for me means science fiction by truly good authors, my creative juices flow.

I agree with the three above writers. I write fantasy and find it really helps to read in the same genre I write. It is helpful for research, or one thing, and I get to experience what other authors in the genre are writing.

When I wrote my first book (time travel) I knew I was stepping into unknown territory because, apart from H.G. Wells's famous one at school (which I can't remember much about anyway) I had never read a TT before. My idea for TT came to me and I wanted to ensure that it was not influenced by any other writer whatsoever. Consequently, I have reviews which are pleased that it is unique or very different and others find it doesn't follow the path they are used to and I get the feeling they wish it did!

I'd rather write something unique. It gives me more satisfaction and I hope it gives the reader a change from the norm.

However, my second book is a historical romance and I have always liked historical fiction so I have obviously read some while I have been writing. But, silly me, I've mostly read different periods. My research was conducted via non-fiction avenues because I like my books to be close to truth.

For my work-in-progress, I have referred to an old non-fiction book I found in a boot-sale which happened to mention one of my husband's nefarious ancestors! We were never sure this notorious smuggler ever existed, but it seems he did!

The reality is that I don't read nearly enough because all my spare time is taken up with writing. So, Beth, while writing, I read very little except if I have a holiday or long train journeys or similar, when I read like crazy and something different from what I am writing.

I think the others before me in this thread are more sensible though.

Like the OP, I read much less or even not at all when heavily involved with writing. I go in spells, so there are times when I'm writing some and also reading, and there are times when all I'm doing is writing. During those times, my mind is so full of my own characters and storyline that I'm not interested in other stories. It's almost like I'm living in that world and I don't want anything to interrupt me and bring me out of it.

I also read very little in the genres in which I write. I read a lot of true crime & some history and literary fiction, none of which are my genres. It seems odd to me, but that's the way it shakes out.

Like VW I couldn't stop reading for long.
Not reading in genre carries it's own risks. It worked out well for Anna but I've read a fair number of specfic stories by non-genre writers who seem to think their concept (oooh, look, parallel worlds!) is groundbreaking even if they don't do anything with it.

Meh, I don't necessarily think that's true if you've read a lot in the genre previously. Reading tastes change over time and there's no reason to subject yourself to something you're bored with. Besides, bringing in ideas from other genres often results in a different feel, which can be refreshing, especially in a saturated genre.

Beth wrote: "Hi fellow writers - especially fiction writers:
Just wondering who, like me, finds it virtually impossible to read fiction while writing one's own, and if so, why. For me it's a matter of unwanted ..."
Well, thanks everyone - this thread is certainly proving more interesting than those fatuous discussions on FB about whether authors should use longhand or 'puter!! [just half joking] ;)

Beth wrote: "Beth wrote: "Hi fellow writers - especially fiction writers:
Just wondering who, like me, finds it virtually impossible to read fiction while writing one's own, and if so, why. For me it's a matter..."

For what it's worth, I do both.

I've always read while watching TV/DVD unless what's on is so spectacular I get hooked...as recently happened when Deadpool arrived.

So sometimes I'll go downstairs with a bunch of printouts of the last pages of book chapters that aren't done (I don't write linearly) and while I'm watching TV, I write. Then I type it in to the computer before I go to bed...making revisions as I go, and inevitably persuading myself to add some new stuff before stopping.

The majority of my writing is from mind, to fingers, to pixels on the screen, though.

Just my USD .02.

Eric

K.A. wrote: "Meh, I don't necessarily think that's true if you've read a lot in the genre previously. Reading tastes change over time and there's no reason to subject yourself to something you're bored with. Be..."

Agree it's not necessarily true, particularly if you have an existing familiarity in the genre. But it's definitely a risk.

Beth wrote: "Hi fellow writers - especially fiction writers:
Just wondering who, like me, finds it virtually impossible to read fiction while writing one's own, and if so, why..."

The big surprise, and disappointment, about becoming a historical novelist was that I could no longer read fiction like I did before. And this from a previously voracious reader of fiction. First, I was now aware of the craft and noticed if the plot or character development needed improvement, so I had less patience with poor writing.

Second, I found that the author's voice of a novel I was reading interfered with my own voice. For example, my daughter insisted I read "The Help" before we saw the movie, and sure enough, pretty soon my medieval characters were talking with a Southern accent.

I was able to do some outside reading while I was in the editing phase, but I had to use this time to read other historical novels in my genre so I could keep up with what my readers were into. even Thus I rarely had time for books other than research.

Maggie Anton

Hi all
There is no writing without reading ...
Personally, I read a lot, I read at the same time, an electronic book, and the book printed and different styles of philosophical and historical fiction books, so I can move my pen and my thinking .

I feel great pleasure when I read and write at the same Time
I'm read a lot.
I wish if I read all the books.
!!! This is ,crazy right?
It is helping to catch and develop ideas.
But I think that the intention, it is time to read and time for writing, but reading helps us to write

I, too, find reading the same genre helps me. I do children's books and find it helpful to keep in touch with what other authors are writing and what children are reading. Besides, the kid in me loves the books!

I read a lot and believe it has done more to develop my skills as a writer than anything else. I did 239 book reports in second grade. Now in my sixties I still read more than 100 books a year. Scifi for enjoyment and to stretch my imagination as well as nonfiction on subjects I'm interested in as a nonfiction writer.

Beth wrote: "Hi fellow writers - especially fiction writers:
Just wondering who, like me, finds it virtually impossible to read fiction while writing one's own, and if so, why. For me it's a matter of unwanted ..."

I used to avoid reading others fiction while writing but, as someone above mentioned, that would mean I seldom would read anything but nonfiction. I changed that several years ago and now read mostly fiction, even when I'm writing. As "VW" above says, "I read many different writers with very different styles and as far as I'm concerned any influence they may have are positive ones." I'll add that even reading bad fiction reminds me of pitfalls I should avoid.

I read a historical novel about every six weeks. I like being exposed to good writing. Does it influence my own narration? Not that I can tell. Possibly. Hopefully. I stay away from historical novels that take place in the same locale at the same time as does the story that I am writing. I want to use my own imagination to utilize historical sources, not see beforehand how another historical novelist did so.

I think there might be a question of degree here. If we read a lot from one author, that author's voice and style might start to influence our writing - for better and/or worse.

But this is less likely to happen if we read multiple writers and/or genres.

I've always found reading fiction a helpful palate cleanser in the daily cycle of writing. After a day of struggling through my own work, it's relaxing to enjoy someone else's finished product--on top of all the general pleasures of reading.

It's true that other writers' fiction (especially very good fiction) can get my mind working in directions counter to whatever I happen to be writing myself, but in my experience as long as I do my own work early in the day and save my recreational reading for afterward, a decent night's sleep is usually enough to reset my literary faculties.

I can relate to this although at the same time I often find that reading other fiction sometimes "helps me recover" when I'm suffering from bad writers' block.

I personally find it very useful, even if difficult to find the time around full time working, writing and everyday draws on my time! Like others have commented reading within your genre while writing spurs ideas and, for me, gives a level of confidence that I am on the right track in terms of style and competence!

I also find it helpful. As many have said in the past you need to "put stuff in your creative well". If you don't then you may run dry. Read like it is your job. I wouldn't read then immediately write your own work if you find it distracting. Another possibility, is to read something very different than what you normally do. Or at least very different than what you are writing. This should help with your "interference" issue.

Personally I don't have the issue, and I often have two or three works in progress at any given time. The benefit of this is if you get stuck on one, if you work on something else, when you come back you may have the solution. You get time away, and yet get something done as well. Of course if you have a deadline this method may not be the best option.

This is a great question.

I don't have a problem with it. It would be worse for me to STOP reading...I can't write all the time, and I'd get very bored.

The problem is when the style of whoever I'm reading starts seeping into my own writing. If I find myself sounding like Stephen King, maybe it's time to back off my grand attempt to tackle The Dark Tower...

I am a hypocrite, I love writing but despise read...even my own work sometimes. I think it because of having horrible English teachers in high school I never fully appreciated books. I even hate reading the Read Me paperwork and I am in IT! :)

I am fortunate my writer's block never last more than a day, but the lack reading has put me at a disadvantage with writing. Editing my first 2 books was a monster.

As a teen, I read avidly and it brought me to begin writing my own stories. Then I wrote and read all the time. As an adult, life pulled me away from both reading and writing. Mostly I got out of the habit and used the time for other things. Then, I rediscovered my love of writing once more (thanks, 40th B-day, bucket list, and NANOWRIMO), but I still wasn't reading. I realized how out of touch I was with my chosen genres, so I have been making myself find the time to read again. I really believe my writing is better for it.

I agree, Jean! For me, reading is necessary fuel for my creativity. Therefore, it matters WHAT I read, because in a way "I am what I eat." Goodreads has helped me discern what I read and why I read. My choices now are much wiser than they were before. And I'm actually writing the word "READ!" into my calendar now.

I have always tried to read a little before bed. Mostly, I end up re-reading the same paragraph as I fall asleep, but I eventually finish the books. haha Congratulations on rediscovering writing! I had writing and getting published on my bucket list, too. Good luck on your future endeavors!

Agreed. Absolute ban, when I'm actively writing. I don't want to get to chapter fifteen and realized I pilfered Chapter seven from something I was reading at the time....lol

As an essayist I don't write fiction, so perhaps my experience isn't as relevant as the other responses, but ... it's the opposite for me. When I read others in my genre, it inspires me. When I adore someone else's work, it somehow weirdly makes creativity well up inside.