"Yes, yes, but who has the time?"
Make the time.
Really.
A good author needs to not only read widely in their own genre, to know what else is out there and what is popular with other readers, but you should also read outside your genre. If you write New Adult first person, and only read other New Adult first person, you're going to end up sounding just like everyone else.
I'm not saying you have to switch it up totally - read what you enjoy, obviously. But once in a while you need to step outside your comfort zone. Or pick up that best seller to see WHY it's a best seller.
And the "who has the time?" line? Not valid. If you don't have "time" to read, what makes you think others should make time to read your books?
Find time. Make time. Set aside reading time.
I do realize not everyone can read as quickly as I do (just being honest here, I read and absorb very fast) but in the act of reading and savoring the language, you will see what works and what doesn't and be a better writer for the effort.
Now tell us: what was the last book you read, (or are reading), the genre, and why you chose it.
And think about what I said. To be a writer, you need to ALSO be a reader.
i'll start. I just finished an Urban/Sci Fi ARC by Jenn Nixon that releases next month, that she sent me to review. Part of a series but works as a standalone. I don't read a lot of Sci Fi anymore and it was interesting to see the complicated world building she does - it's set on Earth about 35 years in the future, with aliens who live among us, but she weaves in future Earth-tech and makes it seem so normal. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree that to be a writer, one must also be a reader. Although I write women's fiction and romantic suspense, I LOVE reading mysteries and thrillers. And sci-fi, cozy mysteries, time travel, YA, New Adult.... ANYTHING but non-fiction. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy! Do you think reading mysteries helps you when you're adding the suspense to your romance? I totally understand they're different genres, but it adds to your toolbox, dont' you think?
DeleteI'm a voracious reader and always have been, back to my earliest memories. When I'm writing (historical romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance) I read cozy mysteries. I'm currently reading a new-to-me series by Clara Benson, "Angela Marchmont Mysteries". Nice twists and turns amongst the suspects, and I love the English country house settings.
ReplyDeleteHi Luanna - I'm so glad to hear someone else self-describe as voracious! That's how I consider my reading addiction as well - feeding an appetite! Will have to check out the series you mentioned.
DeleteGreat post. I think writers should read across the board, there's something to be learned from each genre. I just finished Birds Eye View by Elinor Florence, a great historical read!
ReplyDeleteI am (or was) a voracious reader, but i have to admit that launching a writing career has made a serious dent in my reading time. With my debut novel out there, and my 2nd one nearly finished, I am starting to find time to read again. Over Christmas I stuck with mainline fiction that had been stacking up in my kindle. Read Nightingale and spent all afternoon sobbing by the pool! Also managed to tick off some thrillers by Harlan Coben. Next on my TBR pile is Boys in the Boat. xx
ReplyDeleteI have always been a voracious reader, but since writing, it's cut into my reading time. This year I am making more time to read! Right now I am reading The Spider Woman's Daughter by Anne Hillerman. Its a fun Southwest mystery. She has taken off where her father stopped at his death. Great books.
ReplyDeleteI've been a voracious reader since childhood. (Haven't we all.) I love to read books about writing, especially about the writing life (memoir by writers, not so much how-to). But I just read a fantastic how-to: The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass. It is amazing!!! I learned so much. Judy Meadows Gabriel
ReplyDeleteGreat post Katie and I agree 100%! I never thought I'd like paranormal romance until I read some. Just read Laurie King's KEEPING WATCH. She's a wonderful mystery writer - I follow and read all of her books. Happy Reading!
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