WaysouthDo You Need To Read To Be A Writer?
October 2nd 2006 09:02
A question for the masses: Do you need to read, fiction or non-fiction, magazines or full novels, to be an exceptional writer?
Or just a writer, full stop?
I have always loved reading. Since I was very young, there was always a book in my hand. At eight, or perhaps earlier, I would drive my parents mad by staying up till midnight, reading in bed.
No, they weren't bad parents who didn't care what I got up to late at night. They would put me to bed at a respectable hour, turn my light off...and catch me reading till late, each and every night.
I suppose I didn't get in trouble for this, because what are you supposed to do, as a parent? Tell your child off for reading? 'If you don't put that book down, right now...so help me God...'
It doesn't really work, does it? Not when alot of parents are battling to get their children to read at all (that is, until the Harry Potter Revolution).
But I'm getting sidetracked here. My point is, I've always loved to read. I've grown up a reader. As a child and teen, I would read a book a night. I drove my parents mad, claiming (and it was true!) I'd read every book in the library, and that they must buy me a new book, now! I wasn't demanding the latest technical gadget, or the latest designer clothes, or money to go out with my friends...no, I was some weird, warped child who stomped her foot and had tantrums over wanting the latest Babysitters Club or Sweet Valley High book.
I had to have a book to read, or I'd go slightly batty.
It is still the same today (except I've graduated from Babysitters and Sweet Valley. At least, this is what I tell everybody). I always have to have a book, and I always set time aside to read - just like I do to write.
In fact, probably more so. If I have an affair with writing, I have a true love affair with books. I love to read.
This leads me to come to the notion that my writing came about from my obsession with reading. After all, I started writing at a young age, too, and entered writing competitions way back when. All my dreams as a child revolved around becoming a bestselling fiction author. It makes me wonder - do I write, am I a writer, because of my reading?
I've researched a bit on this topic, and it seems all the great writers out there seem to agree with me. In fact, most how-to-write books claim this is the only way to be a writer - you must read, read, read. Dean Koontz (I love to name drop old Koontzie) says in his writing book that he would read 5 books a week when he first began to write seriously, as a full-time job.
5 books a week...that's a lot of books. Perhaps no challenge for the old, single, young and free me, but a bit of one now. I am proud to say I may hold the title for most books read in a week amongst most of the people I know (a couple of lovely ladies in my life, Jenn and Margie, do read alot though; they might perhaps win the prize here), but my time is somewhat restricted now (ie. Miss Toddler, husband, house). Still, I do read alot - at least one novel a week, perhaps two or three in a week, if I can cram in the time...plus any magazine I can get my hands on, and perhaps one non-fiction book from the library.
That's in a week...with my busy life. When my husband's on holiday, and I have a bit more 'me' time, then that goes up a bit. Or if I can't put a book down, I've been known to stay up all night finishing it (and regretting it the next day...in much the same vein as a hangover; this, however, is a bookover).
I feel like I do need to read to be a writer. Through reading, I've discovered what I truly like to read best (romanctic suspense...and Dean Koontz), and found my own distinctive writing voice.
I don't think my writing voice was there, on its own, a talent I was born with. I feel my writing has come about, thanks to my love affair with reading and books.
My imagination may have always been there, but reading has given me my writing characteristics.
I guess there's a couple of questions from this post - do you like to read, and how much do you read in a week? And, the big one, do you need to read to write?
Or just a writer, full stop?
I have always loved reading. Since I was very young, there was always a book in my hand. At eight, or perhaps earlier, I would drive my parents mad by staying up till midnight, reading in bed.
No, they weren't bad parents who didn't care what I got up to late at night. They would put me to bed at a respectable hour, turn my light off...and catch me reading till late, each and every night.
I suppose I didn't get in trouble for this, because what are you supposed to do, as a parent? Tell your child off for reading? 'If you don't put that book down, right now...so help me God...'
It doesn't really work, does it? Not when alot of parents are battling to get their children to read at all (that is, until the Harry Potter Revolution).
But I'm getting sidetracked here. My point is, I've always loved to read. I've grown up a reader. As a child and teen, I would read a book a night. I drove my parents mad, claiming (and it was true!) I'd read every book in the library, and that they must buy me a new book, now! I wasn't demanding the latest technical gadget, or the latest designer clothes, or money to go out with my friends...no, I was some weird, warped child who stomped her foot and had tantrums over wanting the latest Babysitters Club or Sweet Valley High book.
I had to have a book to read, or I'd go slightly batty.
It is still the same today (except I've graduated from Babysitters and Sweet Valley. At least, this is what I tell everybody). I always have to have a book, and I always set time aside to read - just like I do to write.
In fact, probably more so. If I have an affair with writing, I have a true love affair with books. I love to read.
This leads me to come to the notion that my writing came about from my obsession with reading. After all, I started writing at a young age, too, and entered writing competitions way back when. All my dreams as a child revolved around becoming a bestselling fiction author. It makes me wonder - do I write, am I a writer, because of my reading?
I've researched a bit on this topic, and it seems all the great writers out there seem to agree with me. In fact, most how-to-write books claim this is the only way to be a writer - you must read, read, read. Dean Koontz (I love to name drop old Koontzie) says in his writing book that he would read 5 books a week when he first began to write seriously, as a full-time job.
5 books a week...that's a lot of books. Perhaps no challenge for the old, single, young and free me, but a bit of one now. I am proud to say I may hold the title for most books read in a week amongst most of the people I know (a couple of lovely ladies in my life, Jenn and Margie, do read alot though; they might perhaps win the prize here), but my time is somewhat restricted now (ie. Miss Toddler, husband, house). Still, I do read alot - at least one novel a week, perhaps two or three in a week, if I can cram in the time...plus any magazine I can get my hands on, and perhaps one non-fiction book from the library.
That's in a week...with my busy life. When my husband's on holiday, and I have a bit more 'me' time, then that goes up a bit. Or if I can't put a book down, I've been known to stay up all night finishing it (and regretting it the next day...in much the same vein as a hangover; this, however, is a bookover).
I feel like I do need to read to be a writer. Through reading, I've discovered what I truly like to read best (romanctic suspense...and Dean Koontz), and found my own distinctive writing voice.
I don't think my writing voice was there, on its own, a talent I was born with. I feel my writing has come about, thanks to my love affair with reading and books.
My imagination may have always been there, but reading has given me my writing characteristics.
I guess there's a couple of questions from this post - do you like to read, and how much do you read in a week? And, the big one, do you need to read to write?
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Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
The famous poet told him to go memorize poetry, and so he did, years later he came back and asked 'what next?' THe famous poet told him to forget all he had memorized and start writing.
I suppose all I'm tring to say is that you need to read to be able to write.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Thanks Ahmed,
I agree! I really don't think I could write if I didn't read so much...
K.L.
Comment by theadora
at the boardroom
Ad Magnum Opus
However, It is a question i have posed many a time. And the answer i found was you don't need to be a reader to write. or for that matter a great writer.
your writing voice comes from who you are, reading maybe a part of that, but so are a great many other things.
Art, people, nature and so on.
some will disagree and that's a good thing, for voltaire's though i disagree with what you are saying, i will defend your right to say it. (or words to that effect - excuse my laziness volataire)
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
I think that it depends on the type of writing you do.
A scriptwriter may have a passion for movies as opposed to books.
A novelist may have a passion for books as opposed to movies.
And a journalist may have a passion for magazines instead of novels.
So I guess it depends on what you define 'reading' as - is it limited to books or does it extend to business literature?
I don't think you have to read to be a writer, but I believe it helps to perfect your work.
I do think that to be a novelist it would be only natural to have a passion for books, likewise a journalist would have a passion for current events, magazines and the like.
I love my books and earned the nickname 'bookworm' throughout my childhood. I wouldn't be without my Koontz, Orwell, Tolkein and many many more. And I don't think that I would have developed a passion for 'story-telling' without developing a passion for reading novels.
Did any of that make sense?
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Love the post. Very interesting subject.
I reckon that reading gives you an insight into other people's worlds. Whether those people are real (non-fiction) or not (fiction) doesn't matter. I don't think anyone can really claim to have experienced so much in their lives that they know everything ... how it feels, what it looks like or smells like, what a certain thing does or doesn't do. You can only get a lot of our world's available experiences from other people's descriptions and the better the description, the more you, as the reader, feels and understands.
Personally, I think that a good writer is definitely a good reader. They are also a good people watcher, a good listener and everything else that helps them to learn about the people / animals / emotions / things etc etc that they write about.
I also love reading, always have. Like you I used to read until all hours at night as I was growing up. I think I read my first Stephen King when I was about twelve or thirteen ( although that was because an older friend told me he had written a really good sex scene in one of his books!). And, for me, the longer the book the better.
I think reading has made me a better writer and expanded my knowledge, then again I'm still waiting for my first published novel.
A.H.
Comment by K.L.Almeroth
To Theadora,
Thanks for reading! And your comment...
I guess, where I'm coming from, is why write a book, particularly a fiction one, if you don't like reading? Why make a career out of it?
But I totally agree, other things around you develop you as a writer, for sure...
This is an interesting topic, and there is bound to be varied opinions...I appreciate yours.
K.L.
Comment by Homer Joyce
Another great question. Keep them coming.
I don’t believe you have to be a voracious reader to become an exceptional writer… I do, however, believe reading aids the writing process.
After all, you’re not aiming at becoming an exceptional reader.
If we never read a book we wouldn’t know what one was, so it’s highly unlikely we’d want to write one.
But then, what’s the point of reading 1000 books if your writing doesn’t improve?
Or what’s the point of reading 1000 books if you don’t do much writing?
It’s like wanting to become a master builder and watching other builders build houses all day.
Writing is a craft. You have to do your apprenticeship. That involves more writing than reading. The more you write, the better off you will be when your apprenticeship ends and you have to get down to writing as a trade.
I’ve read enough books to know I want to write, how I want to write, and what I want to write about, so I sacrifice my love of reading to write.
When I need to read (either for leisure, or for learning) I’ll read, but I think to become an exceptional writer, primarily you have to write and focus on mastering the craft itself, and all the associated irksome commercial details (like learning how the literature/publishing world operates, how to go about getting an agent, what the rules are for submission of manuscripts, etc).
I read to write. If a book helps me to write, I’ll read it. (It might be a fiction novel, a non-fiction novel, or a how-to book). But I don’t limit my reading to books. Often an electronic or print article will help, such as those you find in the Review section of the Weekend Australian.
As to how much I read in a week. Not much anymore. I’m too busy writing. But on occasions in the past, I have been known to read books like the big bad wolf eats pigs: voraciously apparently.
H.J.
Comment by Johanna
PCOS Mum
When I was younger I devoured books. My Mum tells me my first word was 'book' at eight months, so I like you, have always had a love affair with books.
After starting full-time work and now being a full-time mum and part-time writer, I found I have little time for reading now, much to my disappointment. I would like nothing more than to curl up with a book or magazine and read away a few hours, but my other 'jobs' mean everything else comes first.
Anyway enough rambling. In answer to your question, I think good writers read. I think reading is the basis for writing and it is the way you realise writing is for you. Reading helped me to understand what sort of I writer I wanted to be and how I wanted to write.
As Andrea said though, I also think good writers have other skills. I am a journalist and wanted to be from a young age. I have always been interested in what goes on around me and then telling others about that. People watching is one of my favourite pastimes. I am also interested in current events and trying to make sense of the world.
Comment by Joy
And what writer can resist reading anyway? How is it possible? Why would anyone write if they couldn't sit down for a few moments a day and read?
This can be related to blogging, too. Good bloggers read other people's blogs, just to understand what's going on in the world of blogging. Same goes for reading, I'd assume.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Cinico,
I completely agree with what you're saying...it all goes hand in hand, I think.
And I love that you love Koontz!! Made my day!
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Andrea,
I'm beginning to think we're quite similiar, from all that you've written!
I, too, read my first Stephen King at 12! Carrie...loved it, and went on to read all of his books..
Read Dean's Phantoms at 12, too, which started my love affair with all things Koontz!
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To H.J.
I really do admire your dedication to writing...it is inspiring!
You've brought up very valid points (as usual!)...
But I really do struggle between my two loves...reading and writing...I do both!
I guess it all depends on how good my novel is going, or the one I'm reading....if my work is powering on, I might not read for 3 nights in a row (which is a shock for me!)....likewise if a book I'm reading is really good (like the latest D.K. novel, for example), and I can't put it down, my writing hours might suffer...
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Johanna,
I completely agree with everything you've said...glad to know you're like me with your affair with books, too!
Who says the book, in the form of one you buy from a bookstore, and take home and read, is dead? There seems to be plenty of book lovers out there...
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Joy,
What you've said is exactly how I feel....why write if you don't sit down to enjoy a good book at the end of the day?
You are so right....where else do you learn sentence structure and grammar, if you don't read?
Thanks for reading!
K.L.
Comment by Homer Joyce
You’re always very complimentary in your posts. That’s a lovely quality to possess … (see how infectious being complimentary is?) …
I have pondered and re-pondered the following thought (which might apply to all bloggers who harbour the dream to be a published author one day) …
Should we serialise our current work-in-progress on our Blog?
It has worked in the past in the print media.
I am fully aware of how that places the reader in a vulnerable position … but have we considered the benefits we might reap by placing ourselves in such a vulnerable position? We can’t get raped any more than we are already by not doing it … (just a thought) …
I’m interested in your thoughts on the matter (and your readers’ thoughts) …
My take on it is … It can’t do any real damage … The virtual dark alley is not a real dark alley … Should we take more risks re our writing (as we have done by blogging?) …
H.J.
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Garbage in Garbage out,
Good in, good out,
it is that simple.
Comment by Anonymous
He said that he stopped reading once he started writing so that he does not get influenced by ideas or plots by other authors.
I think it's a smart choice. I would not like my plots to be closely compared to another story.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
Comment by Homer Joyce
I'm not impressed with Anonymous. If you wanted comments like that, you would submit an unfinished manuscript to a publishing house ...
I would suggest that you replied to anonymous with the following comment: Anonymous, I suggest that you consider your own words: "I have a couple of issues." Perhaps when you have resolved those two issues (if there only a couple, that is), you might be a more positive person ...
Just couldn't resist ... I have a very negative approach to negativity. I hate it. When did criticism for criticism's sake ever have a positive influence on a person?
If posting as Anonymous is an oversight, fair enough. But, if Anonymous is posting as anonymous to avoid being challenged or receiving any vitriolic feedback ... Stop being such a coward!
H.J.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To H.J.
I try to be nice! And I'm complimentary to those who deserve it!
To what you're saying...I'm sorry, my brain has been frazzled today (by the numerous baby poos, hot weather, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...sorry, too much info, I know)...
Do you mean start putting our actual (real) writing on our blog sites? Drum up a readership on our own, before the publishing houses nab us?
If this is what you mean (excuse my frazzled brain), I've thought about this myself...to me, the only risk I'm worried about would be copyright ones...and what would happen to our future sales, readership, etc., if it is already on the web...
Let me know what you think...
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Damo,
I completely agree with what you're saying...
Thanks for your comment,
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Anonymous 1,
How terrible...I often wonder what will happen when I lose my favourite authors...it will be terrible!
I think you mourn them because you've been reading them for so many years, and I think every writer leaves a little bit of themselves, or even all of themselves, in each book they write...you end up feeling like you know them intimately...
I've heard of another author that does this...doesn't read a book while they're writing...
I can understand why they would think this, but it is just something I don't follow....I know my work is original, and I feel there is nothing wrong with being inspired by somebody else's work, or wanting to write in a particular genre, because your favourite author does...
Isn't it only natural that someone like Dean Koontz would like to read horror, when that is what he writes (mostly...now he's into thriller writing)?
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Anonymous 2,
Ultimately, I'm a storyteller...that's what great fiction writers are...
My future editor can fix up any grammar mistakes I may make!
Would have appreciated the feedback, if it wasn't implied I mustn't be a reader or writer then, when I pride myself on being both...also a nice person, great friend, fantastic mother, terrible cook, etc., etc..
K.L.
P.S. Sorry I don't have the time to check my work 5 (yes, 5, not five) times over...you'll have to trust me that my actual novel writing has a bit more care taken!
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Ahmed,
Yes, I think it is very easy to be influenced by writers, or books, you read...
But then I've grown up completely obsessed with Dean Koontz's books, yet I write romantic suspense, which is nothing like his work...
How does that happen??
K.L.
Comment by Homer Joyce
To answer your question regarding copyright, future sales, readership … it’s not a frightening answer …
I’m not a copyright lawyer, but I’ve had a bit of experience in the publishing world …
Orble (or On Topic Media) does not own your intellectual property, or the rights to your writing(s). If a publisher was to contact you regarding what you posted on Orble, and offered you a contract, the only obligation you would have (and even that is only a moral obligation) is to credit Orble for having brought you into contact with the said Publisher. Orble do not own the rights to your creative writing, or your thoughts. (Publishing contracts are very complex … you will learn about them the moment you are offered one … You will ask yourself: How am I supposed to write if I have to spend the next six months of my life working out what this contract means? … That’s when you hire a lawyer).
For example, I can post the entire manuscript of an unpublished book I have already written on my blog site. That does not give Orble the rights to that book, no more than it gives them the right to own my opinions that I post (none of which any organisation would want to claim proprietorship to, anyway).
If you carefully read the contract you non-sign with Orble (as in, the contract you put an electronic name to), all obligations cease after two weeks if either party decides not to continue…
So, to ease your mind … Let’s presume a publisher contacts you because they have seen your Orble posts, and wants to publish your works in print form … You thank Orble for their help, tell them you will give them a credit in your first novel, give them two weeks notice, and get down to publishing a book in print … End of story.
That’s my understanding of it.
And it’s been nice non-meeting you in that non-met way we do via the net. It’s been a nice non-met net experience.
Homer …
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To H.J.
How about, when that contract finally comes, to that fabulous, world-class publishing house that want to pay me millions, I send you the contract? To spend the next 6 months reading?
You seem to know what you're talking about....you've cleared up a couple of worries for me then...
So, if that's what you meant on your previous comment, and you've now cleared up the copyright worries for me...why don't we do that? Why aren't we posting our (real) work on our site? Are we absolutely terrified people will pick us to pieces, tell us not to give up our day jobs, and then we never pick up a pencil again (or open our laptops)???
Are we really that...chickenshit??
In a word, speaking for me: Yes. Yes I am.
K.L.
P.S. I mean, look how sensitive I got to that person's comment on my spelling and grammar??? Hello! I can see me crying in a corner somewhere, if I posted my work on this site...
Doesn't stop me from being tempted though...it may be a great way to attract an agent or an editor's attention....
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Anonymous,
Very poetic!
Thanks for reading,
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
H.J.
It has been lovely not meeting you on this website...
It is nice to have a never-met web friend on the net!
K.L.
Comment by Homer Joyce
Yeah, we really are that chicken-shit.
I believe it’s all tied up with the fear of the unknown. If we research the ‘unknown’ … it ceases to be the unknown … and becomes less fearful (not all the time though, but in literary terms it does … I don’t want to go on about the fear of hell and purgatory …)
Having a blog site means you are getting exposure. Put anything and everything you want on your site in the hope that someone will recognise it for what it is … It’s a lovely thought to be paid for blogging because you aren’t getting paid to publish …just as it’s a lovely thought to get paid for being published without having to blog … but until one or the other happens … why not aim at both?
As to sending me the contract: I charge $60/hr to read contracts. So just let me know when you get it. I’d be happy to oblige. (Oh, I charge $80/hr to give feedback on contracts) … 6 months at $60/$80/hr … … Yeah, send it to me …
As to why we don’t post our real work/thoughts on our blog sites … Call me the avenging angel if you like … I’m here to make sure I do, and others do too … As embarrassing as it sometimes becomes … at least I can sleep at night knowing that I’ve put my real self on the page …
More to come re: the real me …
H.J.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
H.J.
The real me is in my fiction writing...perhaps it is time I start putting my work on here, chapter by chapter? Well, perhaps not that much...readers would be here all month...
A win/win situation??
I think I definately signed up for this webwriting as a preview of things to come...exactly like you said...why not, while I'm waiting to be published, get paid to blog (not that I've seen anything yet; it is early days, however)?
I love your work, your self (not that I really know your self) shows through in your posts...
And of course that's admirable, and very non-chickenshit.
K.L.
Comment by Homer Joyce
I get a feel for the real you through your posts … so why not put your writing up? Promise I’ll only go window shopping regarding getting a feel for you … as in, no Brave New World touchies of the feely kind, just impressions on the mind …
Perhaps it is time that two bloggers put their works-in-progress on a blog site. Time for a pact. We both write via a blog. I’d find it really interesting to read someone else’s struggles with the writing process, and make a contribution, and have them do the same … Plus every other blogger will throw their two-cents in … … I’m a risk-taker by nature … I’d be in it …
I’ll put Theory Monsters up. (it’s a stage play I wrote/am still writing about the dissolution of my marriage … it’s very personal … but it’s me … but there’s that subjective dishonesty about it … because it’s from my point of view … it needs to be more subjective and I have to reveal a bit more of the psycho me in it for it to be credible …
H.J.
Comment by Shonsi
I was such a book buff from the age of 9 when good old school Book Club introduced me to the Baby Sitters Club! From there, I discovered many genres and my interests broadened. I don't have a favourite author and I would love to find more time to read. I You introduced me to romance novels and they're pretty addictive!
Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
First full blown long novel I read was Dracula though, scared my pants right off (some parts anyway).
Comment by Anonymous
My name is Nat and I am KL Almeroth's younder sister and beleive you do have to be a reader to be a good writer. I was not blessed with the writing gene as my sister was and I certainly can't spell and I bring it all down to the fact that I didn't read books when I was younger. I have only just recently started to read books ( it has taken KL almost 25 years to get me to read a book) and I must say, I am hooked on reading now. Although KL reads a couple of books a week, I am lucky to read 1 book in a month, but hey, at least I am reading! I have an endless supply available to me by KL and probably won't have to buy a book ever again! KL should start her own library she has that many books! But I am enjoying reading and regret that I didn't start reading books earlier in my life.
Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
I haven't been alive that long... what a waste of 25 years of a persons life... oh well, better late than never I suppose...
Comment by Johanna
PCOS Mum
Comment by spain01
Juan Carlos
spain again
While your'e about it
Viva l'difference
Fire News Blog
Cities dying of thirst.
Comment by Little Angry Doll
Falling Haiku Leaf
I think it's very inportant to at least be familiar with the canon, as a Well Read starting point. But I also feel you need to get out of a reader's comfort zone when selecting a serious book.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To my darling younger sister,
My library is your library...you know that!
Perhaps I'll just toss this writing to the wind, and open that library...what do you think?
Love you,
K.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Shonsi,
How can I go wrong with you two women in my life?
Thanks for reading...I know how busy you are, preparing for bubba (and how busy you'll be very shortly!)...
I think you should turn to Sandra Brown and Nora Roberts (of course I was going to say this!)....Sandra Brown's Envy is fabulous, so is really any of Nora's romantic suspense...
And, of course, my personal favourite, Dean Koontz...
But, being pregnant (not that you will be much longer!), your tastes may change....I remember re-reading Stephen's The Shining while pregnant, and being almost mentally disturbed by it, even though I've read it plenty of times before...
xoxo
K.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Johanna,
Thanks for your support! Love it!
Don't know if I'm as brave as H.J...
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To H.J.
Are you really doing it? Are you really posting your story work (I now sound like I haven't graduated school...which, I'd like to assure everybody, I have)?
Just discovered I missed a lovely post by you, where you rushed to my defence...very Romantic Hero of you...thank you kindly for that!
I think it became apparant from my reaction that I don't take criticism well! Perhaps I am seriously in the wrong industry!
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Juan,
I actually quite like what you said today!
Espeically love the notion of successful female writers...
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Little Angry Doll,
I hear what you're saying (writing)...
My secret shame would have to be Jackie Collins...she's addictive, though, and if she gives enjoyment to people, and entertains, isn't that the point of reading?
Some might say all my favourite authors should be on a secret shame list!
K.L.
Comment by Vixter
People
Diet Food Lifestyle
CHEATERS
1 For The Road
Homer and Cinico, I also agree with what you have to say...and may other comments.
I like to write all sorts of things and my job involves writing copy - therefore I watch other ads for inspiration, movies and TV and even magazines and comics...basically any pop culture.
There is the debate that this is trash but then Shakespeare was the trash of his day and now - he's shakespeare.
So sure, I say it's important to be a reader if you write - a reader of ANYTHING - and a sponge for popular culture, or whatever you love and love to write about.
But more importantly, as Homer said, it is a craft and you have to practice and give it your attention - there may even be a point when you are giving it more attention that you are to your 'absorption methods'. Which I think is great - but always keep an eye and ear into what's going on out there AND if you want an audience you also need to be an audience member!
Comment by Jas
Stories: Put Them in Your Brain
Food, Wine and Coffee
One Planet
Comment by Milly
Travel Adventures
The questioning mind
Anyhow, one woman from the audience asked this very question: do you need to read it order to write? The author almost fell off her chair...she thought it was such a no brainer. "There's no question about it," she replied in an incredulous monotone.
I think the answer is that you have to read in order to write WELL. Each writer needs to develop their own voice, and unless you're exposed to a variety of writing styles, you won't know what you like.
I, for one, love reading. Fiction books take you into another world, where you can escape the dreary reality of student accommodation and telemarketing (yes, it's true). I would love to allocate more time to reading, but at the moment I'm lucky to read a book a month. If I had it my way, I'd be reading a book a day.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Vixter,
Your comment has probably resonated with me the most...I completely agree! I think pop culture has definately made me the writer I am today...
I've said it before, about the tv show, 'Bones,' inspiring me, cause it's so much like a romance novel.
And I love magazines, non-fiction, as well as my great love, fiction.
It is all a balance, and an absorption, like you said...
And completely agree with H.J. about needing to practice, to just write.
Thanks for reading and your comment,
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
Loved your comment....I didn't get to the Brisbane Writer's Feast, which I regret, because it sounds fabulous...
I think I don't go to these things cause I'm eaten up with jealously that I know all the answers to the audience questions, I write every day, I live the author/mummy life, and yet I'm not published!
I can't handle these events, I'm like grinding my teeth in the back row, seething with jealously and negative vibes! When I try to stay positive normally (shut up family and friends if reading this)...
But yes, I completely agree with what you're saying, and what your author friend said...I truly do not see the point of being a writer, particularly a fiction one, if you don't like to read....where does your love of writing come from then? Why write? Because you've got a story in you?
But if you've got a story in you, then why don't you like reading stories?
So many thoughts, I should do another post on it!
Thanks for reading and commenting,
K.L.
P.S. Remember, you won't be a telemarketer forever...it's just to earn money now. Its not who you are, or an indication of yourself! The fact that you're out there, doing a job you probably don't like (I'm sensing you don't like it, anyway...and really, who could? Rude people hanging up on you, abusing you, etc...yes, I've been a telemarketer, I'm not just channeling your thoughts), studying, bettering (a word? I feel another attack on my spelling and grammar coming) yourself, striving forward in your life, is an admirable thing.
And, like I said, it won't be forever. You'll graduate, go on to better things...become a writer??
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Jas,
It kinda shows you don't read much!
Kidding! So kidding! Please don't go cry in the corner like I would if someone wrote that to me!!!
Appreciate your comment, and your reading (of my post, at least)..
K.L.
Comment by spain01
Juan Carlos
spain again
While your'e about it
Viva l'difference
Fire News Blog
Cities dying of thirst.
Historically if you read the works of Tacitus and Herodotus you will note that although these two writers were masters of the art, the sheer lack of written material available then led to their(them?) making many petty mistakes but this was almost forgivable. When we reach the 19th Century we begin to see superb authors like Alexandre Dumas, a well read scholar, who wrestle with this question and give us that thrilling masterpiece, The Count of Monte Cristo. You will recall that section of the book when the chief protagonist, Dantes, has been unfairly condemned to jail and while digging to escape his cell encounters the learned monk the Abbe Faria. The monk tells Monte Cristo that he has reduced all of what is required of the world’s reading to some 200 books and begins to educate his new pupil from these. I believe that this question for the world's best 200 books should be a Holy Grail for us all and I hope from the pages of these postings by be assisted in this important quest by others. No doubt the author of this post will lend her mind to this task. It is not ironic that Monte Cristo should be included as one of these books. Why?
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Juan,
As usual, you've boggled my mind...but in a good way in your comments on this post!
You've also inspired another post for me...will go scribble it out now...
Thank you!
K.L.
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
I also think that the most important contributor to my own writing ability is life itself. Art is most colourful when it imitates life, not when it imitates art.
Comment by Milly
Travel Adventures
The questioning mind
Thanks for the telemarketing and career encouragement. I'm almost finished the journalism degree and I'm just itching to get a real job. It's like when you need to pee and the closer you get, the more desperate you become. Only 6 more months....I can't wait!!!
Great post by the way!
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Always Eighteen,
I agree...
Did you end up getting to the Brisbane Writers' Fest?
K.L.
Comment by K.L. Almeroth
Motherhood
To Milly,
Thanks for reading!
Only 6 more months! They will fly by...good luck with it all...
A journalism degree...something I would have loved to have done. Alas, I'm trying to fulfill all my other dreams!
K.L.