I’ve been working on revisions for the past few weeks, and in that time my reading pile has been pretty much untouched. Even though I have a stack of books I’ve been waiting to read, I’ve been having a hard time getting past the first chapter of any of them. I’m wondering if maybe my brain is so intent on the revisions that it doesn’t want to think about anything else.
When I’m just starting a story, however, or trying to decide what to work on next, I tend to read up a storm. It often helps me gather momentum and inspiration for my upcoming writing. Because I love reading, it feels odd to be so turned off to it every once in a while. But I guess it’s all part of the mysterious creative process.
Anyone else have trouble reading while you’re revising? Are there types of books you’ve found help pull you out of the no-reading slump?
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I’m the same way – can’t read when I’m deep into revision mode.
I also tend to avoid reading when I’m either starting or ending a book (the mucky middle makes me so crazy I usually take a break and read just to get my head out of my own mess).
It may be I don’t want to be too influenced by other voices in my head when I’m deep into writing – always think I’ll subconsciously phrase things in the style of book I’m currently reading or something.
Nelsa, I’m glad it’s not just me! My middles tend to be pretty mucky too, and reading definitely helps get me unstuck a lot of the time. I think you’re right about the voice influencing you. I try not to read books with very strong voices when I’m writing because they do tend to rub off on me a bit.
I’m always intrigued by the way my brain turns on and off toward reading. I don’t always know what is going on but for me it usually proceeds some big idea of break through. Thanks for posting on this. I love the mystery.
I’m the same with reading. Sometimes I devour book after book, then I can go for long periods not able to read—often related to revision, or to beginning a new project.
Getting out of a reading slump? I try reading something totally new or different than what I usually gravitate toward. Or reading adult nonfiction. Or reading poetry. Or sometimes, just not reading at all. I can’ keep up a one-book-after-the-other string for extended periods of time.
Tina, I hope you’re right. Maybe I’m on the verge of a big breakthrough and that’s why I’m having trouble reading. Fingers crossed!
Andrea, you’re absolutely right that it’s okay to not read sometimes. I think I’m feeling particularly guilty because of the stack of books I got out of the library that will probably go back unread. Oh well. I can always check them out again another time. Happy writing!
I definitely go through waves as well. I’m pretty polarized. If I find a good book I devour it and can’t put it down, but if I’m not so into it I may never get past chapter one.
So when I do get into a good book it certainly distracts me from writing and vice versa. If I am into writing I usually can’t stop to read or do practically anything else.
Yes. When I’m into heavy revisions or the first draft, I find myself putting books down over nitpicky reasons, but most likely, it’s because my mind wants to be working on my story. Glad I’m not the only one.
Lisa, that’s funny that a good book can pull you away from writing and the other way around. Now that you mention it, there have definitely been times when I’ve rushed through writing so I could get back to reading. I don’t mind, though, because usually those books are worth it.
Laura, clearly you’re not the only one! I know what you mean about putting books aside for nitpicky reasons. It’s almost like my brain goes into revision overdrive and I can’t help but see the flaws in everything I read (and write).
This is funny. I can read books while I revise but only books that I’ve already read. Sometimes when I get stuck, I read a book that I loved and see how maybe they figured out a similar problem.
But “new” books. If I do start reading them it takes way longer than usual. I think the mind wants to concentrate on my own story first. Too distracting maybe?
I now read at all stages of the writing process. I used to not, but found it really helps me unwind at night if nothing else.
I do try to stick to the general genre that I’m writing at the time but it’s not a hard fast rule.
I can read during anything — except driving.
I can pretty much always read…but when I do get in a little bit of a slump, I tend to pick up one of my old favorites. Something that I couldn’t put down when I first read it and that I still love every time I pick up.
Oh, and I nominated your blog for a Creative Blogger award. Check out my blog for the details!
Karen, it makes sense that you’d have an easier time rereading books when you’re revising. It’s much easier to analyze a book when you already know how the story turns out.
PJ, that’s interesting that this has changed for you over time. For me it’s been the opposite. I used to be able to read anytime! I agree that sticking to your genre might help. Since I’m working on a fairy tale right now, I think I’m going to focus on other fairy tales (which hopefully won’t feel as distracting).
Marcia, you’re lucky! It’s probably best to not drive and read – that’s what audio books are for!
Katie, I definitely have favorites that I go back to for inspiration. (The Giver is at the top of that list – I might have to go back to it for the hundredth time!) Thanks so much for the award!