Comments on: Can You Read While You’re Revising?

By: annastan

annastan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:03:29 +0000

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!

By: Katie L. Carroll

Katie L. Carroll — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:01:23 +0000

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!

By: marcia

marcia — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:28:25 +0000

I can read during anything — except driving.

By: PJ Hoover

PJ Hoover — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:22:08 +0000

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.

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:38:28 +0000

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?

By: annastan

annastan — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:25:02 +0000

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).

By: Laura Pauling

Laura Pauling — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:59:28 +0000

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.

By: Lisa G.

Lisa G. — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:03:47 +0000

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.

By: annastan

annastan — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:35:50 +0000

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!

By: Andrea Vlahakis

Andrea Vlahakis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:27:08 +0000

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.