I have recently read somewhere that there are now more (self-professed) writers than readers. If it is indeed true, it is rather disturbing - I know I am not the first one to say that in order to be a good writer one needs to be a good reader first. As writers we must read more than we write; we have to let our imagination soar and utilize what we learn by reading the works of other writers, whether established or just starting out.
That said, I am terribly behind on both my reading and my writing. I am still on the last draft of my work-in-progess / first novel and I dread reading it. I think I am afraid that after two full years of writing and editing, I may find it still lacking here or there - and I fear having to rework it.
As for my reading, I simply don't know what title to pick up next! Can you help me out?
I just finished reading Arthur Schnitzler's Dream Story. Before that, I read Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. I tend to reach for classics, literary fiction, or YA, especially if it is by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Any ideas?
I agree that we should read more than we write. I think reading is one of the best ways to discover what we feel most drawn to writing.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog so you don't know me, but I've been reading a lot of YA and middle grade fiction lately and love those genres, amongst many other genres. One book that I loved is called The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen and I'm about to start reading a book called West of Here by Jonathan Evison.
Thank you Leslie - I am following you too now.
DeleteI'll check the titles out.
Oh man the recommendations question is a loaded one. I could probably spout off 100 books that you should read :p I'm not sure that's really what you want though. So how about I give you the top 10 books that I've read in the last year that I think you should check out?
ReplyDelete1.The Fault in Our Stars-John Green (YA, and AMAZING!)
2.The Homecoming of Samuel Lake-Jenny Wingfield (Adult)
3.Ashfall-Mike Mullin (YA)
4.The Passage- Justin Cronin (Adult)
5.The Stranger You Seek-Amanda Kyle Williams (Adult)
6.Cinder-Marissa Meyer (YA...this is an AWESOME retelling of a classic fairytale)
7.Hate List-Jennifer Brown (YA)
8.The Night Circus-Erin Morgenstern (I'd say Adult but some might classify it as YA)
9.Domestic Violets-Matthew Norman (Adult)
10.Sing You Home-Jodi Picoult (Adult)
Those are just a few suggestions...I tried to give you a range of genre's and equal number of YA and Adult. Hope that helps!
Oh yeah, loaded question :-) I did like the Passage a lot and I'll take a look at all the others.
DeleteJust picked up Blood Oath - not really my type of book but I am enjoying it quite a bit!
For YA adventure I have enjoyed "The Ranger's Apprentice" series by John Flanagan.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael!
DeleteWhenever someone asks me about how I research the craft of writing, my answer is by reading. I don't even read craft books (though I have in the past). I read writers I admire. I learn so much from them, and I become a better writer in the process.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I'm on revising and hoping it might be closer to pubbing but I'll always feel that I forgot something. As far as my book list it is taking a turn to the friends I've made online. They promote their books for a reason and if I say I'm a friend then I should act like one. So for that reason, I've been buying their books and having fun reading them. Someday soon I might have to read a few other books too.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is a good point - I need to do the same!
DeleteThanks!
This is so true. While I don't read books about writing, I think that reading fiction is so important to a writer. Not only does it give you a break and a chance to relax, you can pick up some great inspiration and writing techniques.
ReplyDeleteI tend to read YA, be it contemporary or fantasy or paranormal, but I will read anything that takes my fancy really.
I gave your blog an award, you can find it here: http://strangerthanwriting.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/kreativ-blogger-award.html
Thank you Laura!
DeleteHow to live in this world and not leave the system dominate you?
ReplyDeletehttp://blogdosultimos.blogspot.com.br/2012/06/como-viver-neste-mundo-como-viver-sem.html
God Bless You!
Xoxo
Claudia