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Post by prolificwriter on Sept 7, 2018 19:59:05 GMT
I’ve had this problem over the last few years. I rarely read fiction anymore now that I’m writing it. I’ll still pick up a novel if one of my favorite writers releases a new one, but overall most of my reading these days is non-fiction. Right now I’m on a reading binge, but it’s all non-fiction (it is mostly metaphysical/occult in nature, so it’s not like I’m reading about mundane things). I remember when I had fiction reading binges. I still have a lot of unread fiction titles on my shelves (I’ve got hundreds of books, if not more, in my house!), but I always feel a resistance when I think of picking one up. I think it was Stephen King that said you have to read a lot to be a good writer. While I have read a lot of fiction, I no longer do. Have you noticed if your quality of writing goes up or down, depending on if you’re reading fiction or not? I myself haven’t noticed much of a difference, but I might be too close to it to be the best judge.
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Post by K'Sennia Visitor on Sept 7, 2018 20:58:47 GMT
I was the hugest bookworm as a kid. I read fiction constantly! As an adult, I don't read fiction very often at all. Now I do most of my reading on the internet. I got hooked on forums and googling shit. I tend to watch TV/movies more often than I read. Part of it is that it takes so much longer to read a book, and it requires unplugging from my addiction, which is really hard. I do miss it though. I still have stories in my head. I'll always have stories in my head. And I still want to write them. In some ways I do think doing a lot of reading does help with writing since it gives you more examples of how to structure scenes and how to describe things. But really, the best writing period of my life was when I was part of the V RPG, and I was writing a ton every day to keep up with it. I was also doing a lot of reading of what the other characters were writing, too. And I suppose fanfiction does count as fiction.  |
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EllieL
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Post by EllieL on Sept 7, 2018 22:17:23 GMT
I love to read. Don't read near as much as I used to, but I love a good mystery or thriller. Funny that I don't read romance nearly as much as I used to, considering I write the stuff, but occasionally I find a romance that I enjoy as well.
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DD
Full Member
Posts: 180
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Post by DD on Sept 7, 2018 23:52:57 GMT
I read a lot of non-fiction also, but I also try to keep reading some fiction. I like all sorts of genres, and occasionally I'll get on a mystery/thriller kick or want a fantasy or a romance. I just don't get a lot of opportunity to read anymore. And when I do, I notice all the things the author does wrong.  |
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Post by theprosepolisher on Sept 12, 2018 23:30:01 GMT
Absolutely! I read more fiction than non-fiction these days, though that hasn't always been the case. My husband, on the other hand, simply does not read any fiction, and hasn't in years. He devours non-fiction, especially history and politics. To each his/her own. To echo what DD said above, as a copyeditor/proofreader, I am constantly noticing errors and mentally edit everything.  |
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Post by prolificwriter on Sept 13, 2018 4:10:21 GMT
I hate editing so I don’t really have a problem trying to fix what I read. I do notice mistakes/misused words more frequently, but that’s always been the case to some extent. I just wish I could get excited about reading fiction again. There’s a few novels on my radar, but I’m not exactly in a hurry to get to them. The only fiction I read these days is my own when I’m editing and proofreading, so I better make it entertaining I guess!
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cate
New Member
Posts: 20 
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Post by cate on Sept 13, 2018 15:43:47 GMT
I am still a bookworm, with fiction and nonfiction. I love both, always have. The only thing that jumps out at me when I'm reading a good book is typos or misused words - but those always have, ever since I started reading. Since I've been writing for so long, it hasn't really affected my reading habits. I've always been picky, demand a good story, with well drawn characters. I will read an author as long as they keep delivering.
One thing I have noticed with the indie revolution is how many really mediocre books are out there. After being burned a few times, I now read the Look Inside if it's a new to me author. And for trad books, I still buy the paperback. There's nothing better than browsing my local bookstore, seeing an intruiging cover or title, and discovering a great new read.
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