In his book “On Writing,” Stephen King states he doesn’t read in order to “study the craft” but believes there is “a learning process going on” when he reads. Do you read books differently as a writer? Are you conscious of “the craft” as you read?
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Totally. Where I used to simply enjoy reading good fiction, now I often think “how am I ever going to write something of this standard?” and that takes away the enjoyment somewhat.
I read books in any genre I want to write before I attempt it. But then I don’t copy sny particular style. I write it with my own take. I also have received inspiration to try things to challenge my writing, like discovering a story well told by use of flashbacks.
It may help you to take away at least one new (manageable) thing to try, rather than be totally overwhelmed (and perhaps defeated) before you start. Good books should inspire you, but do it your way.
Unfortunately, yes. Especially if it’s a new (to me) writer.
But that’s only since I seriously started studying my own writing. Before that, I read with total abandon, and I do agree on another point with Mr. King. I think you have a much better chance of writing well if you read copiously all your life. Those who haven’t read much and are now trying to write will have a more difficult time.
Definitely. Reading is a delight anyway, but add in your writer’s critical eye and you see behind the curtain of Oz to appreciate it more deeply. Thanks, Amanda.
Absolutely. At the first writing conference I attended, I was told, “Once you start writing seriously, you’ll never read a book the same way again.” I found that to be very true. It’s increased my appreciation for some books, let me see the author’s “feet of clay” with others.
Great comment, Richard. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Recently I discovered you can learn from bad books too, but the experience isn’t as pleasant. It’s like the lesson you learn while getting beaten with a stick. It feels best when it stops.
It’s sort of like when I did magic. Looking at other magicians perform, I knew what they were doing even as they wowed an audience. That didn’t lessen my appreciation of their craft. It many times increased it.
Nice analogy, Jim. Now I’ll forever see you on stage in Vegas.
The first time through, I read for thrills. If I get them, I reread for craft. Do I spot the methodology on the first read? Only if the thrill isn’t there. Some books are more than worth a reread or several. I’ve read Cat’s Cradle, Silence of the Lambs, Heart of Darkness, and The Hot Kid several times, and probably will read them several more. The thrill is there even when I’m reading for craft. That’s art.
YES!! I’ve been waiting for someone to say this. You captured it. I want to read as if I’ve forgotten about being a writer. I want to be swept away. It’s usually the minute I see major craft errors (like typos or it’s loaded with passive voice or awkward imagery) that I’m pulled from the magic Jim mentioned.
Thanks, Kendall.
Jim’s example of being a magician made me come up with my own “life” comparison. I always loved dance, especially ballet. But when I became a dance critic for a newspaper, my way of looking at a performance changed. It was my job to analyze what I was watching and put it in a larger context, something that went beyond just the question of, “did I enjoy this?” So yes, some of the joy was leached out. But every so often, I would encounter a dancer or a piece of choreography or even an old chestnut of a production (Swan Lake) that was so transporting that I forgot my “job” and was able to reconnect with the lovely feeling of pure joy.
The same thing happens with books now. My critical brain kicks in when I read and I am looking for the strings that the puppet-master is manipulating. But then I find a book that lifts me back into that rarified air of pure enjoyment. You live for those kind of books.
Ah yes, beautifully said, Kris. Love your analogy. When I find a rarified gem and get lost in that book, I smile with joy in the author’s accomplishment. Thanks for your perspective. Love it.
Yes, I think you can’t help it when you’re a writer to half-analyze the books you’re reading. I especially pause when I come to a well-written sentence to give admiration to the author’s talent. Original metaphors draw my respect too, since they’re hard for me to write. On the other hand, I’ll also notice plot holes and get annoyed when nothing much happens and I’m wishing the story would pick up its pace.
Exactly, Nancy. The nothing happens thing can carry on through the whole book, or when police procedure is poorly researched or not considered. Very frustrating. I suppose you can learn from poorly written books, but they’ve definitely not much fun. Thanks, Nancy. Have a good weekend.
I suspect everyone who studies the craft is affected. Authors I used to adore, I can’t read any more because I find some of the craft failings scream-worthy. I would regret that, except that we have so many fine writers…I’ll never run out of good books to read.
If I find an incredible passage, usually a scene or an important part of a scene, I’ll study it (parse the sentences, marvel at the word choices, look for invisible metaphors, etc.) to learn how the author created the effect on the reader.
What I look for when I’m deciding whether or not to buy a book is generally different than it used to be. I think I look for the same thing agents and publishers do, i.e., voice. While there are many competent and professional writers out there, truly wonderful voices are much less common.
I’m not intimidated by competent writing, but when I find a wonderful voice, I sometimes actually cry…but then I get back to my own writing because my parents taught me to do my best. If my best isn’t wonderful writing, that’s okay. If I live long enough, it might be…some day.
I love your parents.
Absolutely! I stopped reading for pleasure when I began taking my writing seriously. I still enjoy the story. I’m just busy taking notes at the same time. 🙂
I hope reading is still enjoyable for you through all the writer’s cramp. Carry on and happy writing, Sue.
I’ve noticed recently that I’m reading more for craft especially when it comes to fleshing my own writing out. I tend to write bare bones and reading other writers help me to see how to sketch in more and bring everything to life.
I’m excited for you. Getting swept away in a good book can be a great lesson too. I hope it stretches what you think is possible in your own work. Good for you.
Ever since I first learned to read, I have always read every single word. My brain refused to learn how to scan, because I lost the enjoyment of how the words fit together. When I started taking writing courses, I continued to read the same way, word by word, and my enjoyment increased exponentially when I learned to fully appreciative the writer’s craft, but as already said, my discomfort now escalates when I read a less skillfully told story. I’m less tolerant of the downfalls I can now see (although in deference to the author’s effort, I will always finish what I begin to read) and I can only hope that makes me a better self-editor when it comes time for me to polish.
Interesting. Kudos to you for finishing every book.