Since I’ve completed my novel as far as the story goes and I’m at the editing stage, I’ve decided to take a break and start reading books in my genre. How many of you feel this is a good idea? Can it cause one to try and copy other writer’s styles? Also, as a novice writer, should one be reading best selling authors?
Reading Other Novels before a Rewrite
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I think it's a fantastic idea. A author should be devouring other's works in her genre. All the time. The more you read, the less likely you are to inadvertently copy the style of any one work. Moreover, your own craft will benefit as you see how others have risen to challenges you currently (or someday will) face.
Whether you should be reading best-selling authors is a question I can't address. But I would suggest that, instead of pondering that question, you should simply be reading authors you like, regardless of how many copies they sell.
Whether you should be reading best-selling authors is a question I can't address. But I would suggest that, instead of pondering that question, you should simply be reading authors you like, regardless of how many copies they sell.
I agree that you should definitely be reading, but I wouldn't limit it to best-sellers. Read anything and everything - and I'd include stuff out of your chosen genre, as well.
Best-sellers aren't something I'm drawn to, because I find a lot of the popular stuff isn't always what I enjoy, and, for me, reading has to be something I enjoy. But definitely read.
Best-sellers aren't something I'm drawn to, because I find a lot of the popular stuff isn't always what I enjoy, and, for me, reading has to be something I enjoy. But definitely read.
I don't think a writer should ever stop reading books in his genre, before writing, during writing, or after writing.
And, yes, I think reading bestsellers is the bets possible way of keeping your finger on the pulse of what agents, editors, and the reading pubic wants. Besides, I think most are bestsellers for pretty good reasons.
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I constantly read both non-fiction and fiction while writing a WIP. Sometimes it is for research and others times it is just to escape. Every book read is a benifit, and takes nothing away from writing, but adds to it.
It doesn't hurt to read at any time unless it means you're not taking the time to write; in fact, reading is a good thing. You get to see what works and what doesn't, mistakes others have made that you should avoid as well as successes from which you can learn. You might pick up little aspects of others' writing styles, but, if you do so, you add them to your own unique style.
A writer writes; a better writer also reads.
A writer writes; a better writer also reads.
While it seems like a good idea, I try to steer clear of reading very strong and distinctive voices while I am writing, as the tone and rhythm has a habit of seeping into whatever I am working on. It depends entirely on genre though - I'm safe with horror, mystery and comedy, though my SF and western writing tends to borrow too much of whatever I am reading. Having had to trunk a few pieces because I lost the distinctive tone I started with, the need to keep myself "in the story" has become more clear for me.
The more I borrow from such voices, the better I like it. I can't borrow too much. Borrowing is why I read.
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Greenpower,
It's always a good idea to read books in your genre, and even ones that are not in your genre. Reading in your genre before writing a story does not cause you to do anything, it educates you on how a certain genre is written.
My advice is to read anything you can get your hands one- best selling authors, ones that are not such great authors, and all those in between authors.
Reading is just as important as writing. My belief is that one can read and not write, but one cannot write without reading. Did you know Stephen King writes four hours a day and reads the other four? It sounds like this is his eight hour work day.
Read outside your genre, that's when I noticed my writing improve considerably.
Right now, I'm reading novels that are similar to my WIP in between edits. I'm actually picking up on cliches and eye-rolling moments that I recognise in my own work.
Right now, I'm reading novels that are similar to my WIP in between edits. I'm actually picking up on cliches and eye-rolling moments that I recognise in my own work.
^^ this...if you have a strong grasp of your existing style and tendencies...why not explore and broaden...
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