One of the best things about being a writer is reading. I actually have "read" on my to-do list every day, and I try to do it for at least an hour (this doesn't count bedtime reading). What had previously been a leisure activity for me has now become essential.

Reading

I've read interviews with many writers who said they either don't read at all when they're writing or if they do, they don't read the genre they're writing. I can't imagine not reading while in the midst of a project, especially since I'm almost always writing. I can, however, understand how a writer would choose not to read their genre, and while I still read almost exclusively crime fiction, I've only read one historical mystery since I started writing Diary of Bedlam. I don't want another writer's voice in my head while I'm working so hard on finding my own. 

What about you? What are you reading right now? As a writer, what are your reading habits?

2 Replies to “Reading is Fundamental”

  1. Holly says: January 6, 2010 at 9:25 am

    Reading a good book always inspires me to write too. Aside from the sheer enjoyment of it, there is a practical side of the reading–it gets the words flowing in my own head.

  2. Amy Nichols says: January 6, 2010 at 8:25 am

    I tend to be a chameleon, and pick up other’s writing styles without realizing it. So I am cautious about what I read when I’m writing. I tend to read YA (which is what I write), but mostly I’m just intentional about surrounding myself with *good* writing. I just read a book I couldn’t put down (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan) and it lit up my fire to write. It inspired me to make sure my book is also one my readers can’t put down. A well written, energetic page-turner. Perfect for reading while I’m writing.

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