Tuesday, March 20, 2012

From Writer to Reader

It's always a nice time to get that work in progress finished. No matter how annoying all the editing is, I am grateful to have something accomplished. I can then take some time to enjoy another passion -- reading. When I'm in the middle of writing, I have a hard time concentrating on anything else. My characters clamor at me during all hours. My mind fills with scenes and dialogue leaving very little room to concentrate on other things.

So, when I set aside that finished work in progress my characters quiet down for a little bit, and I can drag books off my to-read pile and dive into other stories. I love that change of pace. It's exciting to explore the worlds others have created and it's nice to enjoy characters that I know have been bugging other writers. It's like a breath of fresh air. It clears the mind and usually allows for some new set of characters or story to begin forming.

Yes, I still have to stop and jot down ideas or plot additions or some other inspiration, but for the most part I am transported to some other place and time for a bit. I managed to make a small dent in my reading pile. Of course, that just gave me the excuse to add a half dozen more books to the list. Read one, add two. It's not a formula that actually shrinks the pile, but I've always loved to read as much as I love to write. Keeping that pile looming reminds me to take some time to indulge in a little reading from time-to-time.

I'm going to dive back into a few more books. The next round of edits quickly approaches. The beauty is my mind has been free of my own characters for a week, and I will be able to approach my own work with a fresher set of eyes. See, reading does do more than just entertain -- well, at least that is my story this week.

Where do you sneak in your reading or other passions?

6 comments:

  1. That's a very good question, Bridget! *laughs* I take my Kindle to work with me, have been reading while power-walking on the treadmill and read just before bed to tire out the eyes. I squeeze the hour of treadmill time just after the dreaded 11 hour day job ends. Currently, I am only writing on the weekend. I spend an hour or two each day before bed on networking, and hours and hours more during the weekend. It's tough! Good luck to you and your schedule!

    -Jimmy
    http://jamesgarciajr.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jimmy.

      It definitely isn't easy, but it's so great you can combine some activities. Always best if you can work out some way to do two things at once. Now, if only I could sleep and work out, that would be awesome!

      Delete
  2. I read whenever my muse fails to make an appearance; or when I need to take a break from writing; or when I have at least a week holiday. But between full-time job and squeezing something during my spare time, writing will almost always win over reading.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's important to stay focused on your writing. When I have a story fighting to get onto a page, I know that I don't have time to read. I agree it is nice to take a break from that writing now and again and let another story carry me away for a while.

      Delete
  3. I'm in the 'read one, buy two' club myself, although I do find that I get more reading done when I'm between writing projects.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does make it tough to dent the pile with that read one buy two style, but I'm not complaining. I like having plenty to read at my finger tips especially a little bit of everything depending on my mood.

      Delete