I forgot to read.
I know – the first tip you ever hear when you’re writing is to read. Read a lot.
I got so wrapped in my stories. In writing what was in my head. Trying to improve what I’d written.
For the past three or four years I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words.
I’d read maybe 6 books. All by the same 2 authors, in relatively the same genre. Written in the same form (first person POV). Not even a little bit close to my genre.
Then seven months ago I sent in a full manuscript to an agent.
And somehow stopped writing.
Not because I was biting my nails waiting on a reply (I’m not new to this game) – just because real life got in the way.
Plus, I was tired. Like I said, I’d written hundreds of thousands of words. I’d made progress and improvements but I needed a break. I was too wrapped up and attached to my own work, and I knew it.
I needed to separate. Not just because an agent had my MS, but because I was so wrapped up I couldn’t see the forest for the trees, and I knew it – plus I had other ideas but I couldn’t seem to get them on paper for any amount of effort.
Then I picked up a book. And another. I remembered a commitment I’d made to myself at the beginning of the year to read 50 books this year. I used to read tons of books every year, I could handle 50, surely.
Since then I’ve read books of all kinds.
Urban fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, even a memoir, and stuff of very little substance. Books written from every POV under the sun. Books that are YA; books that make me uncomfortable; books that make me laugh out loud and my husband shake his head at me.
I’ve read 39 books this year (to be fair, there’s one or two in those numbers that I didn’t/couldn’t finish I disliked them so much).
Three weeks ago I came back to my writing.
I realized how, in some ways, I’d pigeonholed myself in what I’d written.
I’ve found new inspiration and drive to create new stories. I’ve found renewed vigor and the ability to look at my old stories in new light. My editing has gone so much smoother. My writing has been soming so much easier.
Don’t forget to read.
Sometimes it’s good to get out of your own head and into someone else’s for a while.
Apparently even my own characters needed a break (even if they never truly stopped rattling around in my head).
Hi there,
I just realised the same thing this year. Reading is crucial if you want to be a serious writer.