Q:. Could you talk a bit about what you read during the time you are writing your novel. (Assuming you do read!) If so, do you read fiction or non-fiction or both?
A: Oh, yes, I read, even when I'm in the midst of writing a novel. Mostly while I'm drinking coffee after lunch or just before going to sleep. But I'm careful not to read authors whose style or subject matter is similar to mine for fear of unconscious plagiarism.
A: Oh, yes, I read, even when I'm in the midst of writing a novel. Mostly while I'm drinking coffee after lunch or just before going to sleep. But I'm careful not to read authors whose style or subject matter is similar to mine for fear of unconscious plagiarism.
This means that I have to avoid two of my favorite authors -- Lee Smith and Sharyn McCrumb, along with any number of Southern and Appalachian writers.
And I almost never start a new novel for fear of not being able to put it down and get back to my own work. So I reread old favorites -- ones that I almost know by heart -- Elizabeth Goudge, P.G. Wodehouse, Angela Thirkell -- all Brits and all set in the first half of the last century.
A book of Caribbean short stories would work too.
Q: HOW do you read? (analytically, critically, or merely for relaxation)?
A: I almost never read critically or analytically (except for my own stuff or students' work in my writing classes.) I read very, very fast and for fun. But I have
noticed that when I listen to a book, I pay closer attention to its structure -- particularly if it's one I've listened to before.
All the Aubrey/Maturin books ( by Patrick O'Brian and read by Patrick Tull) are wonderful examples of the sort of writing I'd like to do. Though I'm listening while driving . . . or ironing or working in the kitchen, I'm always learning something new about good writing.
A: I almost never read critically or analytically (except for my own stuff or students' work in my writing classes.) I read very, very fast and for fun. But I have
noticed that when I listen to a book, I pay closer attention to its structure -- particularly if it's one I've listened to before.
All the Aubrey/Maturin books ( by Patrick O'Brian and read by Patrick Tull) are wonderful examples of the sort of writing I'd like to do. Though I'm listening while driving . . . or ironing or working in the kitchen, I'm always learning something new about good writing.
Q:What about books on technique? Any titles you'd particularly recommend?
Chris Roerden's book is the textbook I use in my writing classes and as a check list for my own work. I think it's the most helpful book I've encountered for a nuts and bolts approach to fiction. I don't always agree with Chris -- she hate prologues and I like them -- but I skim through this little book at least once a year.
Stephen King's On Writing and Elizabeth George's Write Away! come to mind as writing books I've read and enjoyed. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg are especially good for inspiration.
But I haven't found the book that can substitute for just sitting down and writing, day after day. That's how you learn, in the end.
Stephen King's On Writing and Elizabeth George's Write Away! come to mind as writing books I've read and enjoyed. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg are especially good for inspiration.
But I haven't found the book that can substitute for just sitting down and writing, day after day. That's how you learn, in the end.
No comments:
Post a Comment