Nathan Bransford - The Forums

I really love a good book. I have a stack waiting beside my bed for me. The problem is that I once I get into a book, pretty much everything else goes out the window until I get through the last page, including writing. I feel that the time I spend reading is taking away from my writing time. I know I need to have a little more balance in my life, but that's rreally how I feel. Do any of you have this fight with yourself? "Do I read and not write? Or do I write and not read?"

For some reason I seem unable to do both. :\

Well, I believe you have to read to be a good writer. But like you, it is pretty much assured that once I pick up a book, everything else will be on hold until I finish it.

That being said, I read at least one book a week, but I also get many hours of writing in. Depending on the book, sometimes the writing gets less time, but I believe it is important to readreadread if I want to improve as a writer, so I make time for both.

However, it does mean I am very picky about what books I'm reading. If a book doesn't sound like my cup of tea, I probably won't give it a chance (unless I get a really great recommendation.) I also give books only about 50-100 pages to suck me up into the story. If it can't, I move on. I don't feel forced to finish a book that I'm not enjoying.

I do the same thing. Read or write, but I can rarely do both.

I split my week up so that I have "reading days" and "writing days." Unless I have a new book that I can't can't can't wait to read I don't read books back-to-back. I always give a few days between reading to get some writing done. (And housework, but that's another story.)

Now that I'm editing my MS, I am able to read more and not have the weight of feeling like I should be hunched at my keyboard. I know that reading makes for a better writer, but I guess I'm an all or nothing person. I like the idea of splitting the week up and devoting a few days to reading a few days to writing. I think I will give it a try! :)

I have only just begun reading for pleasure again. This is something I usually save for Summer and Winter breaks because I don't want it to interfere with classes. So, in between homework, reading and writing I've found an odd balance. I don't designate times or set goals, I seem to meet them better when they're never made. When I don't feel like writing or don't know what to write I'll read or do homework and vice versa. It's a disorganized method, but it works.