The
first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group
day. Members post about their doubts and
fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to
others who are struggling.
February’s
question: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?
When I first started writing, I read strictly as a reader. I didn't look below the surface or story line. Over the years that has gradually changed. One thing I noticed is that many of the kings and queens of our favorite genres had developed their style before the 'rules' became applicable, which makes me question the validity of the 'rules'. I find myself agreeing with Nick Wilford's assessment that rules are merely guidelines or suggestions.
I also find myself wondering how much of the author's view points, beliefs, characteristics or expressions creep into his or her writing. Case in point. One of the authors I follow has a specific phrase that his series character usually says several times in every novel. I grin whenever I see it and think to myself I bet the author uses that phrase himself with regularity. It's not unusual to find a white cat, vegetarian, or political opinion in some of my books. What about you? As a reader, who has a writer friend, do you see anything of them in their work? Or do you lose yourself in the story and not even think about who's writing it? As a writer, do you see yourself creeping into your fiction?
My news for the month:
Sundial is going to be featured on Book Bub.
He came through time for her.
Happy February 1st.
40 comments:
Sounds good, must get my claws on it again. I love how you write. Hugs, Valerie
Great post Sandra, sharpen those claws.
Yvonne.
Awesome your book was selected for Book Bub.
I think one's views do creep into the writing. However, I've not had any of my characters say 'awesome' yet.
I laughed reading one author and his rough and tumble character liked to cool off with ice cream. Made me want to indulge every time I read it. The tough thing is it is quite a trip for soft serve.
I don't write books, but I write blog posts, and often find I use the same phrases over and over again. I'm surprised people haven't caught on that I rehash what works for me. Of course, I didn't realize it until you pointed it out in this post!
Ironically, I've never created a vegetarian character and someone's cats were mentioned only briefly. But other parts of me, internal parts, did make their way into my stories.
This is really an interesting topic. Most of my writing is for the blog now or articles or some personal stuff. But in my years in PR, I was writing every day and all kinds of things -- features, releases, histories, business stuff, video scripts. I don't know that reading changes my writing content but it does make me more aware of structure and language.
I am quite sure that if I were to write a novel, at least one character would be much like me -- art-oriented, cat fan, similar paths. But I think that some of the best writers write what they know and hopefully we know ourselves best. Doesn't need to be autobiographical but certainly the details enhance character. Fun and thoughtful post.
That is awesome you got in bookbub, you'll get lots of sales there.
I've used sayings that I use in my writing and have used sayings that I wrote my characters saying. Guidelines is all many rules are indeed.
Well..l don't write books, and, it's no
secret..I don't read them either! Why?
Patience...or the lack of it! Naughty l
know, but, l've tried, and tried..! I just
cannot sit down, hold and read a book!
It has been suggested many times, that l should
write a book...two ladies have even offered to
write it for me...you see...l have this story,
about a penguin, that l used to tell my daughter,
at bed times!
So, perhaps l fancy myself, strutting round the
dinning room...silk dressing gown, corduroy pants,
(trousers), patent shoes, and maybe a cigar...with
a young secretary..banging away on a laptop...! :).
HeHe! The mind boggles!
And, when l do write, l tend to throw myself into it..
as if l'm talking to a person, the grammar is much to
be desired..! :). Therefore l use a lot of ..~~??(),,
and so on...They used to make me sit on my hands at
school..."Friends..Romans..Countrymen...." Ah! Those
were the days..."Alas poor Yorick..."
Perhaps one day..l shall be brought to 'BOOK'.
Hi,
I don't believe we can separate our viewpoints and issues from our books. Some how what we feel and think and believe rises up in our characters, if only for a short stint.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
It definitely changed my reading for a long time. After writing my novel, I could only look at punctuation, sentence structure - all the writerly things.
An interesting topic, indeed.
Yes, after becoming a writer I read with a different pair of eyes. There are things that I notice that I wouldn't have if I hadn't become familiar with the writing rules.
And I strongly think that our own views on life/writing/politics, etc is reflected in our fiction.
'get my claws on it'. Heh heh.
Thanks, Val:)
Hugs back
Ha!
LOL.
I'm going to be on the lookout when I read action adventure for the ice cream:)
Ouch on the distance for soft serve!
Keep on rehashing. We love your posts:)
The internal parts are the important ones:)
What's always funny to me is when I receive an email from a friend responding in the same way I would respond to myself. It's almost like I'm talking to myself. :) Or that moment when you and someone else say the same thing as the same time?!
I do wish I could pick up on themes when I read books. I mean – sometimes I can see a character saying the same thing over and over again throughout a book, but most of the time I don't pay attention unless it's pointed out to me. How did you start picking up on little things in books? Did a teacher work with you on that or was it something you picked up on your own?
Thanks, Jeanie.
Who did you work for when you did PR? Or what area?
Toes-crossed on the sales:)
I like that you use sayings that your characters use:)
Brought to book. Ha.
Sounds like that penguin has lots of story potential, Willie.
Congrats in getting on BookBub! That right there is a HUGE accomplishment. Honestly, I haven't noticed too many instances where an author appears through the prose. Maybe that's because I'm not watching for it? But there have been a few times political opinions poked through.
Well said, Pat:)
Oh yes......
Isn't it great though, when the punctuation fades in the background because you're so caught up in the story?
Agreed, Carmen. Our life views leak through.
If you aren't picking up on it, you're probably enjoying your reading experience more:)
After looking for specific things in my manuscript, I start seeing them in stories I read whether I'm looking for them or not.
Thanks for the comment:)
Have a great one.
Thank you, Crystal:) I'm very pleased.
I think political opinions due tend to poke through.
Have a great one.
It's funny that you said that, because I put a lot of myself and my life into my books, so it is a curious thing when you read a book and wonder what the author put in that is true to them and their life.
Congrats on getting featured on BookBub!
If someone didn't write books we wouldn't have anything to read - but that's obvious.
I admire those that have the gift to write as it brings great pleasure to many.
I think I bleed into anything I write, and I can't imagine how writers wouldn't. I don't even know what BookBub is, but now I'm going to have to find out! None-the-less congratulations, Sandra!
Some of my fave authors regularly use certain phrases and such, too. Makes it easy to identity their books even without their names being plastered on a story, haha. And I'm definitely not immune to it in my own work; there are several things that are very "me" that others have probably noticed already... XD
Indeed, Chrys.
Thank you:_)
Everyone has different interests for their creative outlet. I enjoy your photographs.
I agree, Fundy. I think we all bleed into our writing in one form or another.
Thanks:)
We all do the me thing don't we, Heather?:)
Very interesting Sandra! I don't write books, but for some reason, for every blog post, I usually write, Hi Everyone, hope you're all well! I bet everyone is sick of that! LOL! Congrats on being featured! Big Hugs!
I am behind! I am slapping my hand as I write. I can't see how one's own personality couldn't be in a book. Even if one writes about horror or a killing, we might like reading about it or watching shows about it. i think when the book is great, the author can really relate to the characters and places.
Loved this post. Yes indeed when I read books by friends I can see them in the book. Sometimes I picture them saying the things and I forget to read the story!! Have a great weekend!!
JQ Rose
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