Wednesday, March 7, 2018

IWSG Wednesday

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. And as always, a thank you to Alex Cavanaugh for caring enough to form this group and the folks that help maintain it.
I was asked a question the other day that shot my eyebrows up and would have had me reaching for oxygen if there had been any handy. " Besides writing, do you read?" This was a bud that asked and in fairness it was probably a rhetorical question that was just to introduce an author this person liked.  But it took me by surprise. For most writers, we practically come out of the womb with a book in our hand. I'm convinced that's why labor is so painful. Ha. Reading is like breathing and eating, it's necessary to sustain life. I can't imagine, and seriously doubt if such a creature exists, as an author that doesn't read. Have you ever been asked this question?


41 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Reading was my first great love, and nothing has changed with that over all these years. I never go out without a book/Kindle, love reading everywhere. Hats off to all you writers who keep me supplied with stories! Hugs, Valerie

Heather R. Holden said...

Wow. Have never been asked a question like that, and probably would've been just as shocked as you if I had. The thought of an author never reading is beyond mind-boggling!

Elephant's Child said...

I have a friend who considers himself an exceptional writer who doesn't read. Except for the sporting section of newspapers.
He defends his stance by saying that if he did he would be influenced and would 'jump on the trendy bandwaggon'. He thinks his writing is exceptional. I don't.

Sandra Cox said...

Aha! So you were born with a book in your hand too:)

Sandra Cox said...

That's for sure, Heather.

Sandra Cox said...

Wow. That one's a head-scratcher, EC.

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah, that is kinda a dumb question, but then there are a few who think they are cocky and grand and don't read.

RO said...

Every writer that I've ever had the honor of meeting enjoys sharing tidbits about the things they read, and other writers who inspired them to write. I just can't imagine life without writers or books. That's how I learn, how I escape and how I relax. Great post Super Sandra! Hugs...RO

JFM said...

Reading and writing go together like breathing and living...you simply can't have one without the other!

I love books...I devour them!!!

Hugs 📚💕

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I've never been asked that. Maybe somewhere there are writers who don't read.

Out on the prairie said...

Never without a book

Sandra Cox said...

Apparently there are, Pat. It's a stunner for me.

Sandra Cox said...

Well said, Ro. I think we all read to learn, escape and relax.

Sandra Cox said...

Another kindred soul born with book in hand:)

Sandra Cox said...

In a galaxy far, far, away:)

Sandra Cox said...

A man after my heart:)

Jamie Ghione said...

Always got my nose in a book :)

Birgit said...

I have been asked this more than once and I still blink in total disbelief. I wouldn’t know what to do if I couldn’t read.

Tamara Narayan said...

Must always be reading. Always.

Jeanie said...

I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't read. Every day.

DMS said...

I have not been asked that question. I read all the time. :)
~Jess

Sandra Cox said...

There ya go.

Sandra Cox said...

Right there with ya, Birgit.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm nodding in agreement, Tamara.

Sandra Cox said...

Isn't that the truth, Jeanie?

Sandra Cox said...

I'm sure.

Cherie Reich said...

I haven't been asked that question, but I have heard from some writers who write but don't read. It always shocks me. I would never have considered writing without being an avid reader.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I've never been asked that question, but I don't consider myself a writer (other than for personal enjoyment). however, I read everything from journal articles to fiction to cereal boxes to blog posts. Nothing escapes my eyes. Glad you posed the question.

Christine said...

odd question

Adam said...

I granted was never a "bookworm" unless you count online non-fiction, but my reading has gone downhill since I started Neko Random. I tried reviews of books at the time, but they weren't really worth the time and effort in terms of what they were doing for me there versus movies/tvshows/video games.

Another issue is the massive wave of books out there, with countless and countless choices, many of them being rather meh, it's hard to know what to read.


But I have written a story, tried to get it done the "official" way but was knocked down easily by the cruel word of agents who could less about you so much they take months to just to say "nah". Which makes me mad considering I believed in my story a lot, and that there were many authors who did get what we all wanted and their works are horrid pieces of garbage.

While I don't mention on my side, my story is out there. Daisy and three good friends have read it, and that does make me happy. Any additional success (minor or major) is just a plus.

I think one fault of authors specifically the success ones, often in their later careers write because someone was asking them to write and their works often dwindles to "...okay". So much difference in that story you had in your head and it becomes this baby that you want to get out there for others to enjoy.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I've never been asked that question, but I've met people who want to be writers but claim they don't read. I don't think that is possible.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - one has to read to be a good writer ... and sadly I don't read much, and really should put my head into a few more books - I'm trying to get that way now I'm out in Canada - cheers Hilary

Sandra Cox said...

I don't understand how anyone can write and not read. Sounds like there are some out there that do though. Sigh.

Sandra Cox said...

Good for you, Elizabeth. Reading opens new worlds and continually educates, doesn't it?

Sandra Cox said...

I thought so too, Christine.

Sandra Cox said...

I didn't realize you'd written a story, Adam. Kudos!

The reading market is saturated that's for sure and it is hard to decide what to read. I'll sometimes try a freebie by an author I'm unfamiliar with. If I like it, I'll buy the other books the author has written, unless I feel its seriously overpriced. It always stuns me when some E books, especially by our 'star-power' authors, cost more than a paper copy.

Rejections from agents and publishers can be harsh. It always stings. Did you self-publish? If so please give us details.

Sandra Cox said...

Right there with ya, Susan.

Sandra Cox said...

I think you're an excellent writer, Hilary.

Adam said...

I did do it through the self way with a pen name. I know you've heard of it. Think about it and I'm sure you'll realize what's been hiding under your nose this whole time.

Magic Love Crow said...

I think that's a very odd question?? That's like asking, do I enjoy looking at art? LOL! Big Hugs Sandra!

Diane Burton said...

What a weird question. Like you, I was born reading a book. Close, anyway. I read every night before sleep. Often, too late into the night. LOL As far as celebrating, not much. I need to be kinder to myself.