I've recently discovered that what I read has an impact on how I write. The True Blood books are fun and all, but not necessarily conducive to writing epic fantasy. But give me some Brandon Sanderson or George R. R. Martin and suddenly I know exactly how to describe that fight scene I’ve been struggling with. I’m not talking about stealing their words or anything monstrous like that, of course, but I do find certain books and writing styles…inspirational. When I read books by authors I admire, by writers I strive to emulate, it gets my synapses in line and sets my mind into a more creative pattern. I think.It’s often hard to articulate what your own writing is missing. You know what I mean. The opening scene is ok, but not great. No matter how long or how hard you glare at that infuriating little cursor, you just can’t figure out what’s wrong with that chapter. Last night I started reading Game of Thrones (which is REALLY GOOD, btw), and I only got five pages into it because I suddenly got all these ideas for my own WIP. I scrawled four handwritten front-and-back pages of dialogue and scene information into the notebook I keep near my bed for just such occasions, and had to force myself to stop at around 4AM so I could get some sleep. The scene I was writing has nothing to do with the scene I was reading about, but it sent my brain and fingers into a frenzy nonetheless.
I always read for an hour or so before I shut out the lights. I’m starting to think that’s why I get so many ideas while I’m trying to go to sleep.
Well. It seems I’ve found myself a new cure for writer’s block. Just goes to show you how right everyone is when they tell you to keep reading.
And a big, bone-crunching roar of Congratulations to Phoenix, who just published her ebook, SECTOR C!
YAAAAY!! (Muppet-like flailing of arms in joy inserted here)
Thanks for the shout-out, Becky! :o)
ReplyDeleteIn another era, I used to read Stephen King for inspiration. My biggest fear was that my voice would change to match his. While I was writing, I was convinced I was sounding soooo King-y. Then I'd re-read my stuff later and realize, nope, I wasn't.
I know you waited awhile for your GoT books to arrive; sorry you're not going to get to actually read them just yet. But it's the BEST reason to not be!