Reading as a Writer is Making Me Crazy(er).

[Jordygirl]

Lately, as I come upon the first revision of my novel, I've noticed more and more that I'm reading with writing eyes, not reading eyes. I'm taking little notes the whole time, mentally noting the author's dialogue tags, descriptions of characters, use of commas and other punctuation, scene and chapter length, words that could be switched around to read better, believable vs. cheesy dialogue, etc.
I know this is probably helpful and all but HOW DO I STOP IT?? I mean, seriously. Sometimes I just want to read for the sake of reading, without such a critical eye. When I want to read like a writer I want to read like a writer; but when I don't, I don't. Does anyone else have this problem or am I the only one this drives totally nuts?

[Hollan]

I can't ever turn it off. It actually does get in the way when I just want to enjoy something, like you said, but I have no idea what to do about it. But, look on the bright side, I think it helps one realize the flaws and strengths in their own writing by noting such things in the writing of others.

That probably wasn't very helpful ^_^

[Serena Casey]

You are not alone! I never used to notice that stuff, or at least I couldn't have given you a reason why something bothered me. Now I'm always going, "Nice infodump," "oh, she never would have said that," or "this writer sure does lots of 'as you know Bob'." On the one hand, it's encouraging to know that a novel doesn't have to be absolutely perfect to get published, but on the other, as you mentioned, it can drive you nuts. I think this is one of those bells you can't unring, though.

[scarletpeaches]

You're not the only one. I do it too. I think once you become serious about your craft, it happens and it's not something you can switch off. Oh well. Just think of the gabillions you'll make when you're rich and famous (er). :D

[JoNightshade]

I have a similar issue: I can no longer enjoy crap.

I used to be perfectly happy with a sci fi pulp of middling quality, as long as it was a good yarn and kept me entertained for a few hours.

Now? Nothing doing. I am so disgusted by poor and/or simply average, lazy writing that I can only read writing of the highest caliber. A few months ago I literally forced myself through a fantasy trilogy that I KNEW I should enjoy. The plot was engaging and the characters were interesting. Even five years ago, I would have been utterly content. But the author kept using imprecise diction-- words that meant almost, but not quite what he wanted them to mean. It drove me up the wall.

Now it takes me something like four times as long to find reading material, because I have to stand in the bookstore and read enough to know that I can trust the author's style. Thank goodness for libraries... I can just check out a whole pile of "maybes" and then chuck them at my leisure when I get home.

I too would like to know how to turn this off. :)

On the other hand, it's a good sign. I only like to read writing that's better than mine. If that category is shrinking, it means I'm getting better. I think. :)

[Andre_Laurent]

Yeah, it drives me nuts and I can't stop doing it. Now why can't I see the mistakes in my own work as easy? Sometimes I'll read over the same mistake two or three times in my own and not see it. :rant:

[Shady Lane]

I love reading like a writer. It feels so pretentious and nice.
And you can drive the people around you crazy by screaming about how untalented everyone else is. Which is always a plus.

I remember I was reading the new Alice book (guilty pleasure to the nth) and at one point she said something like, "I hate tests. I can't stop worrying and my hands perspire."
And I threw down the book and said, "Who says PERSPIRE?"
I got all my friends to agree that it was a ridiculous word to use in conversation.

At the very least, critically reading everything reminds me that a lot of crap gets published by major publishers. So there's more of a chance for mine. Lowering the bar, and whatnot.

[gem1122]

Same here. The more I write, the less tolerance I have for others' mediocrity. I have given up on several books lately. Life is too short, and there are just too many books to get to.

I have been reading/dissecting lots and lots of YA novels lately, taking notes on structure, etc., but have still enjoyed a few of them immensely.

[Shadow_Ferret]

Nope. Uh-uh. Not at all. I never read as a writer. My writer writes, my reader reads. My favorite fiction is, and always has been, pulpy, and as long as it's a good yarn and the writing is somewhat decent, I'm happy and satisfied.

I can't however, turn off my proofreader.

[rugcat]

I have no trouble reading as a reader. I can't read badly written books, but then I never could. (Of course, my definition of badly written is flexible.)

But I find one great advantage in being a writer. If the book is good, I enjoy it even more, because I can see the skill and work that's gone into it. If it's not good, I enjoy it with a certain amount of schadenfreude because my stuff is better.

[Shadow_Ferret]

I guess the biggest problem I face with my writer is, he doesn't stop writing. When I read, he's always thinking of how he'd write a scene differently. Or how he'd have made the character react differently. Or how he'd have taken the book in an entirely different direction.

Which is why I don't finish reading a lot of books because then my writer wants to go write.

[JeanneTGC]

I guess the biggest problem I face with my writer is, he doesn't stop writing. When I read, he's always thinking of how he'd write a scene differently. Or how he'd have made the character react differently. Or how he'd have taken the book in an entirely different direction.

Which is why I don't finish reading a lot of books because then my writer wants to go write.
Me too, but only if the book is dragging for me in any way. Favored authors, such as Terry Pratchett, never induce this in me. I have to force myself to read them as a writer and to dissect good and bad, as well as to imagine how I'd do it differently.

But if the story isn't grabbing me, then I sit there rewriting in my head until I just stop and go write. Sometimes I finish those books and sometimes I don't.

[Hollan]

One of the biggest problems I have is when I have to read a book to my students. Dr. Suess is always good, but our school has some pretty crappy picture books I refuse to even take into class b/c of all the plot holes and disjointed sentences. I don't care if it's a book for 4 year olds! It should still make sense!

Okay, rant done ^_^

[Sandy J]

I'm no longer a reader. I'm a critiquer.

[MelodyO]

At the very least, critically reading everything reminds me that a lot of crap gets published by major publishers. So there's more of a chance for mine. Lowering the bar, and whatnot.

Let's toast to that. ::clinks glass::

I critique while I'm reading, but I make darn sure it's not going to be crap before I start reading. So mostly it's admiring the work and trying to pick up the techniques by osmosis.

[MMcC]

I don't mind this syndrome as much when I am looking for something good to read so much as when some twerp is trying to convince me he/she knows what's good.

What the average pedestrian reader praises in gushing spewages of glorification makes me want to slap them. And if I SAY anything negative I'm being a snot, so I never do. I try to politely indicate I didn't enjoy it as much while pretending to be thrilled that Joe Moron has read the latest from Otis Overpaid. Wow, Oprah recommended it you say? I shall burn a path to Borders, really I shall.

*barf*

[Shadow_Ferret]

At least they're reading.

[CACTUSWENDY]

:e2hammer: I no longer enjoy reading like I use to. Might say the joy has gone out of it. I use to read several books aweek.

I guess this means that by taking up the desire to be a writer I have lost that release of the inner man, (woman in this instance) to lose myself in the fields of anothers' mind. For me, that is a loss.


(Sure am glad I did not take up directing or producing movies. :roll: That would really cut into my entertainment.)

[Jordygirl]

It sucks that so many people feel like to be a writer is to give up their initial joy of reading. I hereby vow to never let that happen to me.

This might sound crazy, but maybe we all need to take our writing a little, uh, less serious? I mean, quit obsessing about all the little things and just WRITE for gosh sakes! Maybe that would help the whole reading thing?

Or, another suggestion, somehow compartmentalize your brain so that your writer's mind doesn't interfere with your reader's mind?
Hmmm.

[MMcC]

If my internal censor/critic ever stopped working I would kill myself.

It not only makes my work better, it is what allows me to know good work from bad. I don't want to like bad books. I don't want other people to like bad books.

Being hyper aware of inferior work is a GOOD thing. It just sucks for the unhappy few who are looking for Terry Pratchetts in a Danielle Steele world. :)

[Tia Nevitt]

Lately, as I come upon the first revision of my novel, I've noticed more and more that I'm reading with writing eyes, not reading eyes. I'm taking little notes the whole time, mentally noting the author's dialogue tags, descriptions of characters, use of commas and other punctuation, scene and chapter length, words that could be switched around to read better, believable vs. cheesy dialogue, etc.


You are not necessarily reading as a writer. You are reading as a connoisseur. Like a fine art lover, or a music aficionado, you truly know the craft, and you therefore appreciate it when you see it well done. You also notice tiny little flaws that no one else would notice.

When I listen to classical music, I don't just hear the melody. I hear the time signature. I know whether its a major or a minor key. I can tell certain intervals between the notes. I listen to the texture of the background instruments. When something doesn't work for me, I know why. For example, I don't generally go for dissonant works. I'm sure if I were a composer, instead of just a musician, I would be able to listen even deeper.

You have the expertise of a composer. Instead of being disgusted by these little flaws that you find in published works, you ought to be encouraged. It shows you that perfection is not attainable, nor is it desirable. All you really do need is a great story.

[Uma]

I've always been a bit of a reading snob (as my poor friend who lent me the Da Vinci code and then made the mistake of asking me what I thought lets me know all the time). Since getting more serious about my writing, I'm more aware of some of the choices that I see the writers make, but I still have the ability to enjoy a good story.

I've gone back and reread some of my faves to get a better feel for the choices. I notice now when they use 'said' and am more aware of details. I'd say I enjoy reading more now, than before. I feel like I'm doing my homework.

[Jamesaritchie]

I have no more trouble reading for pleasure now than I did when I was a teen. Either I like a book or I don't, and it's always been this way. Books still suck me in, and I don't see the writing at all.

If I really love a book I'll then read it a second time as soon as I finish the first reading, and on the second read I do, intentionally, read as a writer.

If writing interfered with my reading, I'd give up writing in a second.

[Azure Skye]

It's starting to happen to me as well -- never thought it would either because I enjoy reading to escape.

So, I've been reading And Then There Were None by the wonderful Agatha Christie and I can't stop noticing the way she does dialogue. I've noticed it before in her other books but it never bothered me but now, *sniff*. I can't seem to ignore it.

[Tracey]

I've been editing my latest work and have been looking at everything through critical eyes. I've noticed a lot of terrible things in the book I'm currently reading and it's driving me crazy. It's never happened to me before as a reader. Maybe once I get past the editing phase I can get back to enjoying my reading time.

[polleekin]

I've definitely gotten more picky as a result of editing. There are just some things that I can't put up with anymore. I don't think it's a bad thing, though, unless you find yourself nitpicking everything to death. I am just much more likely to give up on a book now when I know it's not working for me. I'd rather spend time reading books I really like. Though I will say, it has made it a little harder to find reading material sometimes.

[Anthony Ravenscroft]

You either need to read more, or write more. Probably both. It gets better with time & exposure. Or you obsess about it, attempt suicide, & end your days in an asylum.

[MelodyO]

You either need to read more, or write more. Probably both. It gets better with time & exposure. Or you obsess about it, attempt suicide, & end your days in an asylum.

Ha! That's what I was afraid of. ::dons tinfoil hat for just in case::

[Bufty]

Can't say it bothers me at all. Most published books have already been through the hands of an editor far more capable than I and I certainly don't go looking for, or presume I can find, faults which the editor has missed.

If something minor leaps up at me, I shrug - that's life. And I've paid money to enjoy my read, not to sweat over somebody else's mistake/oversight which can't be changed.

[TrainofThought]

I can read as a reader and writer making mental notes without it being a disturbance. When I read, I want to keep an open mind and fill it with knowledge. Maybe college allowed me to appreciate works when I had to analyze every line of a poem. Since joining AW, I’m able to appreciate a poem without scrutinizing every line’s meaning. There isn’t a perfect writer out there and even the classics fall short of perfection.

If I start editing every story, my own writing will suffer because I’m reading with blinders. I’m not learning how to write dialogue or description, I’m telling the author how to write, and who am I to do that. As a reader, I feel it’s my duty to appreciate a writer’s labor and creativity. Do I like all the books I read? No, but I respect a writer’s achievement in what we all want as writer’s, to share our story with the world. Sorry, I just don't want to become a cynic reader, or pompous writer.

IMHO. :)

[licity-lieu]

A friend of mine showed me a self published novel written by one of her friends. She asked me what I thought. I read the first page, put it down and then proceeded to tell her exactly what was wrong with it (telling, flat words, stiff dialogue, shifting pov etc....) She was so relieved because she didn't know why she had such a hard time getting through it and was greatful that I could explain the why to her. I wouldn't have known that a couple of months ago and I suprised myself. Now, all I wish is to put it into practise with my own writing :D

[Serena Casey]

After I posted early in this thread, I started reading a book in which the writing is, in my opinion, good, and I noticed that I have just been getting into the story without thinking too much about the writing except to occasionallly notice good things about it. As opposed to the last book I read (blecchhh!) So I guess I can read as a reader if the writing doesn't call attention to itself by being, well, crappy.

[FloVoyager]

I don't have any trouble reading for pleasure, but I do tend to notice typos, missing words, and discontinuities more.

[CoriSCapnSkip]

This has driven me totally nuts since I was 18 and made my first serious novel submission to a publisher and it's never quit. Some years my concentration is better and I read more, some years not as good and I read less. Not only picking over why a book was "good enough" (compared to one of mine which was rejected) or how it could be made "better," but comparing books to other books. I've often muttered to myself over the last several years about what's the big deal about Harry Potter when I've read plenty of books as good or better, but I just have to try to learn to live with it. It's VERY hard to read just for enjoyment--unless the book is an absolute masterpiece--and even then there's the worrying at the back of the mind as to whether I or anyone could do as well.

[RLSMiller]

This has driven me totally nuts since I was 18 and made my first serious novel submission to a publisher and it's never quit. Some years my concentration is better and I read more, some years not as good and I read less. Not only picking over why a book was "good enough" (compared to one of mine which was rejected) or how it could be made "better," but comparing books to other books. I've often muttered to myself over the last several years about what's the big deal about Harry Potter when I've read plenty of books as good or better, but I just have to try to learn to live with it. It's VERY hard to read just for enjoyment--unless the book is an absolute masterpiece--and even then there's the worrying at the back of the mind as to whether I or anyone could do as well.

Harry Potter is a tricky subject. I wouldn't think anyone reads it because the books are 'great writing.' However, it is a great story. It's the characters and the intricate yet accessible plots that I love, and that's a testament to Rowling's ability as a storyteller. Sure, there probably are hundreds of books out there of equal or better quality, but without proper marketing, they aren't going to find themselves in the hands of the buyers anywhere near as easily as HP.

[ClaudiaGray]

I actually find I've become a more generous reader the more that I write. Now that I'm familiar enough with my own flaws as an author, I'm more willing to forgive flaws in others -- particularly if they have the strengths to go with it. I certainly notice what the writer is doing in a novel much more than I did 10 or even 5 years ago, but it doesn't hamper my enjoyment.

Also, as I prepare my thriller proposal, I am reading tons of thrillers. All I'm looking for is, "Why did this sell? What does it get right?" I see a lot of poor writing and weird plotting, but I usually also see what it is that worked. I think I'm learning a lot from this; it's important to read with a critical eye, but to use that eye to discern what's good as much (or more) than what's bad.

[Jamesaritchie]

Harry Potter is a tricky subject. I wouldn't think anyone reads it because the books are 'great writing.' However, it is a great story. It's the characters and the intricate yet accessible plots that I love, and that's a testament to Rowling's ability as a storyteller. Sure, there probably are hundreds of books out there of equal or better quality, but without proper marketing, they aren't going to find themselves in the hands of the buyers anywhere near as easily as HP.

It wasn't marketing that made the Harry Potter books sells. Like most book, they started selling very well, and then they got the marketing.

For books of this type, I haven't found any that were of better quality in any way, let alone hundreds.

[ccarver30]

*joins club*
Now when I read my fave author, I critique her work. :( Suck!

[ink wench]

Yup, I do it too. Not always, but sometimes I just can't turn off the internal editor. I try to be kind though. I figure that if I'm lucky, one day people might be reading my books and doing the same to them. :o

[Sandy J]

Yup, I do it too. Not always, but sometimes I just can't turn off the internal editor. I try to be kind though. I figure that if I'm lucky, one day people might be reading my books and doing the same to them. :o


I love the way you think!! :snoopy: