"Do Authors Read While Writing?"
Readers often wonder about their favorite authors. I know I have.
What does the process look like? Do they have certain superstitions when it comes to writing? What drives them to write? And so many other inquires occur as Book readers, causing us to wonder just what makes a writer tick.
Today marks a special occasion for the Writing in the Modern Age blog. After six years of guest authors and freelance writers visiting – not to mention featuring countless books – we’ve reached our 500thpost. Yay! Happy Anniversary to us, right? ;)
So, I thought…what better way to celebrate than to bring back the heart of the blog in a sense, by asking many talented authors some questions…
Are authors, in fact, superstitious about reading other books while they work on their writing projects? More than eighty authors have weighed in on this question, among a few other inquiries we wondered about, such as:
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
How do you cure a case of writer’s block?
Do you want your book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
What kind of research do you do?
We've addressed these questions, and many more. It's always fascinating to get this kind of perspective from published writers. Get a true glimpse on how the creative process works! Without further ado, let’s see what these cool authors have to say about their writing…
Mark Iles – science fiction, fantasy, and horror author. 8 published books, accredited Copywriter and Proofreader, features, B2B, film & book reviews, blogger. Martial artist and war veteran.
Do you read books for entertainment while you’re working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
I really struggle to read now, as ironic as it sounds. This is for several reasons, the first being that all the time I’m reading I’d much rather be writing. I also find myself critiquing the books as I go, how this or that could have been better, picking up grammatical errors, and often anticipating the endings. You just can’t help it.
There are a few writers, however, who do grip my attention – Kevin J. Anderson, for instance. He’s an incredible writer and once I pick up a page-turner of his I can’t put it down. John Wyndham’s another, although I’ve read each of his at least five times. I get around this issue by buying audible whenever possible, and listening to them as I drive or potter about the house. It’s cheating, I know, but this way I can keep on top of most of my reading list while freeing up more time to write.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
For me the first one is believing that you’ll make it straight away. I don’t think we fully appreciate that writing is a learning process, as much as any apprenticeship is. It takes years of study to get anywhere near publishable, and I don’t believe that even those who publish their first book submitted their first draft – it had to be honed to perfection, or as near as damn it.Then there are the sites that say they are ‘looking for authors’. Remember that old maxim, that ‘if something looks too good to be true it…’ trust me, it is. These people are just looking for someone to pay their wages, and they’ll say anything to make you part with your cash. I always wonder if anyone at all made it from treading this route and I think it’s awful how they prey on people’s ‘need’ to be published.
Lastly, that having a book published is going to make you a fortune – it probably isn’t. I’ve learned that the best way into a reader’s heart is to publish as regularly as you can, so that they keep buying your books. I’m aware that I need to up my game here, and my new year’s resolution is to finish at least one book a year from now on.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I research quite avidly prior to starting out the work, but it depends what it’s about. I write sci-fi and so the science must be right. Readers will soon pick up on the fact you’ve got it wrong. If, say, it’s a cave scene I’ll go visit one and immerse myself in it. I’ll close my eyes, listening to sounds, what it smells like, et cetera, what the air itself feels like. Of course I’ll research on the internet or at the university library, but there’s no replacement for actually being in the exact place, or one as similar as possible. http://www.markiles.co.ukhttp://www.twitter.com/welcometoearth
Linda Heavner Gerald – Author of all genres
Do you read books for entertainment while you're working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
No, I do not read while I write because I believe it will distract from my process. Writing is precious to me. I try to work on my books each day in some way; either writing, marketing, editing, social media, or a dozen other things.
What inspired you to write? or What inspired your latest work?
I believe my inspiration for my books comes from God. Six years ago, I determined that a vision, which I experienced each night, was from God. After praying, I found myself drawn to my computer where I wrote my first book, Beaufort Betrayal, in two weeks. Upon completion, I realized that God had blessed me with a special talent of writing. Six years later, I have written and published fifteen novels. Awards from FAPA (Florida Authors and Publishers Association) as well as chosen by the readers as “One of Fifty Great Writers You Should Be Reading.” Also awards from NovelUnity, and recognition from Women’s Empowerment Group. My town of Port St Joe, Florida supports my efforts with tremendous encouragement which I deeply appreciate.
What do you want to accomplish with your writing?
My goal in writing is to demonstrate that all of us “mess up each day.” God waits to welcome us back. My books are stories of redemption. Before I write, I always pray for His guidance. Without being “in your face”, my message is soft and subtle.
https://lindaheavnergerald.comhttps://amzn.to/2K1D5EK
Susanne Matthews – Multi-genre, hybrid author who writes romantic suspense, romantic thrillers, mild paranormal suspense, contemporary romance, Christian romance suspense, women’s fiction, YA, historical romance, and holiday themed novels
Do you read books for entertainment while you’re working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
While I’m writing a novel, or even revising one for republishing which seems to be pretty well all I do these days, I rarely have time to read much of anything. I find that since I’ve become an author, reading for pleasure is something I seem to have less and less time to do. Why? I’m not quite sure, but here are some of my thoughts on the matter. Time seems to be in shorter and shorter supply these days. Maybe it’s because I’m getting old and slowing down, or it could be because of the increase in the demands for my attention, which gives me less time to spend doing the things I used to. Another reason could be my abject fear that when reading something I’ll inadvertently incorporate some of the ideas into my own work. After reading about the plagiarizing of Nora Roberts’s books by another author I enjoyed, I’m terrified I could accidentally use a line or something myself. Therefore, I keep my reading to times when I am between books. Better to be safe than sorry.
What do you want to accomplish with your writing?
What I want most from my writing is the chance to entertain readers. I can think of no greater thrill than meeting someone and have them tell me how annoyed they are because they started reading my book and couldn’t put it down. They left tasks undone because they had to keep reading to find out what happens next. Being able to drag someone into my mind, my work, gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. That will be my legacy. And as long as someone says “I couldn’t put it down” about every book I write, I’ll know I’ve succeeded.
Website: https://mhsusan
What does the process look like? Do they have certain superstitions when it comes to writing? What drives them to write? And so many other inquires occur as Book readers, causing us to wonder just what makes a writer tick.
Today marks a special occasion for the Writing in the Modern Age blog. After six years of guest authors and freelance writers visiting – not to mention featuring countless books – we’ve reached our 500thpost. Yay! Happy Anniversary to us, right? ;)
So, I thought…what better way to celebrate than to bring back the heart of the blog in a sense, by asking many talented authors some questions…
Are authors, in fact, superstitious about reading other books while they work on their writing projects? More than eighty authors have weighed in on this question, among a few other inquiries we wondered about, such as:
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
How do you cure a case of writer’s block?
Do you want your book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
What kind of research do you do?
We've addressed these questions, and many more. It's always fascinating to get this kind of perspective from published writers. Get a true glimpse on how the creative process works! Without further ado, let’s see what these cool authors have to say about their writing…
Mark Iles – science fiction, fantasy, and horror author. 8 published books, accredited Copywriter and Proofreader, features, B2B, film & book reviews, blogger. Martial artist and war veteran.
Do you read books for entertainment while you’re working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
I really struggle to read now, as ironic as it sounds. This is for several reasons, the first being that all the time I’m reading I’d much rather be writing. I also find myself critiquing the books as I go, how this or that could have been better, picking up grammatical errors, and often anticipating the endings. You just can’t help it.
There are a few writers, however, who do grip my attention – Kevin J. Anderson, for instance. He’s an incredible writer and once I pick up a page-turner of his I can’t put it down. John Wyndham’s another, although I’ve read each of his at least five times. I get around this issue by buying audible whenever possible, and listening to them as I drive or potter about the house. It’s cheating, I know, but this way I can keep on top of most of my reading list while freeing up more time to write.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
For me the first one is believing that you’ll make it straight away. I don’t think we fully appreciate that writing is a learning process, as much as any apprenticeship is. It takes years of study to get anywhere near publishable, and I don’t believe that even those who publish their first book submitted their first draft – it had to be honed to perfection, or as near as damn it.
Then there are the sites that say they are ‘looking for authors’. Remember that old maxim, that ‘if something looks too good to be true it…’ trust me, it is. These people are just looking for someone to pay their wages, and they’ll say anything to make you part with your cash. I always wonder if anyone at all made it from treading this route and I think it’s awful how they prey on people’s ‘need’ to be published.
Lastly, that having a book published is going to make you a fortune – it probably isn’t. I’ve learned that the best way into a reader’s heart is to publish as regularly as you can, so that they keep buying your books. I’m aware that I need to up my game here, and my new year’s resolution is to finish at least one book a year from now on.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I research quite avidly prior to starting out the work, but it depends what it’s about. I write sci-fi and so the science must be right. Readers will soon pick up on the fact you’ve got it wrong. If, say, it’s a cave scene I’ll go visit one and immerse myself in it. I’ll close my eyes, listening to sounds, what it smells like, et cetera, what the air itself feels like. Of course I’ll research on the internet or at the university library, but there’s no replacement for actually being in the exact place, or one as similar as possible.
http://www.markiles.co.uk
http://www.twitter.com/welcometoearth
Linda Heavner Gerald – Author of all genres
Do you read books for entertainment while you're working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
Do you read books for entertainment while you're working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
No, I do not read while I write because I believe it will distract from my process. Writing is precious to me. I try to work on my books each day in some way; either writing, marketing, editing, social media, or a dozen other things.
What inspired you to write? or What inspired your latest work?
I believe my inspiration for my books comes from God. Six years ago, I determined that a vision, which I experienced each night, was from God. After praying, I found myself drawn to my computer where I wrote my first book, Beaufort Betrayal, in two weeks. Upon completion, I realized that God had blessed me with a special talent of writing. Six years later, I have written and published fifteen novels. Awards from FAPA (Florida Authors and Publishers Association) as well as chosen by the readers as “One of Fifty Great Writers You Should Be Reading.” Also awards from NovelUnity, and recognition from Women’s Empowerment Group. My town of Port St Joe, Florida supports my efforts with tremendous encouragement which I deeply appreciate.
What do you want to accomplish with your writing?
My goal in writing is to demonstrate that all of us “mess up each day.” God waits to welcome us back. My books are stories of redemption. Before I write, I always pray for His guidance. Without being “in your face”, my message is soft and subtle.
https://lindaheavnergerald.com
https://amzn.to/2K1D5EK
Susanne Matthews – Multi-genre, hybrid author who writes romantic suspense, romantic thrillers, mild paranormal suspense, contemporary romance, Christian romance suspense, women’s fiction, YA, historical romance, and holiday themed novels
Do you read books for entertainment while you’re working on a writing project, or do you believe it will detract from your process?
While I’m writing a novel, or even revising one for republishing which seems to be pretty well all I do these days, I rarely have time to read much of anything. I find that since I’ve become an author, reading for pleasure is something I seem to have less and less time to do. Why? I’m not quite sure, but here are some of my thoughts on the matter. Time seems to be in shorter and shorter supply these days. Maybe it’s because I’m getting old and slowing down, or it could be because of the increase in the demands for my attention, which gives me less time to spend doing the things I used to. Another reason could be my abject fear that when reading something I’ll inadvertently incorporate some of the ideas into my own work. After reading about the plagiarizing of Nora Roberts’s books by another author I enjoyed, I’m terrified I could accidentally use a line or something myself. Therefore, I keep my reading to times when I am between books. Better to be safe than sorry.
What do you want to accomplish with your writing?
What I want most from my writing is the chance to entertain readers. I can think of no greater thrill than meeting someone and have them tell me how annoyed they are because they started reading my book and couldn’t put it down. They left tasks undone because they had to keep reading to find out what happens next. Being able to drag someone into my mind, my work, gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. That will be my legacy. And as long as someone says “I couldn’t put it down” about every book I write, I’ll know I’ve succeeded.
Website: https://mhsusan
This post first appeared on Marie Lavender's Writing In The Modern Age, please read the originial post: here
