The neurotic writer
People say you must first read in order to be able to write. That’s long been a belief I share.
Look at all the great writers: every single one was a voracious reader. Perhaps reading sows seeds in the imagination, perhaps it teaches us the wonder of paying attention to the images we see in our heads, perhaps it gives us the words to use to describe those ever-changing pictures. Whatever it does, one thing is clear: reading supports writing.
But I have, I feel, wasted ten years of my life reading ‘trash’. As a friend once said, for a bibliophile, I’ve read all the wrong books.
The truth is that trash is easier to read. Undemanding and comforting in its very predictability, trash doesn’t demand intense concentration or a focussed mind. It neither stimulates thought nor requires chewing and digesting.
So I am a lazy reader. I read only to be entertained, and, in some ways, to escape. I do not want to engage my faculties any deeper than the very minimum required for mindless enjoyment.
Somehow, in my mind, my reading habits have come to be associated with lax morals. As an aspiring writer, I am ashamed of my lax morals, evidenced by my choice of dubious reading matter. I am convinced my actions have adversely affected my reputation and standing within the writing community. I believe I will never be a good writer because I have not read good books.
“Never” is used too easily most times…
Comment by MB — October 27, 2005 @ 3:41 am
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Reading is reading. Who is to say what qualifies as ‘trash’ reading material? Most of the time, Booker prize winners can qualify as ‘trash’, too (depending on your perspective). You are a good writer… and someday, you may even be a good author. Who knows…
Comment by totallydepleted — October 27, 2005 @ 6:37 am
I love to read your writing even as it is. I can’t wait to see how your writing will improve once you change your reading diet!
Comment by PerpetualStudent — October 28, 2005 @ 7:01 am
Agreed. But hey input IS only part of the story.
Like reproduction.
(There are people that read but can’t write too y’know.)
You seem to have such good genes to start with I’m curious as to what would happen if you got it on with the best of the rest…
Curious, but what do you consider enjoyable easy trash reading anyway?
Comment by sneexe — October 28, 2005 @ 10:44 am
You are all extremely kind. Sneexe - my brand of ‘easy reading’ would be Harlequin Mills & Boon novels. Not exactly known for excellent writing!
Comment by Scribbler — October 29, 2005 @ 3:20 am