Don't worry, that wasn't directed at you, it was my at present very muted and small writer voice trying to be heard over the cacophony of obsessive reader and procrastinator voices. The ones that are currently in control. Do I sound like I have multiple people living inside my head? Don't most writers?What is wrong with this picture?
Why is it that the thing that leads a writer to write (love for reading) is the very thing that distracts us from our writing? How do you get around this, oh wisdomful (it's a word) writer friends of mine?
I'll be sure to pass it on if I figure out the cure, Julie. Although I don't feel like my chances are high!
ReplyDeleteUgh. I hate this predicament.... I'm pretty sure it happens to EVERY writer. Our stink' rotten book addictions are always gettin' in the way!
ReplyDeleteAnd sadly... I have no answers. But if you stumble across something brilliant, please do the writing community a favor and SHARE!! We're in desperate need of a cure!
Haha, it is awesome, isn't it? And yes, bingeing is a good way to put it. Especially since I consider it an addiction, my excessive reading!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THAT PHOTO!!! *steals* *saves to computer*
ReplyDeleteI totally know the feeling. I don't let myself even pick up a book if I need to get work done. Then when I need time away from MY story, I binge. No, REALLY. I have no balance, apparently. :)
I wish I could write several things at once! I tried and failed miserably. I get distracted way too easily and it just added a whole other layer of distractions!
ReplyDeleteI like that, Anonymeet! 'Reading Phase'. Yep, that's what I'm in. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a challenge! Sounds like you've managed to find a bit of balence there, Prue. I have issues with self discipline, especially when it comes to read, so I find just not starting a book that could potentially take over the next two days of my life most effective.
ReplyDeleteWow Madeline, I wish I had your self control! I'd never be able to limit myself to a set number of pages, especially if those pages finished mid chapter. I have a hard enough time stopping at the end of chapters! "Oh, just one more..."
ReplyDelete"Do I sound like I have multiple people living inside my head? Don't most writers?" LOL, isn't that the truth?
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem--I can't really read and write at the same time. I can't really edit and write at the same time, either. But I can write several things at once. How does that make sense?
Or think of it this way - part of being a writer is reading - it's about studying and improving the craft. Kristin Cashore writes lovely posts about writing and has said before that sometimes, as a writer, you are in a reading phase. That's part the the process.
ReplyDeleteSo give yourself a break and enjoying your reading phase!
You are so right! At Christmas I was reading 4 books (presents) and did no writing. Now I'm writing I don't want to read so much. I find reading at a fixed time of day is useful - using reading as a sort of reward. If I've done the things I'd planned to do, I get to read at the end of the day. Reading for me is a form of relaxation so it helps me wind down for sleep.
ReplyDeleteIt's a question of getting the balance right, I suppose. And that's a challenge.
It's ironic, isn't it? I have a set number of pages I want to read each day, and when I've reached that number, I'm done. I usually read before bed, too. That way, I want to put down the book so I can sleep! When you find the cure, make sure to tell all us crazy writers, too. :)
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