First! There have been many great suggestions about opening up the process by which one can have their page critiqued on the blog so that it is not quite as dependent on being in the right time zone and clicking the refresh button seven thousand times and argh will Nathan just post already I’ve been staring at this screen so long WHEN I LOOK AWAY I STILL SEE ORANGE!!!!!
While you have to admit that seeing everything in the color orange is rather awesome, I am going to try out a new system this week. If you’d like to have your page critiqued on the blog on Monday, you now have an opportunity to nominate your page at your leisure in the Forums. All you have to do is paste your page in this thread, and next Monday I’ll use a random number generator to pick the winning page for critique.
Democracy in action!!! Or, you know, luck. Which is just as good, I’m told.
Transition!
The reading habits of writers is something that always fascinates me. While I think it’s a given that a good writer needs to also be a good and widely-read reader, what types of books are necessary to read?
And especially: do you read in the genre you write? Is this necessary? Is it helpful? Or is it more helpful to read in other genres to see what other people are doing?
What sayeth you? And credit goes to my wife for thinking of this topic. (Whoops! Also Mira posted this question in the Forums a few months back. Synchronicity!)
Anonymous says
I'm assuming for Monday's critique contest–UNlike the Lottery– everyone should only enter once??
Ishta Mercurio says
Addendum: I also read outside my genre. I read fantasy, romantic fiction, contemporary "issue" fiction, non-fiction, biographies, sweet picture books, quirky picture books, humor, etc., etc., etc. But I don't write what I never read. I very rarely read crime fiction, for example, and I don't try to write it either.
Claudie says
I think reading in one's genre is quite important. You have to learn what has been done, what works and what doesn't and the multitude of genre conventions (whether or not you abide by them, you need to know what they are). Reading in your genre is not only fun (I sure hope you like the genre you write in!), but it brings a wealth of information.
I like to read the other genres too, however. Not only because it makes for a nice change, but because it brings fresh ideas and stories to my mind.
My main problem with all this is that I don't have time to read. Well, not as much as I'd like!
Linnea says
Random number generator. Now that's usin' your noggin' Much fairer to all those who'd like to enter the contest. Good thinking.
Nope, I don't read extensively in the genre I love to write. Well, at least not fiction anyway. I write historicals so read a ton of nonfiction. I generally only read historical fiction by people I have some kind of connection with – have worked with them, met them on forums etc. I read widely in other genres though.
Kristi Helvig says
Absolutely, I read in the genre I write–as well as many other genres. I love reading a variety of things and I think reading helps make you a better writer.
Also, I love your new critique process!
Scott says
I do read in my genre, but also outside it. Besides being a fan of good writing in general, I believe reading outside one's genre can enhance the depth and breadth of characterization and style. Stay too niche, and you run the risk of imitation over influence.
Heather says
I read a lot of YA, which is what I write. And before I started writing my current project, which is a dystopian book, I read a ton of dystopian novels because they were what I loved. Then once I started writing, I stopped reading other dystopians because I was afraid of: A) Accidentally stealing someone else's awesome idea or B) Finding someone else had already written my idea into a way more awesome book, falling into a black pit of despair, and collapsing in on myself like a dying star when I realized I would never be any good. But I am itching to finish this WIP so I can read some of the wonderful dystipic novels that have come out in the past several months!
Horserider says
I'll read almost anything, but most of what I actually read is YA which is what I write. I can't imagine it any other way. I mean, how can you learn what works and what doesn't if you don't like reading your own genre?
Amanda P. says
It's pretty much all I read, though sub-genres (is there such a thing?) vary. I mean, I read almost exclusively YA, but it might vary between contemp, fantasy, paranormal r, etc.
Melissa Emerald says
I do read in the genre I write, but not always. I just finished my first draft of a cozy mystery. During the three months of writing, I was unable to pick up a cozy. I read thrillers, how-to books, cookbooks and books on writing. But NO cozies.
I wish I could say why, but truthfully, I have no idea. Color me weird — or orange. 🙂
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
I love the genres I write in, fantasy and YA fantasy, but I read as much inside those genres as outside. I love historical fiction, contemporary suspense and mysteries of all types. One of the few genres I can't read is urban fantasy.
Susan says
Would I do heart surgery by studying how to amputate a leg? So, yes, I read my genre. But I also read every other genre, too, since I want to know what to do if the lungs give out or there's a brain aneurysm during the heart surgery.
-S.
Marilyn Peake says
Cool that you'll now have a randomly generated method of choosing entries for Monday critiques.
I read books from all genres, which includes a lot of literary novels because I love literary writing so much, and definitely novels in science fiction and fantasy which are the genres I've written so far.
Sugar says
I am trying to find some like what I'm writing..I suppose I need to look harder..
I am wiring erotic fantasy..
Also, wondering if that would be too much to send for a critique?
wonderer says
Since I write in the same genres that are my favourite to read (fantasy and science fiction), the answer is yes.
However, I also make a point of varying my reading, both within the genre (YA vs. adult, various subgenres, classics and newly published) and out of it (literary, historical, comedy, memoir, poetry).
I think it's important for writers to be aware of what has been published in their genre, so as not to reinvent the wheel but instead to find a new take on what others are writing. But it's also important to read outside the genre for inspiration and new angles.
Plus, I just like variety.
Lydia Sharp says
Totally LOL'ing at Matt's comment.
To answer the question, yes, I mostly read in the genres that I write (SF/F, women's fic, and YA). I also read a lot of nonfic (wish I could say it's all for research, but no, I'm really just a nerd) and occasionally historical fic and mystery/thriller.
Donna says
I read everything I can get my hands on in my genre. Seems to work on "readerly" muscle memory.
However, I find that I sometimes overdose on too much of one genre as if the muscles are buffing into a lopsided shape. Occasionally, I just have to turn toward something radically different to restore balance to my creative core.
Laura Marcella says
Orange is my favorite color so it definitely would be super awesomesauce to see everything in orange!!!
I don't really have a favorite genre, but I so have a soft spot for middle grade! I want to write a lot of novels in that genre, so I read a lot of them, too. But I also read anything and everything else because I want to write in many different genres!!!
~Sia McKye~ says
I was raised, Nathan, to be an eclectic reader (ditto on music) and I do enjoy various genres.
Do I read the genre I writee? Absolutely. How can you effectively write what you don't know? IMO, you need to know what's out there and how it's presented for one, and two, I happen to love the genre and it's my preferred read.
Someone else mentioned you can overdose on a favorite genre and I agree. I had a HUGE stack of books on my TBR pile that I immersed myself in after RT convention. I must have read 25 books in May. But, while I love romance and it's sub-gengres, I LOVE to read a good thriller in between, or something in Sci-fi. I have a few literary authors I enjoy too.
I think reading a variety of genres can teach a writer many things with regard to pacing word choices, set ups, characters.
Erastes says
Since deciding to write my genre (gay historical fiction) I have been reading just about everything in the genre I can get my hands on. This lead to me creating http://www.speakitsname.com which aims to list every single gh title I can find and do reviews.
I still read that genre voraciously, especially everything that comes out, partly for SIN but partly to see how the competition is doing, and to learn from those, such as Alex Beecroft and many others who are so much better than me.
I tend to read other genres such as fantasy (GRRM and Butcher) or classics for relaxation.
:)Ash says
I think it's absolutely necessary to read what you write. If you don't enjoy reading books for kids (for example), why the heck would you want to write an MG novel?
Oh, wait, I know. It's because you think it's easier to write for kids. And, oh yeah, that J.K. chick is a multi-millionaire now.
Guess what? You're an idiot. And you'd know that if you knew anything at all about kidlit.
I guess I could have just said yes. 🙂
:)Ash says
I think it's absolutely necessary to read what you write. If you don't enjoy reading books for kids (for example), why the heck would you want to write an MG novel?
Oh, wait, I know. It's because you think it's easier to write for kids. And, oh yeah, that J.K. chick is a multi-millionaire now.
Guess what? You're an idiot. And you'd know that if you knew anything at all about kidlit.
I guess I could have just said yes. 🙂
bettielee says
Oh yes! Fantasy is my favorite, and fantasy is what I read. I do love classics also, and the occasional literary book. It's hard. I love to read, and there is so much out there!
Ruth says
Yes I read books in my genre but if there's a book I cannot put down whatever the genre I'll read it. Hey, a good book is a good book and I believe any style can only help your writing.
M Clement Hall says
Although one often hears, "write what you know," I like better, "write what you like to read."
Lisa Yarde says
Absolutely! I rarely read anything outside of historical fiction. I have a passion for history that translates into my reading preferences and influences what I write. I might stray into historical myster / thriller or fantasy and sci-fi, but my genre remains my first love.
Rachel Waxman (The Poofy Sheep) says
I write fiction (as of yet I consider myself ungenrified), but read almost exclusively nonfiction. I'm trying to break the habit, but as a student of history, I just can't help myself.
abc says
Of course I read in my genre! It seems like it would be silly not to, since I love it so. But I also read (most) of everything else b/c I like to be well rounded and because I enjoy reading and because I want to be up on our culture (like reading Marsha Brady's memoir, for example. Oh yes I did!).
I love books. I love stories. I love to learn about people. Also, I like to seem impressive.
But back to reading in one's genre. Remember how on Season 5 (I believe it was season 5) of Project Runway that whiny/crazy girl Kenley kept putting out fashions that seemed to heavily reference other–much more well known–fashion designers and how Michael Kors was all Pish Posh lady!? Well, it has gotta be the same with writing, I figure. Especially if you are writing for the mainstream. It's important to know what is out there. And it's also important to know what has come before. Michael Kors, he is so wise.
Cheree says
Oh definitely. I don't think it would be possible to write for a genre I didn't read, and it's also good to keep informed about what's being published and how other authors tackle my genre.
Caitlin says
I read everything. It depends mostly on my mood what genre I will read. Although, I have read a lot of books in the genre I write in. Perhaps that is why I chose to write in that genre. Hmm…
Kelly Wittmann says
I read novels, but not a lot of contemporary novels, and I suppose I should. It's not that I don't enjoy novels, but I love history so much that there's always a little voice in my head saying, "You could be reading history right now."
Stephanie Barr says
Yeah, to an extent. More, though, I read the kind of books I like to write – strong appealing characters, good action, humor, emotional depth, etc.
Genres where that's not so prevalent I tend to avoid. I don't care about the genre or the gimmick. For me, it's all about the characters.
Maureen says
I read quite a bit in my chosen genres but I also read all types of books that interest me. Mix it up a little…
Anonymous says
My favorite books to read are of the literary fiction variety, but I write YA. I've been reading a truckload of YA not so much to enjoy it bu rather as research. Reading in the genre I'm writing in is basically like having a bunch of how-to guides. Very helpful.
Carradee says
Yes, I read the genre I write all the time. There's a lot I enjoy about the genre, but there are things I'm weary of or dislike, too, which is why I write.
I read a lot of the genre to make sure I keep my goal(s) in mind, and to make sure I'm not using the same tropes everyone else is. Also so I can take the clichés and avoid them or twist them into pretty pretzels.
However, I ignore the age divisions when I'm reading. MG, YA, adult—I read it all, as long as it's urban fantasy (or epic/adventure fantasty, when I'm in that mode).
Donna Hole says
Yes; but not as much as I should. I write commercial/women's fiction, but I love fantasy the best.
Terry Towery says
I mostly enjoy adult thrillers (King, Crichton, Grisham, etc.) and that's the genre I write. But I also love literary works and classics, and I read them quite often, although I don't for a moment consider my own work "literary."
ryan field says
Rarely. I'd rather not be influenced by other authors.
Aimee says
It's more like I write in the genre I read. I don't especially like reading sci-fi or fantasy; therefore, I don't especially like to write sci-fi or fantasy.
writers block says
I write fantasy but I am a die hard Stephen King fan (I have almost all his books in hard back) I also read alot of historical fiction and only started reading fantasy genre after I started my last book.
Someone (I think it might have been King) said you should always write what you know. No one ever said to "read what you know". I like to read things I know I am not capable of doing myself.
Robyn Campbell says
I write MG and picture books. I read everything from sci-fi to picture books. I believe knowledge IS power. The more you read in whatever genre, the better you write. =)
Magdalena Munro says
Yes. And no. I am near completion of a NF business book (that has to do with my career) and while I consider myself an expert on the subject matter, I would rather kill myself than read NF business books, the exception being my book of course. HA!
I have a WIP that is postmodern fiction and this genre is what I almost exclusively gobble up (DeLillo, Murakami, Mitchell) as it's my love and I learn so much from reading their works.
Nathan, I had always assumed that for the weekly critiques it had to be fiction. Is this true?
Adam Heine says
My genre is sf/f (adult or YA, I don't care). Honestly I have trouble reading outside of it. I write what I want to read after all.
Gigi says
I heard someone say once that you should write the book you want to read. In context of this discussion, I think that means that if you don't ever read horror, why would you write about it?
Steph Damore says
Yep, I totally agree with everyone else who said they read what they write. You have to in order to know what's out there and understand your genre. It's all about research 🙂
Nicole L Rivera says
I read anything that sparks my interest. I especially like reading anything that stirs my imagination, i.e. an intriguing voice, character, world, etc.
Rachel Udin says
90% of my reading is non-fiction. About 10% is fiction.
A good writer knows what they are talking about. So say a Fantasy writer should know cultures and should know how to build one. Especially a high fantasy writer. If not, then you should at least know sociology if you're writing Urban Fantasy. (Inner workings of a city, you need sociology). (Fantasy writers also have to know a lot of useless junk that no other person would find remotely interesting. The history of women's blouses and buttons.) History is also a good study.
Mystery writers should know criminology and psychology.
History writers should know History.
Science Fiction writers should know science, or at least have a scientist on hand. (A friend of mine did a diagram based on the info I gave him–you need one of these around. ^_^)
Chick Lit writers–please read about the various movements of feminism. I'm a little tired of the definition of women as shoe-brand wielders.
Also Romance writers should know a little psychology–romance is psychology.
So yes, I read inside genre, but I think it's important to read outside of genre AND enhance your genre knowledge with a related academic study. Once I determined I was going to be a writer, I crammed my head full of Discovery Channel, History channel, mythology, fun facts to know and tell, taught myself to like research, and watched a whole lot of cooking shows before the advent of Food Network. I also read lots of psychology books and disorders because I thought that would help with character building. I also watch shows within the US and outside of the US because fiction writers are really storycrafters, so collecting as many plots as possible is important and understanding what works for print and what doesn't and why.
So I think a good writer collects stories no matter where they are and is in love with the story. I also think a good writer needs to know a lot of things about the world and be willing to research them, or find someone who knows for them or face a limit to what they can write.
Remilda Graystone says
Yes, yes, definitely. I write mostly fantasy and I read mostly fantasy. It's my favorite genre–although when I first began writing, I chose to write a contemporary–and I do think it's helpful. Why? Because I know what's believable in the fantasy books even if most of everything in them is made up, I know what's out there and what isn't out there, and I think that gives me a leg up. I think it's very important to have knowledge of the genre you're reading in.
maven says
Great subject! I have such curiosity and eclectic tastes that I read most genres, as well as nonfiction. This lack of focus creates a problem, time shortage.
wendy says
As at least one other person has mentioned, I've rapidly tired of vamp stories – especcially the vamp as paramour. And as I'm also not a big fan of paranormal romances, or the romance genre, I don't read it. I did read Twilight and liked it. The story was a sweet read for me.