USA!! USA!!
Wow. Still not over that miracle goal at basically the last possible second. So excited!!
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
For today’s You Tell Me, a question and hopefully conversation starter: do you spend more time writing or do you spend more time reading?
And is one or the other better or more important?
Be honest!
Locusts and Wild Honey says
Writing. Always writing.
But I think reading is really important too.
Writing just takes longer.
Natalie Whipple says
I spend more time writing, but only because I have limited time between kids, cleaning, church, husband, etc. When it comes to free time I only have so much, and if I want to get a book written that's when it happens.
I am always reading something, though, as slow as I may go.
hegemonster says
I probably spend more time writing, but that's because I'm constantly jotting down my thoughts. When I'm in the middle of a fascinating book I will read nonstop– it's hard for me to put down a great read.
Em Hof says
I think it depends. For me it changes every day. Now, it's more writing than reading, but other times I may read more (like when I get sucked into books). But I'm always reading.
Alan Orloff says
Writing.
zarkia says
Writing most definitely. I spend up to 8/9 hours writing. I only read fiction for about half an hour at night.
kd easley says
I spend more time reading when I'm doing edits, and writing when I'm working on something new. I reward my writing time by promising myself I'll get to read when I've reached my goal.
SM Schmidt says
Writing. Summer is for writing, reading is during the semester when I have less free time.
Aoibheall says
I go through phases – when I'm in the middle of a project, I am totally devoted to writing. But when I'm in an editing phase or taking a break, I'm knocking down my "to read" list. My husband reads to me on long car trips when I'm not listening to audio books. I probably read 30-40 books a year (including those I go back and re-read) because I'm always in the middle of at least 4 or 5.
Valerie says
Writing for sure. I give myself an hour or so in the evening to read before bed – more if I can't put the book down, but most of my free time is spent writing. I miss the days when I spent hours reading!
Reena Jacobs says
I absolutely love reading. I used to reward myself with reading once I met a writing goal. Then I realized I was just making myself miserable. With so much to do, I just don't have as much time to read these days though. I still dedicate myself to finishing one book or novella a week though.
As for writing, I think it depends on if you include editing as part as writing. Does blogging count? Kidding. On a weekly average, I probably spend more time editing/revising/writing than reading. If not, then it's likely an even match up.
Casey Lybrand says
I spend way more time writing right now. I'm in the first draft stage, and the writing is fast and furious. I write most days (weekends, too) for at least an hour. Some days it is much more.
On days when I only write for an hour, I read as well. When I write a lot more than that, I'm too worn out to read.
I love reading! I miss reading when I don't do it. But the writing is too compelling at this point. Other things get pushed aside.
Awriter says
Gotta say writing. I'm always writing something, whether its my WIP or some random ideas I have. I am always writing.
But I read a lot too actually, somedays I'll read for days straight and tear through my TBR pile like its a jar of cookies and I'm the cookie monster (back when he was actually allowed more than one cookie per show 🙁 ) but I can also go for days like that when I am really into what I am writing.
I guess it kind of works out pretty evenly then for me.
Amanda Sablan says
Writing, because it's easier for me to concentrate on that rather than reading. That said, I do think reading AND writing everyday is important for a writer. The more you read, the better your writing will become because you will have taken in so much from someone else's work, whether it be ideas, inspiration, or just a passion for the written word.
Nicole says
Writing – though I'd love 26-hour days so I could fit in more reading time!
writermorris says
Ooh, this varies dramatically. When I'm really in the zone writing, I don't read. Too focused on trying to get it all down while maintaining the little things like eating and sleeping and work and reminding my husband I still know he exists. But when I am editing, or just brainstorming for a story, I read far more than I write. Partially yes, because is it more fun at that point. But also because it helps me focus on what I want to write.
Heidi Norrod says
It's a tough call for me. I always have a paperback in my shoulder bag and read everywhere I am waiting, even long grocery store lines. However, if I am at home- I write like it's going out of style. I guess I'm weird. 🙂
Chibi says
Most likely reading. I'm unemployed, so I can spend hours upon hours devouring books I've gotten from the library. I feel like it helps keep my mind in shape when I'm not doing much else, so I don't feel as sluggish as I might otherwise. I probably could devote more time to writing, and I do struggle with that, but I also love to read so it's hard.
Cori says
I am so bad. I know writers should write something every day, but sometimes if I don't feel the urge to say anything, I don't even turn on the computer. My solution to the down-time is to open a book. Honestly, I would guess that if I timed both reading and writing over the course of a year, the findings would be that they are pretty much equal.
Another reason: reading is good for writers. Every time I pick up a book, especially by an author that I haven't read before, I learn something new. It's true. When you read, pay attention!
Suze says
I so badly want to say that I spend all my available time writing… but… not so much. I read a lot in my genre, even books that I don't like the sound of – just so I get a good all round feel for what I should be writing. Sometimes I even spend time reading about the craft of writing… and that's when I know I've hit the snooze button too many times and I actully get my bum in the seat to write 🙂
Sheila says
Go USA!
I was certain we were going to get robbed again. That goal was amazing! What a game.
Oh, and I spend more time reading.
Anne says
I'm about equal right now. As I prepare to query I have found myself with two books on loan. So half my time is spent typing away and the other half with my nose in a book.
Nathan Bransford says
Poll added!
And for me it's way way way more time reading. That has a lot to do with my job though.
Raquel Byrnes says
I read about writing a lot…but write more.
I read for pleasure and to learn from other writers, more so now that we're in the summer and I have actual down time.
Andrea Brokaw says
I'm always thinking about my writing, but I spend more time actively reading. For one thing, it makes me happy. For another, it helps me figure out what to write. My approach isn't all recreational, I'm frequently picking apart technique and such, and so I consider reading widely and frequently to be a part of my writing life as well as a hobby.
Note, there are times when this isn't true, times when I can barely get myself away from my keyboard long enough to fix dinner or take a shower. However, overall it is certainly the case.
Becca says
I really couldn't say one is more important than the other. BOTH are enjoyable. And I think to be a truly great writer, you need to spend a good amount of time reading. What better way to absorb "what works" along with "what's already been done"?
I spend time on both. Sometimes I spend more time reading, because I'm absorbed in a good book or because it's easier to read with surrounding distractions than it is to write.
Other times, I'm very inspired to write and have the quiet I need to focus.
I see writing as a career (even though I'm not paid yet lol) so it's something I make time to do every day. Because I think reading is important to growth as a writer (and because I plain LOVE reading) I make time to read every day too.
So, sometimes I do more of one that the other, but I'm always doing both, and in the end I think it balances out.
What surprises me is how many writers out there DON'T read, or don't read much. Maybe they don't see the importance as much as I do.
That said, I can often tell by reading someone's work if they are an avid reader or not. Those who read a lot seem to have an edge above the rest. Except me, lol, but I have to admit I didn't take to reading a lot until recently (read a lot when I was younger, but not much as an adult)
But now that I'm reading more, I find it helps with my writing.
And did I mention it's fun? (writing is too, but writing is fun work. reading is just a fun something-to-do-and-get-lost-in)
I'm gonna guess your overall verdict will be people write more than they read. I recently opened up a book giveaway on my blog, Most of the people I know are writers. Not many of them have entered. I'm like, hey! it's FREE. And it's an AWESOME book. You could really learn a lot about writing just by reading from a writer like this one.
But it's drawn in more non-writing readers, so that's good. My question is, do writers dislike reading that much? They don't even want to read a bestselling novel even if it's free?
Reading is awesome. Writing is awesome too, but what good is writing if no one reads?
Colin says
I read somewhere about a writer (more clever than myself) who answered this question perfectly. He said that he spent more time reading, because writing was just reading inside himself.
That being said, I spent years reading far more than I wrote, no it's the other way around. I imagine it'll equal out over the scheme of time.
Ted Cross says
I couldn't watch the US play, because I am in London at the moment. I had to watch England play, but it was a fun game to watch. I was quite concerned that the US was never scoring, though.
I read more than I write, unless I am right near the end of a book, when I will do almost nothing but write.
ironicbarbie says
If you're going to include all types of reading (online/news/blogs/message boards/recipes/kids' homework/emails/etc.) then the answer is I spend more time reading. If you mean time spent reading books vs writing then the answer is writing. Right now I'm in the final stages of rewriting my 2nd draft, so even my writing time involves a tremendous amount of reading…and rereading…and rewriting…and reading again. Hmmmm….what does rewriting time count as? Is it writing or reading?
Nora MacFarlane says
I write every day, and at the moment I'm spending more time writing than reading. But when I hit a wall in my WIP, I tend to stick my nose in a book for most of the day. Manuscript avoidance? Maybe. But for me, it helps raise my own creativity/productivity when I drop myself into someone else's world for awhile -much like a vacation.
Lisa Schroeder says
Wow, the results surprised me! I thought most people would say writing!
I wonder if for many people, it ebbs and flows. I know it does for me. When I'm pounding out a first draft, or spending long days revising, there's no time for reading, except for a little bit before sleep. But in between those times, it's lots and lots of reading. It's always so nice to come up for air and go to the pile of books. Like a reward for my hard work. 🙂
Stacy McKitrick says
I read during my lunch break (or anytime I'm away from my computer and need to pass the time – I always have a book on me).
Most of my "free" time is spent writing, though. I just wish I had more of it!
Cluttery says
I spend a lot of time reading about writing.
This might not be the most productive methodology. But it's where I'm at now.
Bane of Anubis says
Man, that Dempsey guy's approaching Kwame Brown levels with his expectation implosion. Only goal the dude can score comes on a British muff. Good thing they've got Mr. I Hate Beckham on the team.
Writing — or thinking about writing. Lots of books on tape, though the WiPthoughts normally interfere w/ proper aural concentration.
Latoya Alloway says
It depends for me. When I've hit my writing stride, I will write more than I read. The writing just seems to flow sometimes so it is easier for me to write than read. But when I get stuck, I read more. Right now, I'm reading more than I write. 🙁 It's not great for a writer but it happens.
abc says
It depends on the day/week/year. These days I've been spending far more time reading. But I do spend a lot of thing THINKING about writing. Ha!
Reading is waaaaay important. I don't trust writers who aren't readers. Just like I don't trust people who don't like dogs. Or maybe that's different. Still, if you don't like dogs then there is something wrong with you.
Lori Franklin says
I spend much more time reading. I also spend a lot of time reading about writing (OK, I admitted it!).
I've been a book-devouring monster since I can remember.
Great question!
Lori Franklin says
I spend much more time reading. I also spend a lot of time reading about writing (OK, I admitted it!).
I've been a book-devouring monster since I can remember.
Great question!
Josin L. McQuein says
Definitely writing.
If I start reading something while I'm writing, I'll never get back to the writing part.
Meredith says
My answer was always writing until about a year ago, when I made it a point to up my reading. And wow, has it made me a better writer.
And the USA goal was crazy, but have you been following this Wimbledon thing?? Even crazier!
Lauren says
Definitely spend more time reading, but reading is relaxing. Whereas writing can be… somewhat less relaxing, and most often a bit stressful.
Both are important for developing writers. Writing is a strong point of mine (outside of novel-writing), and I must owe that partially to all the reading I did as a kid. Also, for those who are writing a novel, it's vital to know the market and evaluate what's out there.
But of course, if no writing get's done, nothing get's finished 🙂
Jenni B says
I definitely spend more time reading. But I think it makes my writing time that much better. Instead of spending 4 hours churning out crap, I have the presence of mind to spend 4 hours bubbling up what can generously be described as semi-crap.
Reading is essential. It's like mental yoga. If I go into the big game (writing) without stretching first I may as well not show up. Serious psychological injuries may result.
Carol Riggs says
Definitely writing. Like others have commented, I do the reading in jags and big chunks, in between novels or when my subconscious is mulling over a plotting dilemma. Reading is important though, to know what else is out there, and how others write.
Cheryl says
I read daily at the gym because I enjoy it and it makes me a better writer but I write more than a read nowadays because I have to if I plan to finish. When I get stuck, I'll up the reading just to keep me in the mindset of literature and all that goes with it.
James says
When doing close readings for school, I can expect one to three hours of writing for every hour of reading – notes, paraphrasing, and so on. On top of that, I can expect another hour of writing in the form of exams and essays, for every hour of reading. For non-academic material, my ratio of writing time to reading time is about even, particularly if I consider reading blogs and so on.
It took, I should not, twice as long to write this comment, as it did to read the post it's responding to.
Nathan Bransford says
bane-
Dempsey missed some gimmes but that last goal was set up by his run – he got just enough that the keeper couldn't handle it and Donovan did the rest.
BradleeD says
I spend more time reading, but feel writing is much more important. Reading something I can do online at work, home on the couch as my wife watches TV, or while traveling. Writing is a different story. For me, I have to be alone with no distractions and in my house that doesn't happen too often.
Jen J. Danna says
Writing by far. I used to read like a fiend, but writing seems to have really filled that need in me. Time is really the issue, so I try to 'read' with audiobooks because there are only so many hours in the day when you work full time and still try to write full time on top of it. So I listen to audiobooks in the car or while cooking dinner so I can still get the exposure without having to sit and actually read.
That being said, I do a huge amount of reading for research for my writing, but that's not quite the same thing as reading within and beyond your own fiction genre.
Joseph L. Selby says
It was only a miracle because of that horrible off sides call. …again.
I spend more time writing. I'll write until I need to recharge my battery, read a few books, and then begin writing again. I rarely do both at the same time. I'm either writing or reading.
Durango Writer says
I agree with IronicBarbie. If you count blogs, Twitter, news sites, etc., then I read more than I write at the moment. I'd count rewriting as writing. ;0