I am LATE with my #IWSG post! I am JET-LAGGED! I have just discovered I can’t do everything. After a month of being a traveler, I’m dazed and in culture shock and saying, “I can’t launch a book and do a blog hop and …. anything else while I’m on the road.” My muse is saying, “Get over it already!”
“Shut up, muse!”
“I will once you get on with the business at hand.”
“Fine! So here it is.”
Join Us NowThe awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
The Optional Question this month is this: It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
My answer to the question: Well, first of all, I can’t imagine not reading. Whether I write or don’t write. It’s what inspires me, teaches me, and has shaped my life since I can remember.
However, to take this question into a slight detour, I read widely. That includes, almost everything except erotica (Anais Nin being the exception). I think it’s important to draw from all genres and different kinds of writers.
When I first started writing to publish, I went to hear Laurie Halse Anderson speak, and she said quite frankly, that she never read other YA writers. That made sense to me, so unless a friend who writes YA or MG asks me read, I avoid reading in those genres. I’d rather strike out on my own. I also don’t go to books that give me synonyms for words; I want to avoid choosing what thousands of other writers are choosing. Of course, I’ve now offended someone, so I’m sorry (but keep in mind I’m also jet-lagged and cranky… compassion or understand, appreciated), but we must all find our own way in this writing business, and I’m not one to say how. I only know what I do.
I read. I write. I cry a lot. Then I stomp around muttering to myself. I write some more, and when I’m totally out of steam AKA ideas, I read some more. Back to the original question…I’d never presume to write without being a reader.
There’s a new WEP coming. I love this theme. It’s so “juicy” with possibilities for the macabre. Perfect for this Halloween month. Sign up and submit your story. It will be fun to read what you come up with.
If you want to see what the August winner came up with for that challenge, Here’s your chance.
Quote of the month: “You were born to be an original. Don’t die a copy.” John Mason, national best-selling author, noted speaker
