When I first started writing I was sad to find that I lost my enjoyment of reading. I couldn't read without engaging my writing brain.
I cured myself of this by an act of will. Before I started reading, I'd think I'm not going to think about characterisation or plot or sentences. I'm just going to enjoy this.
This seemed to work for me. The mind is an amazing thing. I can now decide before I start reading if it's going to be for pleasure, or if I'm going to read with my writerly eye engaged.
But that's by the by. What I wanted to talk about was the difference between reading anthologies (short stories by lots of different authors) and collections (all by the same author).
I am going to heartedly recommend that if you're reading with your writerly eye you try reading a collection. I've recntly discovered that it's much easier to notice elements of style (things that a writer might want to emulate) when you read a body of work by the same author. This is because a short story writer will to a greater or lesser extent have a voice that is common to all her stories.
So that's my advice (and it's very rare, I hardly ever give writing advice). If you're reading to learn stick with the same author for a few stories.
Of course many talented short story writers have published collections. You can also check out your favourite author's website where they often have links to their free online stories.
What's been your experience in reading short stories. Do you find it helpful for your own writing?
editted. Guys, if you're having problems commenting, could you let me know @deboree. Thanks!
Like you I found that I started to enjoy reading less after I started writing and like you I've got over that. I still notice if something works well, or not so well but I've stopped myself from analysing every sentence.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it just something that happens after time, Patsy. I'm glad it went away.
DeleteI lost my love of reading during grad school, where I had to read analytically. I regained it as I started reading for craft (i.e., reading as a writer).
ReplyDeleteI LOVE reading for craft! I guess because it is a way more intuitive process than combing a work for proof that my thesis is correct? Also, I feel that part of reading for the sake of learning craft is all about experiencing the work on an emotional level. I pay attention to what works for me, what pushes my buttons, what feels right, what makes me want to turn the pages. Then I sit back and think about what about that work made me have that reaction. I find that fun.
I read novels and short stories. My goal this year (as it was last year) is to read a book a week and a short story a day. I tend to read anthologies and magazines more than collections, but agree that collections are great for getting a sense of how a writer's body of work comes together.
That's a great goal, Elizabeth. I really ought to get back into novels again. I used to love them. But I laid off them for a few years to really concentrate on short stories. Now I don't really enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how you can train your taste like that. I bet I could train it back, if I tried.
I'm sure you could train it back. I've been trying to write at longer lengths all along, so I guess novel reading still feels relevant to me. Short stories are very satisfying to read, though. I'm amazed when people (especially writers) tell me they don't really read them.
ReplyDeleteI'm always surprised when people say they don't like short stories. They're the bees knees for me.
DeleteFunny -- I was just thinking about this yesterday, that I read more novels/less short stories than I write. Honestly, the only shorts stories I read are by fellow W1S1ers! But I've read a few "Best Of" anthologies, and plenty of Bradbury, Dick, and King stories in the past. Anyhow, you're right; it's hard to disengage the writerly brain, and I find I'm more apt to notice the construction when I'm not drawn into the story as much -- or when I give it a second read.
ReplyDeleteI've always been a fan of the 'Best of' anthologies, Milo. One of the squares on my career bingo is to get into the 'Mammoth Book of New Horror.' I love that anthology.
DeleteI try to read lots of short story collections and anthologies; it's a great way to get a range of styles and ideas. And I do recognize what you say about reading being less enjoyable at times when you're thinking like a writer. Something I battle with. I think I'll try to emulate your act of will.
ReplyDeleteAnd, hey, your comments are working! Cool.
Do you ever read outside the spec genres, Simon. I've dipped in and out of the literary genre. Looks like there's some inspiration to be had there. And crime and romance, and . . . so much to do!
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