Fancythat
Avid Reader
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Registered: 26-6-2010
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Do you read books when you're writing one?
I'm actually working on a book right now and usually stop myself from reading when I'm writing because I don't want to take any of the writers ideas,
but I find that I really miss reading.
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KatieQ
yaReads Admin
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Mood: Hoping to post more again.
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I can't speak from experience, considering the most I have actually gotten around to finish was a short story, but the best thing I ever did was read
while writing it.
I didn't take 'ideas' as such, but stylistic choices. By reading, you learn how to write better. You discover new ways of writing dialogue, of writing
character and describing scenes. Or I found that it helped.
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Catherine
YA Bibliophile
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I think Stephen King says it best:
"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
If you think about how long it takes to write a book - months, often even a year or more - there is not way a person who loves books could go that
long without reading. And you need to read to know what is going on in your genre.
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unsocialbutterfly
Australian Reviewer
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I know Richelle Mead says she doesn't read while writing, but I think mostly it's a time thing since her books are on a tight schedule
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Kita
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| Quote: | Originally posted by KatieQ
I didn't take 'ideas' as such, but stylistic choices. By reading, you learn how to write better. You discover new ways of writing dialogue, of writing
character and describing scenes. Or I found that it helped. |
i agree, reading helps me get a better grip on writing styles
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Cholisose
Book Worm
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Registered: 27-6-2010
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I'm always trying to read at least one novel (and I'm always writing something), so it's inevitable I'm influenced a little bit by what I read.
Typically I already know my characters and premise well enough before I write so that I won't be copying something else.
If you worry about inadvertently stealing material from books you read, just be sure to do a good check on your material when you revise it. Have
friends read what you write too, and see if anything jumps out at them. Chances are you'll be fine, though, if it's not anything really blatant.
Be sure to read lots of good books in the genre you write, Fancythat! You'll learn all about what's selling in the market, for one thing, but you'll
also get a better idea for how to go about writing your own stories.
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avas_writer
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When I'm writing my novel, I can't read any books because I have to shut my mind off to other stories. Otherwise my work would end up being a rehashed
version of another person's work.
I write in fits and starts though because I have a really short attention span if the writing isn't flowing naturally, so it's never too long before I
pick up a book or two again.
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ravyn
YA Obsessed
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Mood: meh.
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Yeah. When Im writing, I read. It gives me inspiration.
I cant live without my books :D
“No, I mean enterprising. When I mean morally deficient, I say, ‘Now, that’s something I would have done.’”-Will (Clockwork Angel)
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MorganB
American Reviewer
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I couldn't give up reading for anything - so yes, I definitely read (a lot) even when I'm writing!
I highly recommend that Stephen King book that Catherine quoted, btw. On Writing is not only a useful writing tool but is also just a really
entertaining book!
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ravyn
YA Obsessed
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Mood: meh.
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I agree with you MorganB.
Can't give up books 
XD
“No, I mean enterprising. When I mean morally deficient, I say, ‘Now, that’s something I would have done.’”-Will (Clockwork Angel)
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Feybie
yaReads Editor
Posts: 8266
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Location: booksville
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Mood: It's raining books!
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Yes, in fact, I write better when I'm completely submersed in reading.
Keeps me in the zone.
I haven't done much of either lately, and I miss them both very much.
yareads.com
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DreamTrapper
Avid Reader
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Mood: Iritated ! Those Stink'n Mosquitoes !!!
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I am writing a book as well. coming slowly though. i usually write my book for a while, then when i am board and don't want to write any more a go
and see what is new and read a book or two. I don't just go straight to one and then to the other because i more likely will copy ideas so i take a
week or two of neither before i start writing again so i have my own ideas to write in my story not others.
i hope that is clear to understand.
"Beauty's only skin deep.
Everybody has ugly days.
We're all made of the same stuff underneath.
Acting right is better than looking right.
Realize what make you special beyond looks.
Evil can look pretty on the outside."
— (13 to Life)
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Anyta Sunday
Avid Reader
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Mood: Pretty darn happy, thank you.
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I think writing and reading go hand-in-hand. All the experts say it, and so far I wouldn't disagree. The more you read, the more you learn about
writing.
Some may say, 'yeah, but I don't want mine to be too similar if I do that....'
I take the position that it helps you to be more unique. Why? Because you know what NOT to write, what's been overdone. Also, you can see what books
are working and dissect them. Is it the character development? The prose? The setting etc... Also on a micro level--sentence structure. Grammar. Flow.
etc...
Plus, and this is the biggest: READING is FUN. Why give that up?
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kelloish
Avid Reader
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I do have to make a mental effort to stay within my own writing style if I've been reading a lot of one author while I'm writing. If I'm reading a
series with no breaks for other books I can adopt some of the authors language.
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RebeccaEmin
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I always read, as I find it a form of escapism. My reading time is quite limited but I do love it and I always have a book on the go.
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jeffaaronmiller
Avid Reader
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Location: Arkansas
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I write every single night. My personal goal is 1,000 words a day. So if I didn't read while writing, I would never read 
However, I will sometimes read books of a different genre than the one I'm currently writing. So if I'm writing a fantasy novel, I might read a horror
novel or vice versa.
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Tegan
Wolf Girl
Posts: 1394
Registered: 13-11-2008
Location: Canada
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Mood: Reading. Reading. Reading
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I dont write often. but I don't think I could not read while I write, I just try not to read anything about what I am writing. unless its research.
But I ALWAYS read, so if I didn't I would never write, which has been me for the last year
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untamedthenovel
Avid Reader
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Registered: 1-8-2012
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Nope.
No, don't do it. I believe in focusing on one thing at a time. When I wrote my book all I had by my side was red bull, lol. Trust me, put all of your
concentration on your book, nothing else.
I would love to read a sample of your book. Email me at untamedthenovel@gmail.com
Ps, here's a Ebook sample of mine. http://untamedthenovel.webs.com/eBOOK%20SAMPLE.pdf
I will give you my honest opinion.
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Juganhut
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Registered: 28-8-2012
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I am/do. I also watch movies and TV series. They may give me an idea (Not stealing but when you expect something to happen or after something happens
and think there is a better way, I put THAT in my book.)
I read Kane Chronicles when I wrote Sky of Dust: The Last Weapon.
They are nothing alike, but I do like his writing style since it is like my own.
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djnash
Avid Reader
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Registered: 22-10-2012
Location: Kent, England
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I like to read as much as I can. When I'm writing I do try to stay away from works in my genre as the plot bunnies do tend to breed with the ideas in
other stories in recent memory 
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