Today I’m blogging not as a writer, but as a reader. Well,
partly. You see, lately I’ve been determined to read more into my writing genres.
Reading opportunities can be difficult to secure, but I’ve been quite
determined. In fact, to mix it up, I’ve made a habit of selecting random titles
from authors I’ve never read before.
Through this recent reading spate I’ve discovered something
quite dreadful. I’m turning into a book snob!!!!
Maybe it’s the ever developing inner–editor monster I’ve
unconsciously fostered through reading from ‘the other side’. Perhaps it’s the
failing of my eternal youth, betraying a slightly irritable, at times
impatient, time greedy working mother. Could it be the shock that ‘best selling
author’ by no means guarantees quality?
At times I’ve wanted to shout, ‘SHOW, don’t TELL,’ after wading
through yet another information dump or explanation of how a character is
feeling. Other things that set me skimming were overused speaker tags; constant
or overuse of unnecessary adjectives and adverbs (in some cases in conjunction
with the overused speech tags); plots that took half a book to get moving; or plots
driven solely by contrived romantic misunderstandings or complications. (Hey,
when you’re reading into the wee hours of morn, it’s a big ask to be patient
with Mary’s seventh change of heart for the chapter!)
But amidst these frustrations were sparkling delights. Well developed
characters, fully engaging plots, beautifully constructed relationships and
dialogues had me effortlessly tuned in. NO head hopping! It made me realise
that, as a writer, the little things really REALLY matter.
 |
| The Little Things (Okay, maybe not these little things, but they are kinda cute!) |
Now for the confession – I’ve committed all these sins as a
writer at various times. I’m sure I’m ignorantly committing others to this day.
It’s one thing to say, ‘Show, don’t tell,’ it’s another for someone to clearly demonstrate it. I’ll never forget when, six months into studying creative
writing, I re–read the first few chapters of an old manuscript I had on file.
It was dreadful! In that moment I realised just how much I had to learn.
And I’m still learning. Constantly.
Something I’ve realised by my purposeful reading is how much
this informs my writing. Seeing those little niggles in action really drives
home the point! It also demonstrates how important it is to expose ourselves to
the work of writers who are more experienced, with more highly developed skills.
For me, investing in my craft through education and being
a part of a writers group have been two (of many) invaluable steps in honing my
skills. But clearly, writers MUST read.
I’d love to
hear how reading has cultivated your inner writer – and if/how you’ve evaded becoming
a book snob in the process!
Adele
Jones lives in Queensland, Australia. Her writing is inspired by a passion for
family, faith, friends, music and science – and a broad ranging imagination. To
find out more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com
