12 Nov 2012

Reading and Writing are not the same thing

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I grew up in a bookless household, I never saw anyone reading, I was never read bedtime stories, and the only books we possessed were mine, given as birthday and Christmas presents.

So how come I grew up loving books and reading.  Devouring words, living the lives of the people between the pages.  What makes a particular book so memorable that I keep it on a shelf waiting to be re-read again and again.

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Last month I signed up for the National Novel Writing Month, known affectionately as NaNoWriMo.  It was brought to my attention by Flighty over at his blog Sofa Flying, before reading his post I had no idea that it existed.    The concept is simple you simply have to write a rough draft of a book during the month of November, of no less than 50,000 words, submit it for a word count on or before midnight 30th November. There are no prizes - it is simply to push you into writing.

So I took on this challenge, not realising just how hard it was going to be.  There is a world of difference between reading a book and writing a book.  I got to thinking about what makes a good book in my opinion.  What was special about the books I had kept to make me want to re-read them.


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Then I came across this passage from the writer George R.R. Martin,

'For me the journey is what matters, not how quickly one can get to the final destination.  When I read, as when I travel, I want to see the sights, smell the flowers, and, yes, taste the food.  When a reader puts down one of my novels I want him to remember the events of the book as if he had lived them.  And the way to do that is with sensory detail.'

Suddenly it all made sense, the writers of my favourite books had me involved in the journey from beginning to end.


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So, how has this affected the writing of my own novel.  It has affected me quite considerably - I would like to rip up everything I have written and start again - but I can't, the time constraints won't let me.  But when the month is over, I will begin again, keeping the bare bones of the story the same but trying to bring it alive for the reader.

Quite a challenge; now when I read I look at the structure, how the author leads from one thing to another, how they have lead me into their world.  Reading will never be the same again.  Nor will writing, come to that.



10 comments:

  1. I actually think this is a very good way to do it. Write it quickly the first time then go back and work on the details and making it better. Good luck to you :) I have always wanted to write as well but just was never very good at it. I will have to try this approach.

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  2. Sounds like a fascinating journey. It would be great to read some of your story on this blog! Jx

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  3. Dear Elaine, I am so nosey and want to hear all about your novel. Are you going to post it? I'm in both a reading and a writing group and they are equally stimulating. I got to chapter thirteen in a book that I was attempting to write and a fellow member of the group said, "Of course, this chapter is where you should start the story." I knew the minute that she said it that she was right. Quite a learning curve!

    It's a lovely photo of the typewriter, but thank goodness for computers!

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    1. I would hate to post any of my novel at the moment as it is in such a rough form, and any criticism may well put me off writing it. The concept is about a woman in three different periods of time searching for a soul mate,whatever form that takes - so it is past, present and future, but definitely not a romantic novel. I haven't set myself an easy task and may not get to the end, but it has certainly been fun trying. If I do deem it worthy of being read I may well set up a separate blog for it, but that is definitely a long way off yet.

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  4. Well done Elaine - you're a braver person than I, LOL! I love books and always have one tucked in my handbag, hidden in the car or under my pillow. Even when I'm not reading them I find comfort in having them near (I know this sounds daft!). I love the first photo with the script and pen.... simply beautiful. Good Luck with your novel and enjoy the journey x

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  5. It is always so pleasant to dream. And even better to try to actualize it. I wish you the best of luck in your writing, Elaine. Whether you finish it or not, yes, definitely, I agree, it is the writing journey that doubles the fun!

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  6. Good luck Elaine, it sounds as though you have set yourself quite a target!

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  7. I've always enjoyed reading, having been bought up in in a house full of books. I've also always enjoyed writing but had never attempted a novel before now. Although I stopped writing mine I fully intend starting over, hopefully early in the new year, and writing it at a more leisurely pace.
    Well done so far, and good luck. Flighty xx

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  8. I think you should just have fun and revel in your writing. I was brought up in a hous ewith books by a Mum who loved reading and poetry etc. and I can' imagine life without either ! love Angela x

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  9. My Mum used to read me Flopsy Bunny and Brer Rabbit stories when I was very small and when she ran out of books she made up her own stories she also loved reading right to the end of her life. I too love reading and have tried a few creative writing courses at the local library and with the OU which I've enjoyed but have only ever written poems or short stories. This sounds quite a challenge! It is good experience though and should help with further writing. Good luck and enjoy your writing:)

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