I've got another wonderful guest post from Terry W. Ervin II on the blog today! If you didn't read his post on panels, I highly recommend you do! Terry's new book, Soul Forge, is now available! (See the end of the post for where you can buy it.)
For
me the answer to this question came into focus during an email exchange with a
former crit partner. With a husband and children, work, and moving, she had a
lot on her plate. Plus, she’s been revising and editing a handful of novels and
beta reading for a writing partner. My former crit partner didn’t feel she had
the time to read. But, during the course of our discussion, she indicated that
she’d finally sat down and began reading Flank
Hawk, and admitted it’s the first novel she’s read in over two years.
Another
reason to read is to spark ideas while recharging one’s imagination. Re-reading
and thinking about Zelazny’s Guns of
Avalon and Harry Turtledove’s World
War Series triggered the thought: How might a dragon fare in aerial combat
against a WW II aircraft? That episode of pondering resulted in Flank Hawk, the first novel in my
fantasy series.
You can buy Soul Forge at the following locations:
~*~
In
some variation it’s often said: An author needs to be a reader.
Most
writers are pressed for time, even if one only considers career and family
responsibilities.
And
every hour with a nose stuck in a book is an hour that isn’t spent writing,
editing, revising, researching, marketing, and a myriad of other tasks
necessary for an author to be both productive and successful.
So,
on balance, is the time spent reading worth the potential payoff?
For
me the answer to this question came into focus during an email exchange with a
former crit partner. With a husband and children, work, and moving, she had a
lot on her plate. Plus, she’s been revising and editing a handful of novels and
beta reading for a writing partner. My former crit partner didn’t feel she had
the time to read. But, during the course of our discussion, she indicated that
she’d finally sat down and began reading Flank
Hawk, and admitted it’s the first novel she’s read in over two years.
We
discussed use of description, including what’s ‘in favor’ on a writing forum where
we’re both active. While reading my novel, she recognized that the ‘consensus’ on
the forum of what works didn’t match how I implemented use of detail within the
story’s narrative. Going back and looking at her latest revision effort, she
recognized what was missing and could make it better.
That’s
one thing reading does. It reminds a writer of what works, and helps a writer
avoid getting stuck on autopilot, caught up in ‘group think,’ or writing with
blinders on.
Reading
and re-reading, and studying how an author crafted—tells a story—helps me
immensely. When I’m unsure, trying something new, or get stuck on some aspect
of storytelling, I go back and read and study, seeing how successful authors
like Steven Brust and Roger Zelazny and Sandra Kring (to name a few of my ‘go
to’ authors) did it. Then I apply what I learned to my current story and my
writing style.
For
example, that method enabled me to refine the frame story structure in Relic Tech and create the chapter
starts in Flank Hawk. The method provided insight into the techniques to
write series sequels (Blood Sword
and Soul Forge) that are also able
to stand alone. The result is that a reader can start with any novel in my First Civilization’s Legacy Series and
fully enjoy that story, yet those who’ve already read a novel earlier in the
series can equally enjoy all novels in the series that follow.
Another
reason to read is to spark ideas while recharging one’s imagination. Re-reading
and thinking about Zelazny’s Guns of
Avalon and Harry Turtledove’s World
War Series triggered the thought: How might a dragon fare in aerial combat
against a WW II aircraft? That episode of pondering resulted in Flank Hawk, the first novel in my
fantasy series.
Reading
also invigorates critical observation of the storytelling process, and offers
insight and uncovers new twists that a writer might use, improving the
available array of writing and storytelling skills.
Would
anyone expect engineers that design and build cars to refrain from riding in automobiles
and note what customers who purchase such vehicles seem to enjoy? Would it make
sense for engineers to avoid immersing themselves in the driving experience,
where such activities might offer insight into what could be implemented in
their next automotive design effort?
Finally,
I find that reading allows me to discuss novels and authors with fellow readers
of fantasy and science fiction. This is especially useful at conventions and
book signing events. It enables me to both make a connection with potential
readers, and to determine if what I write might be of interest to them.
Yes,
time is a finite commodity, but one worth spending on a little bit of reading.
~*~
Terry
W. Ervin II is an English teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction.
His First Civilization’s Legacy Series includes
FLANK HAWK, BLOOD SWORD and SOUL FORGE, his newest release from Gryphonwood
Press. Terry’s debut science fiction novel RELIC TECH is the first in the Crax War Chronicles and his short
stories have appeared in over a dozen anthologies and magazines. The genres
range from SF and mystery to horror and inspirational. GENRE SHOTGUN is a
collection containing all of his previously published short stories.
To contact Terry or learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com or his blog, Up Around the Corner at http://uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com.
To contact Terry or learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com or his blog, Up Around the Corner at http://uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com.
~*~
You can buy Soul Forge at the following locations:
Great post. Yes, reading is a necessity. You must make time for writing and reading to grow as a writer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Terry.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you agree, Cher. Occasionally I come across some writers early in their efforts that sometimes claim: I've never read much but I want to be a novelist, or they indicate that there just isn't any time to read at all. I think this really hinders their efforts.
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