I have a friend who has noticed that whenever she reads
fiction while working on a manuscript, her writing starts taking on the style
and voice of the author she’s reading. I’ve actually heard other writers
mention the same issue, some even banning themselves from reading any type
fiction while actively working on a manuscript as to avoid this problem. I
catch it in myself sometimes. If I’m reading something historical that has a
more formal writing style and old-fashioned dialogue, I sometimes find my own
writing getting a little more verbose. If I’m reading something with a snarky
or sarcastic tone, I sometimes find a little more snark creeping into my own
scenes.
It’s not enough of an issue that I’d consider giving up
reading for pleasure while I’m actively writing myself. (If that was the case,
I’d never be able to read for fun.)
And while I’ve jokingly suggested to my friend that she simply stick to reading
authors whose writing styles she admires so her own writing would take on their
positive traits, I’m not sure this is really a viable solution.
Usually, taking two steps is enough to help me with this
issue: 1) I don’t start writing immediately after reading another author’s
work, so his/her voice isn’t fresh in my mind. I’ll wait at least an hour or
two, or do my pleasure reading after
I’ve finished my own writing for the day, and 2) I re-read a chapter or two of
my own current work in process before writing, since it’s a good reminder of
the style and voice I’m going for (and helps with continuity as well).
I know it’s important to authors to avoid copying
others—consciously or unconsciously. Do you find reading other authors’ works distracting to your own writing? How do you avoid this becoming a problem?
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I could never give up reading for pleasure and since I'm always writing I've has to manage this! I try to keep an eye on this, although I find the benefits of reading good writing far outweighs the negatives and always benefits my writing, usually where I am weaker (in my case, in description). But will definitely watch the voice!
ReplyDeleteI tend to read work that is very different from whatever I'm writing. So if I'm working on a middle grade novel, I might read an adult historical romance for pleasure. The voice seems less likely to creep in that way. And like you, I tend to read after I've done my writing for the day.
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty. Sometimes after reading a good book, it definitely influences my writing. The cure is to read another book to take your mind off the first. Of course, there is then the problem of the second book..
ReplyDeleteI will avoid books about the same topic / event (afraid I'll accidentally borrow something and claim it as my own), but I could never set the reading aside. Reading is the fuel I need.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't give up reading either. I think the trick is not to saturate yourself with a certain author or even genre. My idea bank is probably more influenced by my reading. Thoughts go in and thoughts come out, if you will. But I always let my ideas stew a long time before I begin a new project.
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