Lately, I have been having a dilemma of sorts: I can't decide whether to read or write. As a science fiction/ fantasy geek, I am always lining up the next book, but I am also writing a rough draft of a novel which takes up a lot of my time, especially since my plot planning is not yet where I would like it to be. I know a lot of you are writers yourselves, and so I pose the question- what do you do about it?
Thanks!
Most good writers I know are constantly reading, as well. It's definitely hard to find the time to do everything and find the right balance. You have school to juggle, too, and family life, and friends. The challenge is always how to prioritize time. And I dno't dare advise someone else on that matter - I struggle with it daily, myself. But don't omit one or the other. That would be my best advice. Even if you only write a small bit every day - write SOMETHING. Writing is like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it gets, and the less you use it, the weaker it gets.
ReplyDeleteDitto what Aunt Lisa said. I would add be true to your gut. Your intuition, if you stay in touch with it, will always inform you about what you need to be doing. It's a leap of faith but well worth it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the help guys!
ReplyDeleteReading or writing? I try to write a scene, then read a chapter of whichever book I'm currently into, then go back and forth, in a reward system. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, but the main idea is--everything in moderation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'd like to let you know that I've awarded you the Stylish Blogger award, so if you accept awards/haven't already received this one, you can pick it up here: http://amanda-the-aspiring.blogspot.com/2011/01/special-post-stylish-blogger-award.html
Actually, the way I deal with this dilemma depends on my mood. If I'm feeling particularly inspired, I choose to write. Or if I want to read a certain book very much, I'll read. But I usually try to have a balance of both, since both are very important to me.
ReplyDeleteThat is similar to something a friend told me. 'If I am inspired, I write, if I'm not, I read', that's what she said.
ReplyDelete