Day 21
x mins exercise + 30 mins editing + 15 mins planning
+ 45 mins planned writing
Today we are looking at reading habits. Jacqui’s view is that writers in a particular genre can get stuck reading only in that genre.
She recommends thematic rather than genre reading. Read across different types of books (history, autobiography, thrillers, comedies, etc) but focus on following an argument or area of study (the world of fly fishing, say). This will lead you deeper into the world you are writing about.
This is an approach which makes sense to me and one I use already. I get bored reading in only one genre, especially if it is very “generic” and uses similar tropes. I probably won’t read two in a row.
My most identifiable reading “genre” is crime fiction. Otherwise, my reading is scattered across different themes and styles.
So, I am happy to say that I have already followed this advice, and therefore done the exercise as well. Since the writing aim today is a slower, higher quality 500 words, it is a light day for me.
Exercise
- x mins: list the books you would love to read that will take you away from your reading habits. Start reading one of them.
- 500 words aim (I added 30 mins editing + 15 minutes planning): get in the zone and focus on quality, not quantity.
My response
- I suppose my interpretation of focusing on “quality” means being aware of details, immersing the reader in a scene and guiding them around. However, as I haven’t done much research for this book, my sentences currently read as “to do” lists: She took the [item] with the [cultural history] and placed in on the [type of] surface.
- I do not think detail is synonymous with quality, because it can distract and bore if over-used. But I do not know how to write a quality scene that does not involved specificity.
- What are your reading habits? What’s your most identifiable reading genre? And how do you incorporate reading into your routine?
- That last question is the real issue for me. I’ve no problem identifying allll of the books I want to read. I’ve a problem actually reading them.
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