READ with PURPOSE
What do I mean by that? Well, I just finished reading The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker. FABULOUS, btw!!
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I started reading this book with the purpose of picking out the reasons why it works/doesn't work. (totally works!) What did I like about it? How did they set up their chapters? How did they handle things like description and backstory? Did they use any passive voice? Were the characters identifiable/unique? How can reading this book make me a better writer?
The answer to the last question was, "Umm - because it's AWESOME!" Seriously, if Kate, Liam and Seth are looking for a fourth - PICK ME, PICK ME!!
Considering the event that sets off this story, the death of Kate's best friend, and Kate's struggle to come to terms with the loss of a loved one - the wonderful humor laced throughout is so well done! And if you want an example of a kick-a teen-girl voice, Kate's your girl. It taught me a few tips on dealing with backstory and peppering in sensory detail. Need ideas on how to create suspense? Please read this book! I even learned that it's ok to "tell" rather than "show" on occasion. It's also a great example of a fun stand-alone story that offers series potential.
I started reading this book with a purpose. I enjoyed it as a bonus! Tell me, how many of you take an approach to how you read a book? And how does it help your writing?
I've got a TAG to catch up on ~ I'll try to do that on Friday. Otherwise, I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Happy purposeful reading!!
13 comments:
Since I've started writing I read with a purpose, too. I look at how the writers phrase things, how much description they use (or not), etc.
I need all the heal I can get. =D
I definitely read with a purpose since I started writing. I almost don't enjoy reading as much because I am always bisecting the story.
I've learned a great many things reading other writers. At times I even wonder HOW some of these writers even got published.
I definitely read with a purpose since I started writing. I almost don't enjoy reading as much because I am always bisecting the story.
I've learned a great many things reading other writers. At times I even wonder HOW some of these writers even got published.
I agree, I always read with a purpose now. I don't think I can help it anymore. I've found that I can almost always find something in the book that can help me, whether it's voice or character development or plot twists, etc. Usually it gets me really excited to work on my own story, but sometimes, when the book is really good (Hi, Hunger Games) it just feels depressing. (In a motivating way, mostly :) )
What a great example of a book that works! I need to read a book critically, I think--it seems so helpful!
Critical reading is important for writers.
Sometimes I finish a book with a purpose - does that count?
I totally need to read this book! I read for pleasure, but I always keep scratch paper and pencil nearby. I know I'll find a great word in the book, and I always learn something new.
I need to read with purpose more often. I often find myself finishing a book and thinking "Holy Cats that was good. I wonder why?" Then, I practically re-read it so I can dissect and learn. Save myself so much time if I did it in one pass.
I always read with purpose. If a book doesn't 'grab' me, I put it down for another time. Sometimes it makes reading less entertaining.
I don't know that I always read with purpose. I try, but I definitely try to pick on things that I really like. Example, if I really enjoyed the dialogue, or the scene, or the book is still with me several days after finishing it (aka... Hunger Games Series) then I look back and think about what I liked about it that made it stand out to me.
I like to read for enjoyment first and if the book grabs me, I go back and read to see just how the writer did it!
I find the more I write, and particularly as I correct my work with edits, gain crit feedback and re-read my writing, I find it's changing the way I read.
I'm more analytical and when I enjoy an author's writing I seek to understand why. Conversely when I don't like someone's writing I try to understand the causes of that too.
It's spoiling my appreciation of some books and enhancing it with others. Maybe I'm becoming a better judge of a good writer!
Interesting post, thank you.
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