Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Optional Monthly Question: It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
Writers who don’t read make me feel uncomfortable. I don’t expect most writers to read as much as I do, but I do expect them to read somewhat regularly. Like the question says, why should other people read a writer’s work when that writer doesn’t read anyone else’s work. I don’t think it’s right to expect people to read and or buy your books if you aren’t yourself a consumer of books.
I always appreciate an opportunity to read an ARC, but I still buy books from other authors as well. (At least, I post my ARC reviews right away, while my leisure reads usually come with leisurely posted reviews.) I’ve seen writers online bragging about how they only read books sent to them for review purposes or they don’t read at all because they don’t have the time. I’m not cool with that.
I know I make reading a priority in my life, but that has nothing to do with me as a writer. If I wasn’t already an avid reader, I’d still make a point to read at least one book a month. For some writers, reading one book every quarter is all they can muster because they are so focused on their writing, and I think that’s great. It’s better than saying, I won’t make time to read but I expect other people to read what I’ve written.
So, those are my thoughts. Probably not popular, but it is what it is.
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IWSG Book Club News
September 25, 2019, was discussion day for Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice by Betsy Lerner. I haven’t made it over there yet, but I will. I must admit, I had trouble reading this one, but Part 2 of the book was better for me than Part 1.
Our October/November fiction book, voted on by our members, is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Discussion Fun Day will be November 20th.
In anticipation of this being the chosen title, I read the book and watched the Netflix movie. Loved them both. Will say more at discussion time.
WEP-IWSG
The October challenge has been officially announced. Posting is the 16th -18th. I’ve already finished my story but may need to polish it a bit. I’m not in love with the story I’ve written but I feel it’s the story I need to tell right now. I’m open to other ideas coming along and playing out before submission day, so I guess we’ll see what I post when I post.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
Is anyone in the U.S. having a real Fall experience right now. It’s October and I’m still waiting to wear all my scarves and sweaters. I’m ready for cool temperatures and rainbow leaves. Plus, I really don’t want to be sweating on my birthday. I’m so ready for Fall.
I’m currently in the process of rewriting four books. Why, you ask? Apparently, I’m a crazy person who lets her characters dictate her life and right now they are all demanding makeovers.
OMG! I don’t care if no one says that anymore. I got to meet L. Diane Wolfe at the Hampton Roads Writer’s Conference last month and have no shame in admitting that I was a total fangirl. The whole writing conference was a wonderful experience, but meeting Diane just made it even more special.
This writer’s conference also lit a fire in me to get back out into my local community to network and share my writing and speaking skills. I have a few events lined up and feel good about sharing my love of books and reading. If I sell books along the way, great. If not, at least I got to have the experience.
Speaking of networking, are there any IWSG members living in or near Hampton Roads (Tidewater), VA willing to connect and or collaborate?
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So, are you a writer who reads or doesn’t read? Do you think writers should also be readers?
Thanks for stopping by. It may take some time, but I will stop by your blog too.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Ronel Janse van Vuuren,
Mary Aalgaard,
Madeline Mora-Summonte, and
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!!!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #44).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
28 replies on “#IWSG October 2019: To Read or Not to Read?”
LOL!! I enjoyed meeting you. It just tickled me to hear you were excited to meet me. Made my weekend.
Made my weekend too. 😀
Only read books that are sent to them for review purposes? **shudder** Review books make me feel so guilty when I DON’T like them, or don’t have the time or interest to read them. They didn’t have that effect when they were being sent to my store, instead of directly to me. I’m also very careful about any selection process that gives up my personal control over what I’m reading. Happy IWSG day!
Thank you, Karen. I like reviewing books, even when I don’t like them. I like being able to share the feedback, and hope that it encourages others to do so as well.
Hi,
It is so enjoying to see you getting back into the swing of things. I just love it. I too am one of those people who loves to read an ARC and when I do, I usually go and purchase the book before I post the review so that it can be a verified review, for example, on Amazon.
Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
That’s so cool, Pat. I do that as well sometimes. I had to set myself a book budget a long time ago to keep me from buying so many books I’ll never read. When I haven’t gone over my budget, I like being able to add that additional support of also purchasing the book I’ve reviewed.
That’s such a cute picture of you and Diane 🙂
I don’t understand writers who don’t read. As you say, why would you expect people to read your words if you don’t want to read anyone else’s.
Thanks for stopping by, Ellen. My review is coming soon.
Writers need to read. How fun, meeting Diane! I’m in MN and it’s definitely Fall. Cool and rainy today. Gorgeous colors!
Happy IWSG Day!
Mary at Play off the Page
Thanks for stopping by. It took me so long to read these comments that Fall has finally arrived where I am. Hope to do better next month.
I always buy my fellow author’s books.
Very cool you met Diane!
It was so nice to meet her.
You make excellent points and I agree. Love the photo of you and Diane together.
Thanks for stopping by, Juneta. It was so much fun meeting Diane in person.
That’s awesome that you met Diane! I’m never anywhere near the conventions.
I don’t really make reading a priority like I should, mostly because if I have the energy/ brain capacity after working, I’d rather be writing. But I can’t imagine NEVER reading.
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. You make a good point. Writers don’t have to be marathon readers, but should be at least open to reading, when they have the time. It’s just sad that some don’t read and have no intention of reading.
Funny, I don’t even think about it. I just read when I get a chance and before bed. But I love all kinds of stories and in almost every form. Maybe I’m an oddball. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
No, you’re not an oddball. I think it’s great that you read when you can. Thanks for stopping by, Anna.
I love knowing that you were a fangirl for Diane. She’s amazing. I’m waiting for fall to kick in too. I may love the summer but hot, humid weather in October is a bit too much.
I agree. Summer is nice, but I need all four seasons, at least a little… Funny thing, it took me so long to read these comments that Fall has finally arrived.
Thanks for stopping by.
That’s a great pic of you with Diane!
The day job has sucked all my time and I haven’t participated in WEP for a while. *sigh*
Enjoy your fall season.
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle. I look forward to the next time you are able to participate in WEP.
To me reading and writing are connected – even if both are erratic. However, even in my current slump I’m reading a little – slogging through ‘The Forest for Trees’ – and plotting the rewrite of my WIP. Part of that slump is guilt over outstanding reviews, but then I see your words ‘leisurely posted reviews’. That’s my pile of three that will now grow as I read more. Thanks.
Oh yes, Roland. I try to be timely with reviews, but in all honesty, if I receive a review today or two months from now, I’m happy to receive that review and think most authors are the same. Review copies come with expectations of time limits, but beyond that, I will review what I read when I’m able to.
How great that you got to meet Diane. That must have been a great conference. Just as I can’t not writer, I can’t not read. It’s essential to my mental health.
I agree, DIane. Just as much as I need to write, I also need to read. Thanks for stopping by.
Totally agree about reading, and envy you the conference experience! I’m both cheap and introverted, so I’ve not taken advantage of what opportunities I’ve had in that area. Shame on me (I was probably too busy reading a book…).
I’m sorry I live on the other side of the country, because I’d love to be able to connect in person!
Awe, that’s so nice! Too bad no one has invented teleportation yet. I’d love to meet more IWSG bloggers.