Do You Read During The Time You're Writing A Novel?

[Kitteryfam]

Hoping that since we live in Kittery and my husband's father grew up in Bangor, you might read this. And I worked for three years at an independent bookstore!

My husband is working on a novel--his first--and he hasn't been reading any fiction since he started because he doesn't want to get led astray or tainted or influenced in terms of his storyline (which is really good, I have to say). I don't like not seeing him reading--well, not aside from magazines and fermentation cookbooks--just doesn't seem like him. He's a geologist and I'm a former English teacher and even still he always blew me away in terms of reading volume. I haven't really been pushing it (reading) much because I respect that everyone's process is different, but my gut is struggling with this. Plus, he has a full-time job of course and we have two very young kids so his writing is of necessity slow-going--which potentially means he won't read fiction for a couple of years! He's a bit stubborn. What's your advice?

 

[king family fan]

Welcome to the board. I wish in luck in his writing.

 

[mustangclaire]

Welcome to the board. Perhaps a thumb through Mr Kings "On Writing" might help?

 

[GNTLGNT]

...my memory may be faulty...but as I recall, King always has been a voracious reader and I don't think he ever stops-just because he's creating...you have to keep your imagination stoked...

 

[staropeace]

He suggests to read and keep on reading. It strengthens one's skill as a writer.

 

[Neesy]

He suggests to read and keep on reading. It strengthens one's skill as a writer.

Welcome kitteryfam - as staropeace says - in Mr. King's opinion you have to read a lot and write a lot - in his mind it goes hand in hand

Myself, I am not a writer but I figure that whatever works for your husband is best

 

[Neesy]

Hoping that since we live in Kittery and my husband's father grew up in Bangor, you might read this. And I worked for three years at an independent bookstore!

My husband is working on a novel--his first--and he hasn't been reading any fiction since he started because he doesn't want to get led astray or tainted or influenced in terms of his storyline (which is really good, I have to say). I don't like not seeing him reading--well, not aside from magazines and fermentation cookbooks--just doesn't seem like him. He's a geologist and I'm a former English teacher and even still he always blew me away in terms of reading volume. I haven't really been pushing it (reading) much because I respect that everyone's process is different, but my gut is struggling with this. Plus, he has a full-time job of course and we have two very young kids so his writing is of necessity slow-going--which potentially means he won't read fiction for a couple of years! He's a bit stubborn. What's your advice?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot - when Stephen King started out he also had a full time job and two small children to support (much like your husband). I cannot give you advice but I would just respect your husband's decision and try to be as supportive as possible. Just think what would have happened if Tabitha had not fished the manuscript for Carrie out of the trash?!

 

[notebookgirl]

I thought it was something like too what he said “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
― Stephen King

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Is he going to stay cocooned in his writing room until he is done? Does he not listen to music? The radio? Does he not watch the news? But yeah, I get what your are saying and what he is saying. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to try singing like Whitney Houston if one has trouble w/the high notes. But surely he must have some writers he'd like to emulate, imitate, whose style and function are not only liked by your hubby...but whose style and function are not so far off the mark of your husband's style...and function. Suggest it is okay to read those writers. If he enjoys reading, it should not be a hard argument (advice) to win (to give).