The Irony of Being an Author

I used to love to read. I say "used to", because nowadays, I only have time to read my own books. And I'm not saying that in a prima-donna narcissistic way, either, but because once my manuscript is finished, I must do a final read through, then 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line edits with my editor, not to mention approving of the final "galley" of the book before it goes on sale, which means reading through it one more time to make sure there were no formatting errors when the file was converted to PDF...

ACK!

It's enough to make your eyes cross. And top this off with finding the time to write with a large family and a large house to take care of... All your "free" time goes into typing away in your own imaginary worlds.

Gone are the huge tomes of yesteryear I used to read every night before bed. Now, I'm lucky if I can read a novella or a short story for pleasure, as anything longer just takes too much time to invest.

Little do we realize that once we get what we've always dreamed of, the one thing that led us to LOVE writing in the first place--actually READING stories--has gone the way of the Dodo. It is an irony of becoming an author.

If and when you ever do get to read for pleasure, it is also very hard to turn off the analytical eye, the inner editor who mentally corrects the book in your head...

Which is why, when I find the rare gem that can pull me out of my militant editing mode, that one book, longer than 100 pages, that sucks me in and makes me miss deadlines, it gets a prominent place on my keeper shelf.

Another irony I have found is that I only like to read the genre that I write--romance. Perhaps because it's what I know, perhaps I'm forever studying how other authors put their stories together, but I'm not as excited to read another genre nowadays. Will it always be like this? Probably. :P

But despite leaving my reading-for-pleasure days behind, I can still say I love writing with all my heart and soul. And even though I read each of my books probably more times than any of my avid fans, I will never be sick of them. :)

~~Becka

http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Comments: 10

Angela P. Sep 3, 2007, 8:03pm EDT

Writing with your hear and soul is the only way to do it. As for reading? Isn't that
way you got into writing in the first place? Never leave it behind.

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Susan Kelley Sep 3, 2007, 8:34pm EDT

I know exactly what you mean. I have so many books waiting for my attention and I want to read them all. But I have the edits to do on my newest fantasy book and promo everyday. And of course, gather.

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Helen C.D.~2009 ~. Sep 3, 2007, 9:01pm EDT

I know it is hard to read another book not of your own, but setting limits and seting a time frame to do your work and to read for pleasure is a must. I write my novels, poetry, and write for a magazine...but I set time aside to read other books. You have brought up a very good point, but we can change, bend or give ourselves some free time to read others works. I hope you find some time even if it's 30 minutes a day. You might finish the book in a year but you would be reading again.

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Sarah C. Sep 3, 2007, 9:12pm EDT

I've read tons less since I started to write seriously, too. No time for it, when I need to use every free minute to write, and when a book is good, I can't put it down until it's done...

Sounds like you would have some good thoughts to add to my chat later this week -- for Girls Night Out, it's on Family-Life-Career Balance... I'll be sending out an email this week when I get the finalized date...

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Bonnie L. Sep 4, 2007, 1:59am EDT

I read in spurts. I'll read three books one week and nothing for two. Sometimes I read in the bathtub where no body can find me! ;-)

I relate to everything Rebecca said...It's good to know other people have the same issues of balance in their lives as I do.

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Cindy Green (Romance Author) Sep 4, 2007, 9:45am EDT

This is a quandary, isn't it, Becka. :) I do set aside time for me to read and I do read off my Palm Pilot before bed. There are some weeks I decide not to write and I spend the time reading and working on my house. It is a must!!

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KimberLeigh H. Sep 7, 2007, 11:21pm EDT

I loved reading this article, Becka! I can see why you are a novelist; your prose flows and is beautiful. It was fun getting to know you through this writing. My favorite line, "Which is why, when I find the rare gem that can pull me out of my militant editing mode, that one book, longer than 100 pages, that sucks me in and makes me miss deadlines, it gets a prominent place on my keeper shelf" made me smile, because I, too, feel that way when I find that special book that envelopes me--and it gets to stay.

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J Somebody Sep 7, 2007, 11:28pm EDT

Thanks for being open and honest about writing. You know I look at the productivity and I'm in awe at how some authors can turn out so much work especially the ones who have a book almost every year or every other year. For me, with two kids and a full-time job, I had to buy a bigger purse to carry a journal b/c at any moment I could write pages and pages about a character, scene, or something. I visited your website, it's nice. Thanks again!

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Suzette Vaughn Sep 10, 2007, 1:32am EDT

Actually to find time to read, I carry my current off the shelf everywhere. I read a few pages while waiting for my son to get out of school, since I always arrive early. Sitting in massive traffic jams. When someone else drives(that one doesnt happen often) While cooking dinner, and I have yet to burn anything. Also hair appointments, doctors appoints, all those wonderful people you wait on at any given time.
Hope you find a even a moment to pick up a book.

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Rebecca Goings Sep 11, 2007, 4:43pm EDT

Funny, Stacy, those are the times I bring my notebook to jot down a few more paragraphs of actually writing. Most of my "free time" goes into promotion, which goes far beyond the "look at me I have another book out" posts... It's also basically schmoozing as well, like I'm doing right now. :P

But yeah, those "breather" moments you're talking about is when I cram in more writing. Why? Because I'm so dang busy with "real life" and promotion (a necessary evil), that my actual WRITING time is few and far between.

~~Becka

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The Irony of Being an Author

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