Well, what a tumultuous day. Australia now has its first female Prime Minister, we’re no longer in World Cup contention, and I’ve somehow managed to write a couple of thousand words – all while following the making of Australian Political History via Twitter, News Radio and ABC 1.
And my secret, despite the distractions. I’m reading a great book.
When you’re deep in the writing pit, wrestling with words, while at the same time trying to place them delicately about the narrative like flowers, finding a good book to treat yourself with in the evening is incredibly important. Not only does it clear the palate so to speak, because you can think about your own book too much – no, really – but it gives you something to aim for, and reaffirms your delight in narrative and sentences well written. A good book is not only a delight in itself, it’s a challenge, and it makes you want to write.
I’ve been lucky of late, but the book that’s been pulling me through crunchy-finishing-manuscript-time is Justin Cronin’s The Passage. Sure, it may well be one of the most hyped books of the year, but it’s also a fabulous take on the end of the world, and it has vampires – that glow in the dark no less.
Whether or not it lives up the hype – well how can anything – but it’s certainly been an effective carrot in getting my writing done. I don’t hit my daily targets, then I don’t get to read this book.
So far I’ve hit my target every day this week, and, right now, I’m itching to sit down and read.
What’s getting everyone excited reading-wise at the moment? Or what books are you most looking forward to reading in the latter part of 2010?
Wow, Trent. You must let me know what you think of the book when you finish it.
I like your phrase ‘clear the palate’.
Will do. Loving it so far.
Hi Rowena,
I’m reading Tansy’s new book. It’s great but I’m a slow reader. Only one or two chapters a night for me before the Sandman comes.
Before I developed my own ‘voice’ so to speak, I had trouble reading a good book while trying to write. I would end up unconsciously mimicking the style of the author I was reading.
Not a problem anymore. I guess being able to develop your own ideas in a distinctive way is a function of confidence and passion for your subject.
Hi Chris,
there’s nothing wrong with mimicking the style of a different author. It’s a wonderful way of adding to your own writing ‘toolbox’ I reckon. And even when you’re mimicking consciously or otherwise it’s still working through your own mind, and vocab.
You can never be another writer, only yourself – I’m feeling rather profound today
My eyes still light up when I think of Pamela Freeman’s fantasy trilogy for grown-ups – Blood Ties, Deep Water and Full Circle. I’ve read each book at least twice this year, and the power of her short stories is up there with Margo Lanagan’s work (I think Margo Lanagan is the best short story writer in the world, and Neil Gaiman is sometimes as good, but not always).
*dreamy sigh*
When I edit for too long, my books just seem like random words thrown together in an awkward and messy pile. Reading someone else’s book cures that, because it turns out EVERYONE is using the same old twenty-six letters.
Louise Curtis
Perfectly put, Louise! And Pamela’s series is at the top of my must reads!