Reading as a Reader

 

Over the years, I’ve attended a number of writers’ conferences and read many books on how to write fiction. Usually I agree with the advice that the presenters and authors give, but not always. One piece of advice that I do NOT agree with is this: read with an eye to discovering what the writer does right or wrong. If I had time to read a book again right after the first read, I suppose I would be okay with doing that on the second read, but I have too many books on my reading list to read any of them twice.

Why do I disagree with the advice on a first read?

I read for two main reasons: research and pleasure, and sometimes a book (such as a diary or journal) provides both. If I’m reading for research, I’m interested in the facts or the situations or the emotions that are portrayed, and how well the book is written is often irrelevant. If I’m reading for pleasure, I don’t want to get distracted by analyzing the writing. Because that’s what it is: a distraction that takes me away from the story.

That doesn’t mean I never notice the author’s skill or use of particular writing devices. Sometimes I do, especially if the devices are themselves a distraction that pulls me out of the story. I’m going to use my next few blog posts to highlight some of these devices that I would classify as pet peeves. As a reader, you will probably agree with me, and if you’re a writer, I hope you will get the message and avoid using them.

Next week I’ll talk about obvious filler.