Romance By Catherine: How many books do you read a month?

Saturday, November 29, 2008

How many books do you read a month?




Here is a subject that many writers are familiar with.

As a writer, reading often becomes 'something I used to do'. But not me. I make a point of reading at least two full length books a month and several 'snippets' in between. First because I want to see what all of you are writing. I want to be supportive to my author friends. And that means I actually buy your books directly from the publisher. Yeah, I can save a few pennies by going on a discount site but I'm not going there if I don't have to.
I find it completely necessary to read what is being published out there. Both to inspire me and to encourage me. I try and analyze how an author keeps me on the edge of my seat, or how they keep that sexual tension so bloody high I curse at the phone when it rings.

Most writers don't take the time to read. Yet reading is what started almost every writers journey to publication.

Take the time. Sit back and read a book. It will make you a better writer in the end.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I too read several things and I think as an author, it helps me expand my writing abilities to read what others write. In fact, I just finished "Down in Texas" which is 3 short stories in one book. It was interesting and high sexual tension, which I enjoyed.

Catherine Bybee said...

I love collections of stories from different authors too.

Mary Ricksen said...

I read at least three books a week. I would much rather read than watch TV. There is no escape like it.
I tend to read a genre till I have exhausted it and then go on to something else. Right now I'm on romance, which is one huge conglomerate of genres!

K.T. Bishop said...

I usually go through about 2 a month, depending on if I am writing or busy at work.

Catherine Bybee said...

So, Mary... What other genre's do you read?

Jenni said...

I'm a total book whore. I read at least two books a week in all genres. I disect books to see what other authors are doing so I can improve my writing. I also read a lot of non-fiction books. I get a lot of great ideas from those. I try to read every day. Think it is just as important as writing every day!

Angel Martinez said...

*bangs head on desk* I hate not having time to read!!!! Did I mention that I hate it? It's right up there with chocolate as one of my favorite things in life but working full time has really forced me to let it go for now.

When I'm in a nasty creative slump, I will pick something up, usually a fantasy or an SF novel, though I do devour everything.

Catherine Bybee said...

Oh, Angel,
You must take time to read. Must, must! Even a short story or two. I'm sure there are a lot of people here who can recomend a book or two. grin

Anonymous said...

I try to read at least 2 full-length books a month (doesn't always happen) and several short stories/novellas. Lately, all I've been reading are my fellow TWRP authors' books and stories. I'd love to get back to a book a week, but -- alas -- life gets in the way.

:)Becky
RebeccaJClark.com

Helen Hardt said...

Hi Catherine! Like Mary and Jenni, I read 2-3 books a week, mostly romance, but occasionally other genres. I agree that reading is an important part of writing. Inspiration is everywhere! I also agree that we need to support each other, and the business of publishing. I always purchase books by authors I've met online. I've discovered some wonderful talent that way!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Helen

Jane Beckenham said...

Absolutely right Catherine. Writers must read to be current with what is selling at the moment...that being said, i'm finding it really hard to keep up with the reading pile

Jane Beckenham
www.janebeckenham.com

Catherine Bybee said...

Hey Helen. We had way to much food and loved every minute of it. Hope yours was awesome as well. It's good to hear that so many other authors are trying to read. Other than reading the books that I review ( and those I don't have a choice on ) I always pick from authors I've met on-line. What is funny is that before I started submitting my work I only bought books second hand. Now I only buy direct from the publisher. Even with our economy in the toilet I buy direct. sigh. Although with gas prices going down, I can buy more books. grin

Susan Macatee said...

I still love to read. I read a variety of authors I've come to know through my writers loops as well as authors I've read and loved through the years. All of them inspire me and I make an effort to spend a least a few hours on the weekends to take a break from my own writing and immerse myself in a good book. After all, it was being a reader that brought me to writing in the first place.