I have taken some of my blogging time to read more books. Reading is a vital part of the art of writing, it helps us develop and move forward. I have learned new methods of writing from a variety of books by both male and female authors. I used to buy only female authors, who wrote historical romance. The extremely high price of books in English, here in Cyprus made me look for secondhand books. Gradually I have built a small library of books that I would never have looked at twice in the UK. In a previous post, I mentioned a selection of books I was going to read as a challenge, even if I did not enjoy them.
I read them, and did not enjoy all of them. I did learn from them though. I made notes of dialogue patterns, I found new words and used the books as a learning tool.
I am now in the habit of buying one book a month for a few cents. The book has to be out of my comfort zone, tatty and have a cover that would not normally capture my attention.
I allow myself to write in the book, highlight sentences and cut out paragraphs to pin on a board if I find them useful. I could copy the words onto paper and not cut up the book, but I find if they are straight from the book, I read them more than once. I would never, never have treated a book like this before. I did feel guilty at first, how would I feel if I found out someone had done that to my novel? All my hard work cut out, scribbled upon and abused.
To those authors I apologise, but I also thank you. Thank you for the information, the valuable lessons and for the chance to write a little better than I did before I abused your book. Even though your story might not have been one I enjoyed, your book has helped this writer more than you will ever know.
6 Comments:
I do a very similar thing with books. I try to read all different styles so I can broaden my own writing style. Being able to capture emotion in a certain way is a very valuable thing to learn. I love trying to write one time in a very masculine style, and then in a very feminine style the next. So many good extremes, and then subtleties in between.
Good question, Glynis. I've thought about it. I think I would be honored if someone did that with my book. Yes, and I'd even be okay with the left over bits tossed into the recycling ben.
Interesting post.
I love to read but generally I stick to the genres I like. I know I should read things out of my comfort zome. The problem is that books here are very expensive too, so no scribbling. I do need to go to the SPCA and check out their collection of second hand books.
I like that you cut out passages the mean something to you and inspire you! If I saw an excerpt from one of my books pinned to someone's wall, I'd be thrilled! As long as they cut it out as a motivational example and not as a "don't do this" example ;)
Jen
Ratty, I only write in feminine at the moment, I have a passage I have to write as if male. That is how I got started with the book abuse, I needed to know how.
Nadine, rest assured your books sit pride of place on my shelf, I would never cut them up! I couldn't do it.
Loree, I will email you a website that delivers to Malta...Free and their books are a great price!
LoL, Jen I would be the same, I would die if I saw a do not do this on one of mine!
Thank you all for commenting and coming to see me!
I learn something from every book I read. Very good points in this post. Thank you Glynis! :)
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