In case it wasn’t apparent by the subject of this blog, I like to write. Characters, stories, all that jazz… and of course that love of writing had to come from somewhere. I’ve been an avid reader since I was tiny — I’d give more details, but my memory isn’t great from back then.
The point is, I used to devour books at a staggering pace. In high school that took a dip as my schedule filled up, but I still managed to read during most of my free time. But there’s the kicker — reading takes my free time. So does writing.
It’s strange having to pick between reading/experiencing stories and creating them myself, especially because of how tied together they are. Reading inspires my writing, and writing makes me remember all the incredible stories that led me to this hobby in the first place. Truly an impossible cycle to escape from.
It can be difficult sometimes to make the two work in tandem, but it’s very rewarding when it works out. Sometimes I’ll find a book that corresponds perfectly to a project that I’m working on, and I’ll keep myself motivated and interested in continuing writing — something that any writer can attest is a challenge from time to time.
More commonly, I’ll choose reading a story (new or old) over writing, and then write in huge bursts and have major progress scattered over long periods of time. Definitely not ideal, but it’s still getting the writing done.
There’s always an interesting factor in reading and writing out of order. If I’ve read a book before, I’m very likely to search out specific scenes to reread. If I’m stuck on writing a specific scene, I’ll jump ahead to a scene I already have planned out and write that instead — while it won’t fix my issues with the current spot, it will guarantee progress instead of stagnation.
The two hobbies are so closely tied that a habit developed in one flows into the other quite quickly. For instance, I tend to read the most at night while curled up in my bed — and I’ve found that I do my best writing at the same time in the same place.
I’m rambling now, but I think the point I wanted to make was that I don’t have enough time to both read and write anymore, which is a shame because of all the fun interactions the two hobbies have with each other. I don’t know the best way to balance the both of them at present with my current limitations, and I’m very much open to suggestions.
This was so interesting to hear about your reading background and how that effects you’re writing.
We never seem to have the time to do the things that we love most in life, that being said it is always good when we find some time to do the things we love. Most people give up on trying to do the things they are passionate about and its good to see that you’re still making an effort to both read and write. Keep it up.
I completely feel your pain in managing daily life and obligations with your free-time. Me personally, I would read more than write, because I know I wouldn’t produce the best work possible with splitting interests. Keep up the good work.
I wouldn’t approach calling myself a writer with a 39 and a half foot pole, but I definitely agree with your analysis of the time constraints of managing reading in free time with responsibilities. I also get my most enjoyable reading done in bed during hours where I ought to be sleeping.