Hey everyone! It’s Clara Kensie, back with a new Question of the Week! Pretty much the only thing writers love as much as writing is talking about writing. So each week here at Adventures in YA Publishing, I post a question for you to answer. The questions cover all topics important to writers: craft, career, writers’ life, reading and books. Together we’ll become better writers by sharing tips and discussing our habits and practices.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
December 8, 2013
Which do you like better: reading or writing?
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| Photo courtesy of brainloc at rgbstock |
MY ANSWER: Hmm. I’m honestly sitting here, unable to decide. WHY did I ask such a hard question?!?!? Okay. Writing can be a soul-crushing endeavor, but despite the frustrations and the tears and the crushed soul, writing gives me so much joy. I write a few paragraphs, and bam. *Magic.* I’m lost in the story, and I’m in love with writing. And I must admit that once I began writing in earnest—seriously learning the craft in pursuit of publication—reading stopped being as fun for me. It’s no longer an instant escape. Before I became a writer, I would just pick up a book and read it. Now I analyze it. If I liked it, I analyze why. If I didn’t like it, I analyze why. It takes me a long time after I start reading to lose myself in the story and disappear from the world, whereas before I became a writer, I could disappear after reading just a few paragraphs. But once I am finally able to disappear into that book: Bam. *Magic.* I’m in love with reading again, more than ever before.
So. Which do I like better: reading or writing? I love them both and I can’t image living without either one. But I since I absolutely have to choose... I prefer reading over writing.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Which do you like better: reading or writing? Why? Was this an easy question for you to answer?
That is a tough question. I love a good book and sometimes writing inspirations surface along the way. Hmmm, it's a tie for me.
ReplyDeleteEverything you said. I love that part where I get lost in the writing...and yet at other times I want nothing more than to be taken away by someone else's amazing story. Hard question indeed!
ReplyDeletei love stories- writing and reading them both. AM hard wired in that direction since I was a kid!
ReplyDeleteI've asked myself this question before, too! My conclusion: I *have* to write, even though it's hard and brain-draining and frustrating (because of the *magic* moments) but reading is easy and pleasurable and so because I'm basically a lazy person I often pick reading over writing some days (although I *don't* get to read or write every day with all the life stuff that gets in the way). The lazy side of me would choose reading if I absolutely had to, but I feel lost and cranky when I don't get to write for awhile. We're cursed, I tell you! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow - that's quite a difficult question. I thoroughly enjoy both, but those enjoyments stem from different reasons. If I HAD to choose though, I would say writing. I love delving into the stories of others, but I love delving into the world within myself more. :)
ReplyDeleteThat IS a tough question. I'd choose writing, because it completes me in a way that reading doesn't, though I love reading. Writing is more fulfilling and exciting.
ReplyDeleteThis is an easy one for me! I love reading, but I LOVE writing. Nothing matches the magic of creation for me!
ReplyDeleteI love writing when I am having those times when it is just flowing, but I always love reading. That doesn't really answer which I love more, but which I love consistently. It's the best I can do.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough question! I love to read because it's an escape. I love to write because it's fulfilling. So... I guess it depends on the day. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat answers, everyone! Glad to see that I wasn't the only one who had a hard time answering this question. :-)
ReplyDelete