Reading and writing

[Siana Blackwood]

Although writing and reading seem a lot different, I find that they use a lot of the same bits of my brain. As I read I'm always thinking about the story, making mental notes of objects and places and things people say and trying to guess the plot before I get to the end. Yes, really. I read everything as if I'm going to be asked to write a book report on it at the end.

When I'm writing, I do the same thing. My brain gathers up all these little details and tries to keep track of them, only this time it's because I'm trying to build the ending rather than guessing it. I've come to the conclusion that this is why I love writing by the seat of my pants - because it's like reading only a lot slower.

So, how do you read? How do you write? Do you see a connection between the way you approach these two activities, or use techniques you've picked up from one to help you with the other? Er... and more questions like that. Let's talk about how we read and write.

[Agent Double Oh Zero]

I read everything as if I were the one writing that story. I'm always paying attention to how the author weaves in exposition, philosophy, character development, pacing, action, plot, etc. When I'm writing, just before I write a scene, I pretend that I'm going to be reading it, and then I imagine what I'd expect, or what would appeal to me. Then I write it.

When I read, it's pretty much a constant stream of 'I would have done this differently' or 'Wow I LOVE how this author incorporated that metastory bit!' =P

[marielaurent2223]

I multitask a lot i read and write at two different times between different breaks while babysitting my niece with my parents and watching movies every day when Grimm, Once Upon A Time or 666 Park Av. are not on.