I’m sorry I don’t have a regular MMGM post for you today.
The truth is that I haven’t done a lot of reading this week.
But I have done a lot of writing.
This week, my two boys were at camp all week, which meant a sort of “writing
retreat” for me.
It is the first time that I’ve had this sort of time to work
on my writing: 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. It was simply amazing. I’ve been
furiously drafting, though I’ve taken breaks for walks and a few errands as
well.
But after writing so much, I find at the end of the day, I
have no energy for reading. I keep picking up books, but they don’t hold my
interest for more than a few minutes.
It’s as if I only have so many words in me and I’ve used them
all up in my own story. I can’t bear to tackle any more words—even if I didn’t
have to make them up myself.
I’m ashamed to admit that the only stories I’ve partaken of
is movies and TV shows this week. That’s
how tired I am after my experiment with “writing full time.”
What about you? When you’re writing a lot, do
you find it hard to read?
Sometimes you can't do both -- read and write -- and then live life too. I've been doing more reading than writing lately. Mainly because I can read outside in the sunshine but I can't see my computer monitor well enough to do that so reading's winning out this summer. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm like that too. And usually, reading wins out for me too. There really is nothing like sitting outside reading. Enjoy!
DeleteWhen you're writing that much, it's almost impossible to read. Don't feel bad - glad you had time to write!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! I am so glad I had that time--now back to juggling. :)
DeleteSometimes I do find it hard to read. Sometimes, I just get distracted. ;)
ReplyDeleteI do understand that feeling of vegging out at the end of the day and watching tv. Daniel and I even purposefully avoid movies we've been wanting to see if they will require too much thought at the end of the day, sometimes.
But yay for getting in a lot of writing time! I know that must feel wonderful.
Yes, I think when I'm really tired or have a lot on my mind, it's hard to focus on reading. I can't watch movies that require too much thought at the end of the day too. And thanks for stopping by, Andrea!
DeleteSo great that you are able to get so much writing done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea!
DeleteIt's totally understandable, Jenni. I find myself in the same situation often. I finally sent off my finalized MG manuscript at the end of May and found myself feeling somewhat lost. I've spent the last two weeks just reading - actually it's been beta reading, but I've enjoyed it. We all need to recharge, and can't do it all at the same time. Good for you with drafting so ferociously!
ReplyDeleteShari, I know what you mean. It always takes me awhile after I finish a ms to figure out what to work on next. It's great that you're doing some beta reading--that's always a lot of fun.
DeleteYES. When I'm writing like crazy, it's all I want to do. There's no room in my head for other people's stories, and I wouldn't want them there if there was. I think it's perfectly natural and right that during the writing frenzy, you block out all the other influences and focus. High five to getting some writing done.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. I know a lot of writers don't read fiction while they're drafting and I see how that helps you stay focused.
DeleteYup, me too! When I get on one of those writing crazes, I can barely do anything else. The only thing I want to read is the stuff I just wrote, LOL. And then I have very little energy left for anything else! I read a ton, but in fits and bursts, I'm on a reading bender right now, but that'll change to a writing bender soon (I hope!)
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear, Liz! I'm glad I'm not the only one who rereads my own stuff. :) I'm starting to get back into reading this week--but I'm staying away from anything that's in the same genre as what I write.
DeleteI freelance write for a living--so I write 10 hours a day sometimes, working fiction in as much as I can. I've had to make myself take time each morning while on my treadmill to read. I also found that when I had to commute to a day job, listening to books on audio helped. There are just so many hours in the day--we can't do it all!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea--listening to audio books. I plan to do that on the road trips I'll be taking this summer.
DeleteIt must be hard to write for work and fit fiction in as well--wow, I'm impressed!