But to learn more about writing craft, I'll need to study how authors do whatever they do well -- imagery, plot construction, clue-planting, story presentation, dialogue, characterization, pacing, etc. There are techniques available to writers that I've never learned. Until I have an editor or take a formal class, some self-directed study will be in order.
I mean, I want to read only for pleasure, yet I think the days of carefree book consumption will soon end because I want more to improve my writing.
Writers, do you study authors' work with intention? If so, how do you go about doing so? Do you make notes? Map plot structure? Is it an ongoing process or particular to one stage of writing (e.g.: revisions)? Has your study made your writing more effective?
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6 ate pie:
I don't usually study what I'm reading - I always think that I should, but I only ever notice things that don't work. If something works, then I tend to just let myself be swept along with the story, and, to be honest, I like it that way. I think right now there's still a lot I can learn simply from articles and books about writing. I expect there will come a point where I have to start figuring out what makes a book work for me by analysing the words on the page, but for now, I'm happy not worrying about it!
I totally learn while I read. Don't get me wrong - I read for pleasure first - But I make notes of things I love. And I practice things in the writing I do daily.
I was struggling with this too. I don't like the idea of keeping my distance from a story in order to pick it apart (that's the only way I can see it). But I knew I could learn loads, both from what works and what doesn't.
Then I came up with a trick that's really helping me. It's taken some tries to figure it all out, and I'm still feeling my way, but it's working.
I blog (positive) book reviews now.
By becoming a book blogger, I can let myself read a book for enjoyment, while at the same time listening to my reader reactions. If I liked the characters or disliked the pacing, if a plot point felt weakish or if that twist blew my mind, things like that. I'm not there with a pen and paper to jot notes.
I do, however, let a book settle into my mind after I've finished. That helps me find my final thoughts on the story. And blogging the reviews pushes me to really think about what I felt about the story, and to better notice the things I liked or didn't like.
I suggest it, even if it's just for yourself or your close friends.
Hope that helps!
^_^
I agree with Davina; I try to pay attention but then get swept up in the story. I did take notes on a second read-through of Percy Jackson when working on pacing, so I've started doing better on the noticing and writing down thing.
I read for the story first, and whatever I learn is secondary. But I have learned a lot - I think it helps you develop a natural sense of how language sounds in a particular genre. I re-read if I want to study something specific, like how the author constructed their POV or wrote an action sequence.
Davina - noticing the things that don't work - yes! Sometimes they make it hard to imagine there's anything to be learned from a book.
Christine - so diligent. Will use you as a role model.
Brittany - cool that you found a method that works for you. I envy your ability to let a book settle after reading it. I'm usually too hungry for the next book on my list. :D
Sarah - Perhaps the 2nd read-through is the optimal time to study a book. Good thing I won't have to read every book twice. :)
Andrea - You're right about the language. I'm doing a genre challenge right now and finding similarities within the genres. I wonder if the breakout hits in a genre use the "accepted" language or break the language rules for that genre. Hmm.
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