How Reading Rescues Authors from Creative Slumps
This blog is all about the symbiotic relationship between authors and the timeless art of reading. We will discuss why reading serves as an indispensable tool, talking about how it can nurture creativity and storytelling. Don’t worry, it’s normal to fall into a reading slump. We’ll offer reasons it happens and offer tips to overcome reading slumps. I also want to challenge conventional wisdom by looking at alternative media that inspire authors. If you’re looking to reignite your passion for reading or looking for ways to break free of the slump, join us as I navigate the boundless world of literature and its ties to creativity.
We’ll begin by looking into why reading is a tool for writers, uncovering its ability to fuel creativity. Then, we’ll dive into the reading slumps and why they happen and talk about some tips and tricks on how to pop yourself out of these slumps. We will last challenge the traditional norms by looking into how other forms of media can offer the same inspiration for authors.
Why reading is an important tool?
As writers, we desire to tell a story and share it even if we are nervous about what others will think about our work. For some of us, this desire stems from reading or listening to stories as children. As a child, I had parents and grandparents who read in their free time. This created a belief that reading was a part of daily life. Those same parents gave that love of reading for pleasure to me by letting me pick my own books to read.
Reading is a portable magic that humans made to share stories. When someone reads, they hold on to that magic and remember the story in their own special way.
I have met fellow authors that were late to reading for enjoyment, and yet they still felt the urge to share their own worlds and stories with others.
Sakshi Nadkarni wrote a strong article for Gobookmart.com on Why Reading is as Important as Writing for Authors?
They give these reasons it’s important to authors;
helps authors find their own voice The voice of the writing is characterized by its carefully chosen vocabulary, distinct tone, unique point of view, and intentional sentence structure. There are three distinct types that it comes in. The author’s voice, character’s voice, and narrator’s voice each bring a unique perspective to the story. (What is Voice in Writing?, Jennifer Betts, B.A., YOURDICTIONARY)
identify what you like and dislike What genre do you like? What genre do you write in? What plot points, troupes, settings do you like is so important.
inspiration
helps writers pick up the nuance of language
You can come across types of language you may not be familiar with. Various factors can influence language, like idioms, accents, regional speech patterns, education levels, and personality traits.
the advantage of lessons already learned By reading, you can tap into others’ experiences and make more informed decisions. It’s a mixed bag, with some things clicking into place effortlessly while others fall flat. I’m talking about how the public responds to it, the criticism it faces, and the process of writing it. Understanding the nature of these elements and their significance is crucial for effective writing. Writers primarily write for the love of the craft, rather than seeking publicity or fame, but it’s essential to be aware of the challenges.
boost vocabulary I’m personally a dyslectic author, it affects my spelling and sometimes my sentence structure. Yet I’ve always been a voracious reader from a young age. I credit this trait to my large vocabulary and my high reading comprehension scores. Seven ways readers think differently than non readers.
Readers have more white brain matter, it helps improve the health of your brain. The language area of the brain increases, exercises multiple cognitive functions and increases blood flow to different parts of the brain.
Empathy
Have longer attention spans
Readers consider backstory. They more often consider context and backstory before making snap decisions.
Readers will choose to read over anything else. Sometimes spending all night reading a book they’ve been waiting for.
Budget with books in mind
You’ve Got Mail’s character Kathleen Kelly: “So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn’t it be the other way around?” (7 Ways Readers Think Differently than Other People, E. Ce Miller, Bustle)
Gain information on your genre and its trends It’s a form of research; Topics and how themes are used Devices used to better writing Flashbacks, conflicts, resolution, scene-setting
Understand writing from a reader’s perspective Some of you might be familiar with the phrase reading as a reader vs. reading as a writer. I have also watched a movie or show as a writer vs. just watching as a viewer.
Builds empathy Capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within the latter’s frame of reference.
Slumps aren’t just for Sports.
A reading slump is when your desire to read or your satisfaction in reading is low or non-existent. Some causes for a slump can include; reading multiple books at once, picking heavy books like classics, trying or feeling forced to read a book you don’t like, big life changes, too much of one genre. (Reading Slump Tips, Alex Portee, Today)
Some other causes can be burnout, stress, and distractions from other media or life.
These slumps can impact a writer’s productivity and creativity. Not only do they disrupt the flow of inspiration, but also hinder the development of storytelling skills. Looking at the common causes of reading slumps, it’s no wonder that a writer’s productivity and creativity could take a hit.
Let’s break the rules.
Exploring different mediums for inspiration can sometimes lead to a reading slump, but the impact may not be as significant. Some mediums that can offer similar inspiration, empathy, and perspective include:
Movies
TV shows
Computer and/or console gaming
Role play gaming with friends
Animation shows, shorts, and movies
On my Saturday writing and productivity live stream on YouTube on April 6, 2024. I asked my viewers, Other than reading, what type of media inspires you to write? And a viewer Kay Parquet said she gets inspiration from movies, games, and anime.
Rachel D. Adams, our Writer of the month from racheldadams.com, got the idea for her book series by playing role-playing games with co-author Dawn McClellan.
So you might not be reading, but you are gaining the same insights by consuming other mediums.
But, I’m not reading or doing the other stuff.
Here are some tips to pop out of that slump from Reading Slump Tips, Alex Portee, Today
Pick up shorter books
Books in verse might help
Try an audiobook while you clean, drive, or exercise
Reread old favorites. My favorite choice.
Rereading old favorite novels is like visiting old friends.
Head to the library and look or take a suggestion.
Immerse yourself in fiction
Watch a new show everyone’s talking about
Find a role play gaming group in your area. Try gaming stores for information.
Explore a new genre.
Hey you!
Reflect on personal experiences with reading slumps and share your strategies in the comment section.
This is from mydramalist.com
Enhypen- Drunk-dazed
Enhypen= Sweet Venom
Felix cover of Fix You- Coldplay
Enhypen cover of I Need U- BTS
The Boyz- Nectar
TXT- deja vu
Onlyoneof- Evergreen
Onlyoneof- Love me
Benson Boone- Waht do you Want
Led Zeppelin- No Quarter
NSB- Sunshine
Kinryy cover of Shinunoga e-wa- Fujii Kaze
Lisa- Say Goodbye
Chevelle- Red
Enhypen- Bite me
The Rampage from Exile Tribe- The Power
Julia Michaels- Heaven
Hasley= Without Me
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