Regrets. I
fulfilled ambitions. Goals were met. But I feel it hasn’t been without casting
off bits and pieces of my soul along the way. Sure, the education is fantastic.
I love the many things I’ve learned. Not only about writing but also
publishing, querying, and marketing.
The biggest regret though is editing, piercing the mind’s
eye and getting to the story via words, storyline, and clarity. Focusing on my
personal work is illuminating. But unfortunately, no one gave me the off switch
and I can’t turn it off.
And the horrible unintended consequence? Reading for
pleasure.
Since I was six,
I read everything I could get my grubby hands on. Tom Jones, Bambi, The Black Stallion books. The Three Musketeers and about every Heinlein book.
Arthur C. Clarke, J.R.R. Tolkein, J.K. Rowlings, Tom Clancy.
The Rabbi books by Harry Kelmelman (Friday, the Rabbi Slept Late, Thursday the Rabbi Walked Out), Mary
Stewart (Airs Above Ground, The Ivy Tree).
So many great books. So many wonderful places I’ve gone
without leaving my house.
*sigh*
Once any book, any genre interested me. Fiction, fantasy,
autobiography. Any novel, any subject.
I don’t know what happened. But my lack of interest
coincided with becoming an author.
4 comments:
Not alone at all. I have been listening to more novels than I have been reading. Part of the blame is on my daily hour-long commute, but I also find it easier to turn off my auto-editor when I'm listening. For me to read a book without focusing on the language, the plot needs to be so engaging that I lose myself in the story. Unless, of course, the writing is exceptional and there is nothing to edit. (I'm sure the latter exists.)
It'll come back. I think we all go through phases. There are times when the reading just isn't there. Your focus is too much on the minutae. But there will be a point when you can step back and read. Just know it's coming and don't fret too much.
I feel for you! I never imagined being unable to finish a book until a few years ago. And I haven't tried to publish my series! I hope Liz is right. ~hugs~ For now I'm just happy to enjoy writing so much. Be well!
I still love reading just as much as I did before I started writing – though I suppose I enjoy books in a slightly different way now.
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