Can What You Read Affect What You Write?
For The Last Two Weeks, I Have Found Creating New Work Very Difficult.
Introduction
I think by writing this, I am proving myself wrong in my premise, which is a certain book I am reading is stopping me from writing, or at least being creative.
The music I have included is "I Am The Resurrection" by The Stone Roses because friends have resurrected me when I thought I had reached the end of the writing road, and I know I AM THE RESURRECTION for many Vocal creators who were losing belief in themselves, but now on to the meat of this article.
So, How Have I Been Affected?
I was reading the second of these books in tandem with the "difficult" second volume of the Pyat quartet of books by Michael Moorcock, but when I finished the Pyat book, I decided to concentrate on "Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World" and that is when my problems seemed to start.
It was not helped by Vocal's "day off" and my three-day Nightcafe suspension, but these were just bumps in the road, which I am fine dealing with.
The problem is that, for me, this book is too based in reality. It could be your next-door neighbours, workmates or family. Don't get me wrong, those books are great reads, but they don't seem to inspire me to do something.
When I read, I expect something to jump into my head and kick off a new story or article. This was giving me nothing, although I am tempted to read another of his books unrelated to these two.
I only have a hundred pages to go, then it's time for the third Pyat one, "Jerusalem Commands"
And/Or The Outrun by Amy Liptrot, which my friend Katie lent me:
Conclusion
I find inspiration in art, books, music, films and nature, so hopefully things will pick up soon.
Thank you for reading.
About the Creator
Mike Singleton π Mikeydred
A Weaver of Tales and Poetry
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Comments (7)
Oh no, why were you suspended from Nightcafe? To answer your question, no, what I read doesn't affect what I write
I hope your creativity returns soon.
I find it hard to read consistently but that may be because I'm a slow reader. I will oftentimes listen to a book as I knit or crochet and it seems to go a bit faster but I feel like it's not the same experience. As a writer, I know I need to read more and there are plenty of books on my TBR list. In the past, I've found that some books I read (or listen to) are more inspiring than others so I think it's more about the theme or how it's written than anything else. Perhaps switching to something in a different genre for your next read will help?
I find of late my reading has taken a back seat. Not being well, my poetry and family tree taking up all my time. I understand the needing inspiration good luck ππ»π»π»π»
Read away. These are not my type of books, then again I have never gave them a chance, perhaps I shall one day.
I'd heard of Moorcock, of course, but I didn't know what the Pyat series was about. After looking it up, I can see why it may be distracting. I am the kind of person who will put a book down ten pages from the end if it suddenly takes a turn for the worse. If I were in your current situation, I might find something else, more inspiring to read. Of course, I am not you, so good luck with the reading and writing.
Interesting article. I think I feel the same sometimes. Or sometimes I'll read something a little bit too good and think "Why the hell am I even bothering?" but then kick myself into gear. Or if there is something with a twisty plot that takes up all my focus in my already chaotic mind, that can cause issues. I constantly tell anyone, I don't really get blocks though. Not in the traditional sense. When I hit a wall with a story, I move onto one of the other projects I'm working on. That seems to work for me. But, I 100% know what you mean when you can't find inspiration or the right inspiration. Great read, Mike! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, as always!