Read your way in...
...when words are hiding
Last night I was lying in bed reading a short story collection - Antarctica by Clare Keegan - and an idea for a new short story sprang into my head that made me open my phone and make a long note. You know the kind. This morning, I opened it and could barely look. But it actually makes sense. So many of these late-night notes don’t.
This has cheered me for a few reasons. First, that I’ve struggled recently to come up with new ideas. Writing to schedule hasn’t worked for me and I’ve already talked about how I work in quite a random way. Second, when I’m feeling stuck, reading is often hard so being connected to a story in this way just felt really nice. And lastly, it reminded me why reading is so important for us as writers.
I often have ideas when I’m reading. This usually happens when I’m reading what I think of as good writing. Writing that inspires me, writing that is in a strong voice, a clear voice and that makes me remember why I love reading. Writing that makes characters sing, that makes change happen and leaves us thinking afterwards. And it reminds me that reading and writing are completely emmeshed.
When I have a reading inspired idea, I always take some time to unpick it. I worry that I’m stealing ideas, replicating things, not being original. But it’s never the case. This new idea, a character, sprang from the affecting and complex storytelling used by Keegan. Allowing ourselves to be inspired by literature, rather than worrying that we could never achieve the same, is a revelation. It isn’t easy, but it’s an exercise in reframing that is so valuable.
So, when you next pick up a book, and the ideas speak to you, think about why. What is it about this piece of writing that makes you remember why you write? What is so good (or bad) about it? How can it help your own writing?
I’d love to hear about what you’re reading…I’ve been unwell now for a couple of weeks so am going gentle but hoping to work through my TBR pile over the festive break Let me know in the comments below.
Sarah
I am currently reading Katherine Mansfield's The Garden Party - I need to write a short story for our writers group and am struggling to find time and words, so am hoping for inspiration from Katherine. I haven't read her for a long time and the writing feels familiar but uncertain - like revisiting a place after many years and not quite remembering the streets.
I have also just started The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell - after weeks, actually months, of not being able to get out for walks in the countryside I think I have some form of cabin fever. Am not far into the book yet but am finding her insights and honesty helpful.
I've been reading The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph for weeks now. I was really looking forward to this novel, and I *think* I'm enjoying it, but apparently not enough to sit down and concentrate on it for more than ten minutes. I find there are some books that set me off scribbling down loads of ideas, but they tend to be nonfiction.