If you're doing that, maybe the books you're reading aren't very well written. Try reading work that is better than what you can write!
I wonder if it gets worse, the better the writer you are. I mean, when I imagine someone who's really skilled with words like an Amy Tan type, reading something, I imagine her thinking "I could've said that better" or "Why didn't he say it THIS way, it would've given it greater impact?" Is it possible for the best writers in the world to enjoy reading?ETS PRESS said:It's called "reading like a writer".
Ha! I've wondered the same thing. So, there's no solution to turning off the "inner editor", just find better books, better writers? Better than me? Psshh, impossible.vrabinec said:I wonder if it gets worse, the better the writer you are. I mean, when I imagine someone who's really skilled with words like an Amy Tan type, reading something, I imagine her thinking "I could've said that better" or "Why didn't he say it THIS way, it would've given it greater impact?" Is it possible for the best writers in the world to enjoy reading?
Roll with it. You'll learn to shut it off better as you get more practice. You needn't force yourself to finish something that's bothering you, but don't despair.markobeezy said:No, I haven't actually lost the ability to read, just the ability to enjoy a book without mentally editing every sentence. I know that reading alot makes a writer better, but nowadays when I pick up a book it just feels like more work, almost like cross-training. I hate to think that after 3 novels I'm losing my motivation but I've definitely lost some of my reads-for-pleasure mindset. Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions?
This.Jan Strnad said:If you're doing that, maybe the books you're reading aren't very well written. Try reading work that is better than what you can write!
I have done this for many years, it is impossible to "turn off" the editor, it is a subconscious, almost autonomic response. As I have very seldom found a perfect book I have no expectations and can switch away from analytic edit mode to "story edit" mode and just enjoy (or not) the characters and the plot. If the writing is too atrocious, or the dialogue too forced or unnatural it will intrude on the story being told, but even then, flawed as it is, if the story grips me I can still enjoy the book. It is like listening to a good raconteur, although their language is often less than grammatically ideal they can still hold your interest and entertain.markobeezy said:No, I haven't actually lost the ability to read, just the ability to enjoy a book without mentally editing every sentence. I know that reading alot makes a writer better, but nowadays when I pick up a book it just feels like more work, almost like cross-training. I hate to think that after 3 novels I'm losing my motivation but I've definitely lost some of my reads-for-pleasure mindset. Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions?