Whenever I’m asked advice by a newbie writer, one of my first responses is always “read, read, read.” Every writer, I believe, must be a reader too. It is from reading we really learn the tricks of the trade, such as what makes great dialogue, how to transition into a flashback, or how to craft great, compelling plots. Also, for anyone wanting to get published, it is wise to know the genre you wish to write in inside out – whether it’s mystery or thrillers or romance or literary fiction. This means you must read (and read and read!) as many books in your genre as possible.
Yet every time I dole out this advice, I wince a little because I know how hard it can be to “read, read, read.” As a stay at home mom with a five year old son I’m all too aware of how tricky it can be to fit in reading time. Between preparing dinner, doing the laundry, entertaining a fun-loving and curious boy, and trying to work on my next novel, it’s often hard for me to find those quiet moments to select a book, let alone get down to reading one.
But here are my two little secrets for reading time: the ipod and the bathroom!
First off, I’ve discovered the wonderful world of downloadable books. Audible.com is my favorite site and for a little less than a price of a paperback I can download all kinds of new, fun, and classic novels. When I work out at the gym, I listen. When I shuttle about town running errands, I pop my earphones in my ears. It’s amazing how much I’ve “read” in this way, from chick lit to Austen, from Naomi Klein to stories in the New Yorker. The audiobook has really opened up my reading world.
Second, I always keep a novel in the bathroom. If you really want to factor in some reading time, bathroom-reading is essential! Every time I go – yes, every time – I try and read a few paragraphs, ideally a page. It leads to a herky-jerky feeling with the novels I pick, but I have finished a good few books while sitting on the throne, getting those delightful red marks on the back of my thighs and a slightly chilled behind!
So that’s how I do it. I’d love to hear about how other people sneak in reading time. . . .
Joanne Rendell was born and raised in the UK. After completing a PhD in English Literature, she moved to the States to be with her husband, a professor at NYU. She now lives in faculty housing in New York City with her family. Joanne’s second novel, Crossing Washington Square, will be released next summer by NAL/Penguin.
Jennifer recently reviewed her first novel The Professors’ Wives’ Club at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Great tips, Joanne! I love audio books as well.
The two other things that help me are watching less TV and being on the computer less. If my hubby is watching sports, I have a choice of a book or the ‘net. I’ve been choosing books more and more.
The second is that I convince myself it’s like a job, since I’m a reviewer. The same goes for you — reading as a writer. It IS hard to squeeze in the time, but if we want to do it, we’ll make it happen.
I did the reading in the bathroom thing myself. It was the only place I could do it and say to the kids that I DON’T NEED COMPANY RIGHT NOW!! and they would really listen. My kids are much older now, so I don’t have to worry about that. Setting aside time to read is something I have to work at though, so I have a book by my bed and read for a little bit before I turn the light off and snuggle down. Funny thing is if I can’t find my book or I’m away without it, it’s difficult to settle down to sleep.
I don’t have kids so spending time with them is one obstacle I don’t have to overcome, but working full time and trying to run a business on the side leaves little time. I try to read in the morning, right after my shower. It grounds me for the day to come and my days are different if I don’t have that 5 minutes to read in the AM.
I read everytime I go to the bathroom too but not everyone can read a paragraph or two and then go back a few hours later and remember what happened. I’m glad I can.
Two times I’ve discovered I can sneak in reading a page or two: while I’m stirring something on the stove. And while I’m waiting for my (oh so slow) computer to boot up. Oh, also while I’m filling up my gas tank 🙂 Gotta always have at least a book or two in the car.
I read when my son goes to bed, & my husband is watching something I’m not interested in, or playing a game. I happen to be a fast reader, so I’ve managed to sneak in quite a few books between the hours of 8pm and midnight – last night I slurped down Goodnight Nobody (Jennifer Weiner) in 3 hours…
I also read while waiting in the pickup line at my son’s school, and I’ve spent time on the throne getting those same red marks as well! =P