I love to write short stories and have learned that to be a better writer I must read a lot. My problem is when I read, I find myself drifting off unconsiously. The only reading I really get into is that which I have written. How do I stop drifting off when I read? Anyone have this same problem?
Thank you for any help you can offer!
2007-01-01 13:59:19 · 22 answers · asked by NeckLover 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Practice makes better
*Vam*
2007-01-01 14:00:13 · answer #1 · answered by Heartless Vampire 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Practice, is the only thing that will help. You sound like you may have some attention issues. I hate calling it a deficit because I find generally it is an overload if anything. My guess is you drift off because you are distracted by movement or other noises around you while you are working. These noises can be ignored by the average person who in most cases is not even aware of them unless you point them out. Same with movements. You like to write and are probably very artistic too. This problem you are having may seem like a handicap now but once you learn to block things out, you will find it is a gift. Practice not only reading but isolating yourself from things that draw your attention back to past written work. My guess it is in your environment and you will have to relocate to a place other then where you have been reading. Good luck, many gifted people have the same issue.
2007-01-01 22:13:42 · answer #2 · answered by JAN 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My wife reads at the same speed whether she is reading and speaking the words or not. I read much more quickly with eyes only than when I have to read so someone else can hear the words.
I suggest that you are drifting off because you are reading too slowly and are not reading for comprehension. I have had that happen to me - I realize that my eyes are passing over the words, but I don't have a clue as to what the paragraphs mean as a unit.
Recommendation: Start by taking brief notes as you read to sharpen the focus on analyzing what you are reading. Actually write it down.
As you improve focus, you can take the notes mentally and write them at the end of each chapter.
2007-01-01 22:07:34 · answer #3 · answered by Thomas K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read a book that is similar to the short stories you write. If you are interested in what you are reading you won't drift off as much.
It will make you a better reader and writer.
2007-01-02 00:27:35 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're reading material that you are not interested in.
You say you love to write, so read authors/books that inspire you. So many people think it's more important to read every book that is on the Best Sellers list, rather then something that will move them emotionally.
Start with a genre you like and move from there.
2007-01-01 22:05:09 · answer #5 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start out with reading what interests you . . . comic books, cereal boxes, magazine, short story, story article.
If the topic interests you...you will read more. Then as you read more, you will read more...and so it goes.
Who or what interests you ? As you read more, find a book of topic that specifically interests you. If the topic interests you...you will read more.
Some might say...don't read a comic book, or 'empty minded' magazine . . . If it will get you reading . . . that it's fine.
Just keep seeking to expand on your reading material.
And...compliments to you for caring to read more...especially for the benefit of your interest in writing.
By the way, by some other posts I read on this site . . . your question was expressed and WRITTEN very well.
Compliments.
.
2007-01-01 22:07:26 · answer #6 · answered by onelight 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In between chapters stop yourself and review everything that's going on. Try putting on a mark on certain pages where you can stop and review the story. If you feel you missed something, go back and re-read.
Or a simpler way, find a series you like and stick to that series so reading can be fun.
2007-01-01 22:03:48 · answer #7 · answered by hannahrocksthisworld 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start by reading 10-20 pages at a time. Then increase gradually
2007-01-01 22:01:29 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, what are u into? most likely ur drifting off because ur bored of the book ur reading, find something like ur books, aroung the same lines, or get the recorded tapes u can listen to that are book <3
2007-01-01 22:01:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you are reading the wrong type of books. Read something more interesting, take baby steps, and then as you gain more interest in reading you can start on different topics.
2007-01-01 22:00:58 · answer #10 · answered by ~carmie~ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Read at least an hour a day. Write done words you dont know. Look them up. Have a dictionary near by.
2007-01-01 22:01:12 · answer #11 · answered by Poetic Jezebel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋