Is it good to read novels if you're currently working on writing one?

Question

I don't know if this is normal but I tend to shy away from reading other people's work when i'm writing for fear i'll somehow become influenced by their writing style and subconsciously change my own.

Can your style/tone be affected by what you read if you're currently working on something, or does it help your writing?

Answer 1

In my opinion, it would be detrimental to your vision to read other people's work while you are writing.

Answer 2

The more you read the better. It feeds your imagination, can be instructive--both on what to do and what not to do, depending on what you're reading--and keeps your own writing fresh.

Everything you've read up until now has had an influence on your style, and everything you read going forward with have an influence on your style. But that's not a bad thing. In the end, what will come through is your own voice, thoughts, and ideas.

If you read a variety of things, your voice and style will be deeper and richer and more authentic.

Answer 3

I am currently writing my third novel,and sometimes I find it refreshing to read someone else's work to give my mind a little rest.
If you like to write, and you know what you are writing about (whatever genre it is in) then the odds are quite good that others will enjoy your work.
Others peoples style can actually polish up your own, so don't be afraid to read.
The biggest "Rule of Thumb" is that you should ALWAYS have fun, and like what you write...
...then others will follow suite.

Answer 4

It definitley affects your writing style - but your writing style has been shaped and affected all of your life by other authors :)

Reading whilst shaping your own novel deifnitley helps. It gives your mind a break from thinking abotu YOUR characters and YOUR plot and when you go back to your own work it can appear fresh and new, making it easier for you to continue.

If reading is something that you enjoy then don't shy away from it! Especially when you're trying to create something similar. You can gather ideas about structure or tension from other books!

Nobody's going to accuse you of plaguerism, so don't worry too much about it. :)

Answer 5

Of course the style and tone of the books you read do influence you. But they influence you to find your own voice.

I am working on my fourth novel and have several short stories that I've written in the past couple of weeks, while at the same time I've read four novels (for reviews) and another three for my own pleasure.

My books are mine. Their work is theirs. You learn by reading, you develope by reading, you grow by reading. READ and don't worry about the novel, unless your coping the book, its yours--all yours.

Answer 6

Yes and yes. It is good to read and it does effect your writing. I believe Stephen King once recommended reading 80% of the time and writing 20% of the time.

I wouldn't worry about negative effect. you will find the more you write the more yo will develop your own style

Answer 7

When I am working on writing then I will read other peoples work. It gives me inspiration to keep going, but don't take that to mean that I take other peoples ideas because I don't.

Answer 8

Consencrate on your own writing and not worry about reading a novel . distraction I would think

Answer 9

yes it is good to read novels when writing one. i am currently ploting a novel myself and find it helps with things such as spelling vocabluary and structural ideas.
good luck on the novel!!
xxx

Answer 10

It can influence it but it can also change it. You may tend to use the writers ideas.