Amanda, I'm a lifelong slow reader because I read critically. And my reading critically comes from earning a B A. in literature where we had to analyze everything, then teaching high school English and elementary school language arts. I can't remember when I last, if ever, read "for fun." Thanks for your article!
I love that your family has a designated reading hour when everyone must sit down with a book! I also saw in the book stack photo that you have a Tanya French book. I adore her writing.
Laurie, I really thought I was going to get a lot of push back from my 8 yo for instituting a reading hour. Instead, he reminds me when we've missed it. It's so great.
This post resonates with me as a reader and a writer, and also a teacher of creative writing. Once, a student of mine who became a well-known writer, told me that writers who read too much have trouble finding their own voices. I've thought about that often, and while I see his point, I still believe critical reading improves and enriches one's writing.
I've always read slowly. But now that I'm a writer I also read critically. Your piece gives a nice perspective on work that should be pleasureful. For novels where I won't have to concentrate as much on the text, I listen to audiobooks. I can do that while in the car or working out.
Great information. In my writing circles and mentoring writers, this is the one approach to working with their writing I encourage -- read your manuscript like a reader. As a writer, we tend to fill in a lot that doesn't get to the page. Thank you for this!
I'm a notoriously slow reader, too, Amanda! Same as you, I read about a book a week. I find if I rush through a book, the experience is not as fulfilling. Also, if I read fast or skim, I lose out on some important details. Then later when things move toward the conclusion, I'm struggling to find the fit. So thanks for permission to go at my own pace.
Amanda, I'm a lifelong slow reader because I read critically. And my reading critically comes from earning a B A. in literature where we had to analyze everything, then teaching high school English and elementary school language arts. I can't remember when I last, if ever, read "for fun." Thanks for your article!
Yes. When you're a teacher, reading critically becomes second nature. Good to hear I'm not the only one.
I love that your family has a designated reading hour when everyone must sit down with a book! I also saw in the book stack photo that you have a Tanya French book. I adore her writing.
Laurie, I really thought I was going to get a lot of push back from my 8 yo for instituting a reading hour. Instead, he reminds me when we've missed it. It's so great.
And, I agree, Tana French is amazing!
This post resonates with me as a reader and a writer, and also a teacher of creative writing. Once, a student of mine who became a well-known writer, told me that writers who read too much have trouble finding their own voices. I've thought about that often, and while I see his point, I still believe critical reading improves and enriches one's writing.
I agree, Saralyn. It enriches your own practice! It's funny, I've heard your student's sentiment before. It always surprises me a little.
I've always read slowly. But now that I'm a writer I also read critically. Your piece gives a nice perspective on work that should be pleasureful. For novels where I won't have to concentrate as much on the text, I listen to audiobooks. I can do that while in the car or working out.
Great information. In my writing circles and mentoring writers, this is the one approach to working with their writing I encourage -- read your manuscript like a reader. As a writer, we tend to fill in a lot that doesn't get to the page. Thank you for this!
I like that advice, Julie.
I'm a notoriously slow reader, too, Amanda! Same as you, I read about a book a week. I find if I rush through a book, the experience is not as fulfilling. Also, if I read fast or skim, I lose out on some important details. Then later when things move toward the conclusion, I'm struggling to find the fit. So thanks for permission to go at my own pace.