Writer vs. Reader

I'm working my way through all of Jim Butcher's Dresden series. About a year ago, I started in with his current one, which turned out to be #8, and so after reading a couple of the stories out of order, I decided to start from square one. Some of his books were excellent in the don't-interrupt-me-I'm-reading context and others were simply okay. But I have truly enjoyed his convoluted plot and Harry's self-depreciation style.

As one progresses as a writer, it becomes harder and harder finding really good stories to read. It takes more to draw the writer/reader in and involved in the story. I guess we are just too picky, thinking about how we might do it differently. Our expectations are higher for a quality product. With the exception of Butcher, most of my reading is slightly out of genre.

Love historicals--couldn't write one if I tried, and I tried. I love fantasy, romance, and craft books. I've tried my hand at romance--talk about having a tough time with the hero/heroine conflict--Ugh! I love romance, but I can't write all that angsty stuff. I love fantasy, especially the Anne and Todd McCaffery Pern series. Yes, Anne is really, really old, and Todd has been getting better as a writer of the Pern stories, which has drawn me back into the fold. And craft books--they are more hit and miss type books, uh, bathroom books, ya know, read a few pages here and there scenario.

As a writer, I have greater expectations than the average reader. I won't waste my time finishing a ho-hum book. Oh, I'll try to get through a few chapters, but if it doesn't engage me then it goes in the donate pile. And trust me, I've had a few of my favorite authors land in this pile! I think it's hard to find an author worthy of reading. But what it does is push you to stretch as a writer. To discover what and why something worked, and how to incorporate that feeling into your own stories. It helps you discover what might be missing.

I used to say that I wanted to be Jim Butcher when I grew up.
But really, I simply want to be Margaret Golla with my own voice and style.

Write on!