It is once again time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting. This is a wonderful chance for light-sensitive writers to reach through their computer screens to the larger web. Come witness the stunning poltergeist effect. It is quite entertaining.
The fantastic co-hosts for this month are Misha Gericke, Christy LK Hill, Juneta Key, and Joylene Buter!
This month’s question is: How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?
Being a writer has changed my reading experience in two primary ways. First and foremost, I’m pickier. There were few chances before I began writing more seriously in which I would put a book down after getting a few chapters into it. Even so-so books had to be finished. I had to know. I’m plot and character hungry and have always been. Only very bad books escaped my hunger before.
And now? I struggle with some of the so-so books. I have such huge to-read stacks to fuel my writing. I just can’t take on many of the mediocre ones any longer.
This is also partially connected to my second biggest change: I read as much for craft as story. I rarely noticed craft elements when I use to read before. As I said, hungry. Devour might even be a better word for how I use to read. But now, I pause and admire or criticize POV decisions, character arcs, single book and series arcs, etc…
I can see behind the walls now.
***********************
Time for the weekly news. I will stay clear of the bright, red news dominating in the U.S. at this moment. I. Just. Can’t.
This first story seems like an interesting and helpful product, but as the comments address, it could get weird. Kudos to Frito Lay, though. Good idea!
I hate sagging pants as much as the next girl, but psychological counseling as a stepped-up consequence? Pardon me while I roll my eyes.
In science news: I love volcanoes! So beautiful!
http://www.livescience.com/57701-lava-firehose-steams-into-ocean.html
That’s it for me again this week. See you here in seven.
kimlajevardi 
I read an article a few months ago that I can’t seem to get out of my head from Wait But Why. They were talking about how we only have so many more of X in our life. So many more presidents, so many more super bowls, so many more vacations, so many more days with loved ones, etc, etc… The one that caught me by surprise is that if you only read X number of books per year and you are X age, you only have __ number of books you’ll be able to read in your life. And, of course, I was thinking … “Wait. But why?!?” 😉 Of course, even after reading the article I have continued to read books to completion, but reading this post has me reconsidering. Maybe my time would be better spent not finishing the books I don’t like and moving on to the books that really capture my attention and beg to be finished. I’m not saying I will do that, but it definitely has me reconsidering my approach to reading… After all, I will only be able to read so many more books in my lifetime. Thanks for your input on reading and how writing has changed the way you read. 🙂
My answer nearly matched yours. At least I’m not wasting time waiting for a book to get good. Problems in pacing and character issues jump out at me.
Pacing and character are both biggies.
I am the same way. I used to force myself to finish a book. Now, I have no guilt about putting it aside from something I like better.
I hope you have a really good book in your hands right now. 🙂
The lava falling into the ocean was wild. The closeup view didn’t even look real.
I agree. So beautiful!
You can “see behind the walls”. That’s the perfect way to put it. I notice plot holes more, and when an author hasn’t worked hard enough to create likeable characters. On the other hand, one of my biggest hurdles is character arc and motivation. Those need a lot of revising over many passes, whereas plot is never a problem for me.
OMG those Tostitos tweets were hilarious!! Hmm, a white, blue-eyed Republican from the Midwest who wants to fine people for saggy pants, which as we all know are mostly worn by blacks. Shocker. I love Hawaii whether it’s spewing lava or not. 😉 Have a great day, Kim! ❤
Character is easier for me than plot, which is why I’m so glad to have an swesome critique partner with plot as her strength. 😉
They were awesome tweets. I hope you had a great day as well, Lex!
I actually saw someone’s jeans fall down in the street because they were wearing them so low and they were so skinny there was nothing to hang them on to. I doubt it stopped him doing it. The trend as largely disappeared in the UK now, in my observation.
I’m slightly the other way when it comes to reading – because I know how much effort has gone into writing the book, even if it’s not altogether very good, I think the author deserves my attention. I’m more likely to do that for an indie writer, though – I read a book by Rachel Cusk recently which I didn’t get to the end of.
You are kind to think of the writer’s effort. Indie writers are definitely worthwhile recipients.
Life is too short not to enjoy good books.
Baggy pants is just stupid fashion sense. And indecent exposure.
I agree about good books. Baggy pants are stupid and indecent, but probably not curable with therapy. That cracked me up.