A guest post by Belinda Nicoll/@BelindaNicoll
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Benjamin Franklin
I am very pleased to feature Freelance Writer, Memoir Author and Creativity Coach Belinda Nicoll in this guest post. Belinda and I met in Sonia Marsh‘s Gutsy Indie Publisher Facebook group. She blogs about creative writing, the changing world of books and publishing and offers a series of rite-of-passages stories by guest writers. Her current series, What is the Gist of Your Story, features guest bloggers who discuss how the premise and themes of their books can be the basis of effective book publicity.
Her favorite topics are personal transformation and global change. Here are my reviews of her memoir, Out of Sync on Amazon and Goodreads. She is currently working on a novel.
We are told that in order to be a good writer, we need to be a good reader. Belinda shares her thoughts on how her writing process has influenced her reading habits and then how her habits have changed.
Welcome Belinda!
As a cognitive process, reading is a means of acquiring knowledge; it’s a complex interaction between the nature of the content—informative, educational, persuasive, entertaining—and the objectives of the reader. When you read, you bring your attitudes, skills, values and beliefs to the experience; if you approach a text with an open mind, it’s likely you’ll feel changed in some way when you get to the end of the book; but if you’re set in your ways, certain content might make you feel uncomfortable or even bring about a dislike of the author.
After I started writing my memoir, Out of Sync, I was unable to read for pleasure. I had work to do—stepping into my student shoes, I plowed through creative writing guides, absorbing the do’s and don’ts of memoir-writing. I read other memoirs to emulate the style of writers I admire: Alexandra Fuller, Jeanette Walls, Frank McCourt, Joan Connor, and many more. I read news reports about the economic growth in post-apartheid South Africa to make sure I get my facts right in describing how the changes there caught my husband and I off-guard after our expatriation to the U.S. in 2001. I read world news to stay abreast of globalization, one of the themes of my memoir and a concept a lot of Americans were still in denial about. I read forecasts about the world economy; we could relate to predictions of rising inflation in the U.S., because we’d been through it in South Africa and were recognizing the signs. I cried every time I read a story about people who’d lost loved ones in the 9/11 disaster—it wasn’t easy writing the chapter of my memoir that deals with our arrival at JFK International Airport on that fateful day. I read and made notes; I read and jotted down references; I read and edited my memoir, again, and again.
Until recently, long after the completion of my memoir, I’ve been the worst novel reader imaginable—I could not read even a chapter without dissecting the text and noting (for instance):
- if the protagonist, antagonist, and others are represented as flat or multi-dimensional characters;
- if point of view is that of the narrator’s or if the story is told from first-, second-, or omniscient perspective;
- how setting is used in providing a historical or cultural context for the characters;
- if dialogue is stilted or natural, or if it’s (mis)used as information dump;
- if the plot abides by the prescribed structure of the book’s genre;
- if the author is making use of special literary devices such as back-story, cliffhangers, flashbacks, or letter and emails (parts of my memoir are told in epistolary style as I inserted certain email exchanges between me and my family).
I had turned into such a critical reader that my husband complained, saying “Please do not tell me what you think of that book or its author until I’ve read it.” When I started selling my published memoir, my reading shifted to the how-to topics of book publicity. Slowly, I started reading novels for relaxation again; and now, when I read the memoirs of my peers with the intention of posting a review for them, I manage to ‘go with the flow’ and concentrate on how the story makes me feel rather than attempt to critique it. I’ve even joined a book club again, and even though the other members seem a little dazzled by having an author in their midst, I’m trying to act like a reader and not a writer.
Having said that, I’m currently working on my first novel, so I’ve got books strewn all over the house in preparation for research: Cults In Our Midst by M.T. Singer, Monster by A. Hall, The Great Anglo-Boer War by Farwell…of course, I’m doing my best to ignore my husband, who’s shaking his head, mumbling, “There we go again…”
Bio
Belinda is a freelance writer, indie author, and creativity coach. She blogs about issues related to writing and creativity, as well as her favorite subject: change. Her memoir, Out of Sync, is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and Kalahari (South Africa). You can follow Belinda at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
Thank you , Belinda for showing us how the writing process has influenced your reading habits. I know that once I started writing, I started reading books differently, with an eye out for what works and what doesn’t. You bring up a good point though about getting back to reading for the pure enjoyment of being immersed in a story.
How about you? Have your reading habits changed since you started writing?
We’d love to hear from you. Belinda will be giving away a free copy of her memoir, Out of Sync, to a random commenter so please leave your comments below~
Next Week: “Lessons I’ve Learned About Revising My Memoir-In-Progress” on March 4 followed by “Re-visioning Memoir: An Interview with Linda Joy Myers” on March 7.
Great post, Belinda. I’m in the midst of reading Out of Sync, and I can see how being too immersed in “reading as writer,” can affect one’s overall enjoyment of a novel. It’s a double-edged sword, isn’t it?
Now that I more fully understand the mechanics that go into writing, it’s like I’m waiting for the 15-20% mark of any book or movie to see if the “inciting event” happens. BUT, now, I enjoy it that much more when the writer creates that event in a new or exciting way, or if it particularly draws me into the story emotionally.
Looking forward to your novel-in-progress!
Laura
Nice to see you here, Laura. Thanks for your comments about being tuned into the mechanics of writing and how writers can provide their own unique twist to all the rules. I agree , Belinda’s post is thought-provoking and I am looking forward to reading her novel as well.
Hey Laura,
It is, indeed, a double-edged sword. I tend to have the same response to movies re. the plot line, though I try and keep it to myself so as not to irritate my husband. But sometimes I can’t help myself and I’ll say something like, “We’re in for a flat plot line; don’t expect much to happen until the end.” Sometimes, I’m proven wrong. It’s fun to have a better understanding of all those literary dynamics that make up a story.
I hope you’re enjoying my story…can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂
Hi Kathy,
Thank you so much for hosting me here at Memoir Writer’s Journey. What on earth possessed me to provide that profile image? Ah, now I remember – it symbolizes the start of my story: our wedding. “Just blame the whole ordeal on love,” my husband said every time I agonized over certain parts of that memoir.
Thanks again for all your support in this marketing phase, Kathy. I can’t wait to read your book.
Hugs,
Belinda.
Dear Belinda,
What a pleasure it is to feature you this week and help you promote your memoir. I think that’s a great picture of you. It reflects the spunk and determination of that young woman in Out of Sync to explore her boundaries until she finds herself. Your husband has a good point, blaming it on love is a great reason. 🙂 You have some interesting and thought-provoking points in your post about how reading and writing go hand-in-hand and can change over time.
Thank you for a great post and discussion.
Hugs back,
Kahty
Yes, our motivations and habits change all the time, sometimes subconsciously. Come to think of it, I was a latecomer to e-books and, at first, did not expect to enjoy my Kindle – now I can’t imagine life without it.
I definitely resonate with the importance of reading if we are writers. I am currently writing a novel and have been encouraged to read all the novels I can get my hands on. In the words of my latest writing instructor: Read like a writer – but reading critically is a tough assignment. It certainly gets in the way of the pleasure of reading.
Thanks, Kathy, for sharing Belinda’s insights with us.
Hi Madeline,
Thanks for stopping by. It’s an interesting process to play around with the different nuances of reading; I’m definitely a lot more able now to set a specific intention for a book: sometimes I just want to read for enjoyment, other times it’s purely for research or learning, and then, lately, I’m also more able to combine those intentions.
Good luck with your reading and writing, Madeline.
Dear Madeline, Another memoirist writing a novel. There must be something to this trend. I’m watching you all closely! Thanks for your comments. I’m happy you enjoyed Belinda’s interesting post. Though I noticed I started reading differently when I started writing, I never thought about how that might interfere with reading for enjoyment until she brought it up.
lovely post and oh so familiar. I’m working on my memoir at the moment and only want to read memoirs and how to books. I’ve never loved reading novels much, but love nonfiction. I wonder if I’ll want to write a novel when I’m done with my current project.
Welcome Joan! it’s so nice to see you here. I totally understand your question about wondering if you will write a novel after finishing a memoir. I see so many memoir writers doing that. Memoirs are fraught with complicating factors-truth, honesty, liability,etc that I ponder the same thought myself. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed Belinda’s post.
Best wishes,
Kathy
Hey Joan,
Thanks for your feedback. That’s an interesting thought; I’ve always wanted to write fiction, but my memoir was a good practice run. Even though I’m working on my next nonfiction – a creative writing guide – I can’t wait to get back to my novel; that’s where I see the future for myself as a writer.
I’m about one third into my novel, but the creative writing guide is calling louder; it’s an extension of my MFA craft thesis and graduation workshop and, no doubt, it will serve me well as a teacher of creative writing. I’m very excited; it’s based on a specific behavior change model and some life coaching concepts. I believe it’s a fresh approach to creative writing, so watch this space… 🙂
Thank you for reminding me that “When you read, you bring your attitudes, skills, values and beliefs to the experience.” I teach in an international school and this is so important to keep in mind especially when studying British and American classics such as David Copperfield or To Kill a Mockingbird. As a writer and educator, I also found that the questions you asked as you dissected texts are valuable to students and professionals. Thanks Belinda and Kathy. I am looking forward to reading Out of Sync…as an expat I know that feeling well.
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the kind feedback; I’m glad you found some value in the article. Ooh yes, cultural orientation is pivotal to perception, and expression too. I recently came across an online debate between British writers who are hoping to market their books in the U.S.; they were agonizing about whether to adhere to British or American spelling and grammar rules.
Those aren’t easy decisions, because they not only hinge on your readership but depend on how you want yourself, your characters, and your story as a whole to be perceived. I decided to stick with U.S. spelling, though I used a lot of colloquialisms. Readers have noticed and responded positively, so maybe that was the right ‘treatment’ for my memoir.
Good luck with your teachings.
Hi Pat, I know you will enjoy Out of Sync from an expat perspective. Thanks for stopping by. Your thoguths are appreciated, as always
Thanks for the astute comment. I have found that at different periods of my life, I was unable to read “serious literature.” I had thought I would be an English professor, but the job market created a 20-year successful business journalism career. During this period, I could read nothing but cookbooks and thrillers, I guess because I spent my days writing about the Federal Reserve System and Midwest regulations on almost everthing. Now I am trying to write a memoir for my family–I’ve had a rather complex and interesting life, but it’s rough going. Painful. I now find I can read history and some “serious” stuff. I love the Women’s Story Network reading circles push which gives me a needed shove. It’s good to know I’m not alone. Any other suggestions.? I will read your memoir. Julie
Welcome to Memoir Writer’s Journey, Julie! it’s nice to meet you and hear your story. You bring up an interesting point about how our careers-where we spend most of our time- can sometimes shape our reading habits. It sounds like you have found support in the Women’s Story Network reading circles ( do you have a link for that?) to explore other reading interests. I’m not sure what suggestions you need but I have heard that reading different genres will sharpen writing skills. Also if you choose to write in a particular genre as you are doing with memoir, it is advised that you read as much as you can in that genre. Does that answer your question? What does everyone else think?
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Best wishes on your memoir Hope to see you again.
Kathy
Hello Julie,
You’re welcome, and you’re definitely in good company seeing as we all agree that neither writing nor reading always ‘flow’ the way you’d like it to. I wish I read more cookbooks in my life, but…ah well…at least my husband likes eating out.
Here’s some advice: let the writing flow until you’re able to discern the main themes, but being clear on the essence of your story is important, unless you already know what it is; if you’re not working with a critiquing group yet, find one – the support and feedback are vital to the process; pay attention to structure as soon as you can (it was the one thing that caused me to do a major re-write and cost me valuable time); if you want some pointers about “change,” please visit my blog and check out the CHANGE means series – they’re mostly written by guest memoirists.
I hope that helps a bit – good luck; I look forward to seeing you around. Kathy mentioned the Gutsy Indie Authors Facebook Group; you should check that out – it’s a great support group.
I started reading differently when I started blogging about lifewriting and reviewing books on my blog or Amazon or Goodreads. Many times I take notes while reading books I’ll be writing about on the blog. Sometimes I just want to read lightweight novels for fun, but usually end up reviewing them on at least Goodreads anyway. I do accommodate how I feel about a book, though, not just what works and what doesn’t in story and technique because it’s not fun to only read critically, and there’s more to good reading than great technique, if you notice some of the bestsellers these days.
Hi Linda,
Thank goodness for readers like you who review willingly. Those reviews are so important to writers – whether they ooze praise or not, it’s important feedback.
More often than not, I make notes as well. So here’s a confession: I sometimes pencil notes in on the pages – to my husband’s horror – because I reckon if I’m getting that much value from a book, I certainly won’t pass it on to someone else and it’s mine to do with what I please. I think the book gods will forgive me, because the intention is not to deface the book.
I’d love a review form you, Linda – maybe you win the giveaway … 🙂
Belinda, since I’m not taking any writing classes and I’m no longer in a critique group, I don’t feel like I’m critiquing the way I used to. My problem is finding the time to read, and when I read novels written by authors I know, I find myself questioning, “Did she have an affair in real life?” “Did she ….?
Thank you Kathy and Belinda for this post, and all the best with your novel.
Thanks for stopping by Sonia. My first reaction to your comments is that you are so busy showing us all how to do book promotions in style, I don’t know how you could have much time left over. But ,like all writers, I know you find time to read. I appreciate your question about how much of fiction work is based on real life.
Hi Sonia,
It’s so nice to touch base again; I feel like we’re whizzing past each other online. Finding time to read, whether for enjoyment or research, is a huge problem for me too; as you know all too well, book promotion and social media management take up a lot of time.
I think there’s always a bit of truth in fiction and a bit of fantasy in nonfiction; it’s just a human response.
Good luck with all your marketing efforts this year.
Kathy, you have the best guest bloggers at your site, and consistently. thank you for that.
Belinda, thanks so much for putting an interesting blog post together. It got me thinking about what’s currently on my shelves: Peace Corps memoirs take up the bottom shelf as that’s what I’ve been writing these past seven years ! (oh my; I haven’t counted in awhile). Most were painful to read: but they helped me learn what NOT to do. And, I will add quickly, a (very) few were great reads. I’ll be blogging about them soon on my own website. I also have a collection of books of the ilk of Brenda Ueland’s So You Want To Write. Written in 1935, hers was the first book to teach me that anyone can write. Others, fortunately, have since taught me that most good writing comes from the REWRITING afterword (sometimes seven years worth). I’ve got my “other memoir” section too: with voices of Erica Jong, May Sarton, Isabel Allende, Joan Anderson, and so many others. I needed to learn WHY I was drawn to these stories, these memoirs, these voices. And, lately, I’ve let myself be completely and thrillingly absorbed by FICTION. This is a new area for me, one I disdained for a very long time. I now allow myself the last few hours each night to be transported to another world and time. It’s delicious.
Hi Janet,
Thanks for your kind comment. You raise an interesting point about poorly written books teaching us what NOT to do. While there are some ‘sins’ that I’m willing to forgive – like flat writing as long as it’s a compelling story – and others that I won’t: like typos and grammatical errors.
I’m glad you’ve ‘discovered’ fiction and enjoying it. I can’t wait to get back to working on my novel; it’s been a long time…fortunately, I still feel a strong connection with my characters – and they’re waiting patiently…
Dear Janet, I’m happy you enjoyed Belinda’s post. I think we can learn from reading any genre. It sounds like you may join the ranks of memoirists choosing to write fiction for their next project! Thanks, as always, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Great blog post Belinda! I could completely relate. Ever since I published my memoir my reading has changed. I read a variety of books (novels, self-help, memoirs) with an eye on the writing style. I’m still in learning mode and yes, I have caught myself being critical of the quality of writing and don’t ask for typos. My pet peeve especially if the book was traditionally published.
Hey Andrea,
Thanks for swinging by. I’ve not been to Ottawa yet, so now I’m intrigued…will have to plan a trip. Also, I had to smile at the quote (on your website): “What you resist will persist.” It was used in a self-empowerment workshop I once did in South Africa. It sounds like you’ve made great progress in your life.
Good luck with the completion of your book.
Belinda and Kathy, I hadn’t really thought about my reading habits since I’ve started writing. However, now that you’ve asked the question I’d have to answer that my habits have changed. I read more memoirs, more how to books on writing, find myself even reading about grammar, language and style. How sad! But as I review books for three publishers now, and still try to offer reviews of memoirs, I do have to read from time to time something along the lines of fiction, historical fiction and spirituality. So my reading has stayed varied to some extent.
A very interesting post! Thanks to you both.
Hi Sherrey,
I did not know that you were so heavily committed to book reviews! Stop immediately and go and finish your memoir 🙂 just joking, of course; I know you’ll resume your writing when you’re ready to do so.
I don’t think it’s that ‘sad’ to read about grammar rules. Every now and again I immerse myself in Strunk and White, but I make sure to read it at gym while on the treadmill to make sure I look really cool…working out while engrossed in grammar rules – that’s worthy of a ‘wow,’ not so?
Enjoy reading and reviewing!
Belinda, You made me :). The three publishers/groups I review for don’t place strict time demands on me, and I select a book when I know I have time to do the book justice. I am writing, I promise. I’m attending my first ever writing conference this weekend. Unfortunately, it’s on the Oregon coast! Looking forward to it and feeling good about dabbling in writing assignments with other writers.
Good for you – enjoy! Let us know what you’ve learned.
Dear Sherrey,
Thanks, as always, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I’m impressed with the variety of reading as well as the volume and quality of all the book reviews you do. Not sad at all! Grammer is all part of the package. Best wishes as you work on your memoir which I’m anxious to read. 🙂
Kathy, thank you for inviting Belinda to write about how being a writer affects the way she reads.
Belinda, for years, whenever I was absorbed in a book, the editor in me let me know I was a good writer. Now that I am working on improving my own writing skills, I am still mindful of the way a book was written and edited.
Dear Barbara, Welcome to Memoir Writer’s Journey! It’s so nice to meet you. I checked out your blog. What a treasure you have in those diary entries from the 60s. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting and am happy you enjoyed Belinda’s thought-provoking post.
Best wishes!
Kathy
Hi Barbara,
It’s always an interesting insight that our selves consist of many parts: reader, writer, editor, coach, etc (I did a lot of ‘parts’ work with my coaching clients in the days when that was my full-time role). My first writing mentor taught me that being a good (responsible) critic makes you a better writer. Every time I had to face an insensitive critic during my MFA program, my first thought was: “Wow, you still have a lot to learn in this business.”
Thanks for the feedback, Barbara.