Today we are going to talk about reading (or watching movies!) as a writer.
The more I write, the more I find myself "critiquing" professional writing. I decide I like how an author did this or that and want to incorporate it into my writing or I decide I don't like something.
For example, just yesterday I was reading the first chapter of "The Red Badge of Courage". Now, I've barely read five pages of this, so don't hold me to my word, but I noticed quite a few uses of adverbs and weak verbs.
I also automatically critique movie plots when I see them.
On the other hand, I will read something by an amazing author like MaryLu Tyndall or Mary Connealy or Deeanne Gist, or countless others, and find tidbits I want to incorporate in my own writing.
So, how do I do this?
I don't know.
Really, I don't. All I know is that it comes with practice. the more you read and write, the more you are able to do this. When you ARE a writer, you will think like one, and when you write, you are a writer.
Editing your writing also makes you realize more tidbits in other writing.
What do you think? Have you ever found yourself critiquing a movie or book?
I have a difficult time not critiquing things. It makes my family mad when I do it out loud for a movie we are watching and they liked but I didn't.
ReplyDeleteYeah, especially lately, I have noticed myself critiquing things.
DeleteThanks for stopping by! :)
I agree, movies and books can give good examples of how to write and how not to write.
ReplyDeleteThere are other things, too that I think can help with writing, like acting. It can help you get into the mind of a character other than yourself and give you practice thinking outside your own regular thoughts.
Acting does help me with my writing as well.
DeleteI also think my writing helps with my acting. Thanks for stopping by, Cortney! :)
Hehe, yeah I notice myself doing that too, especially by books that didn't have that great of an editor. Movies also, lots of times I'll get distracted by a plot hole or strange writing during a movie if they have those. :D
ReplyDeleteYeah, that tends to annoy me when I run into stuff like that. :)
DeleteI do this all the time. I can't help it with both movies and books. I even do it to movie trailers lol. It's just a little perk/annoyance that comes with being a writer. XD
ReplyDeleteStori Tori's Blog
Haha yeah it actually seems pretty common, especially among writers. :)
DeleteThanks for sharing! I love hearing from you.