LWW 35: How Do You Read, and Can You Be A Good Author Without Reading?

This has been a hellish week for TB, involving penning a new Lizzie book and proofing a different Lizzie audiobook. She’s halfway through the first draft, and her editing deadline is getting closer, which means the freak-out stage will hit TB soon. TB has been in launch mode since July and is looking forward to slowing down some to enjoy the holiday season. Recently, she walked in her characters’ footsteps and visited Mount Auburn Cemetery.

The Christmas movie channel has started, and Clare may not write any new words until 2020. But she just released Made in London, so make sure you grab your copy. She recently attended an event and heard Nick Hornby explain how he ended up writing the screenplay for Wild. On the work front, Clare tried a workaround to electronically sign contracts, but it epically failed. Also, she had to go to the cinema twice, and it’s one of her least favorite activities. Poor Clare.

During the comment section, a question by a lesfic author spurred the duo to chat about spicy sex scenes in their stories.

The two move on to the main topic: How do you read, and can you be a good writer without reading? TB shares her favorite methods of reading, which include audiobooks and paperbacks. Due to migraines and insomnia, she’s worked out a reading routine that eases both issues. Clare’s reading habit started from an early age thanks to her parents. Both agree that writers need to read to be better writers. Back when she was 18, TB heard an author say writers shouldn’t read, and it broke TB’s reading heart. She swore she’d never be a writer if that was the case. Luckily, it wasn’t. As Clare says, many writers worry about story elements seeping into their own, but reading is a crucial way to expand a writer’s experiences and makes them better storytellers.

Made in London:

www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/made-in-london/

TB’s Mount Auburn blog post: 

lesbianromancesbytbm.com/2019/10/09/is-it-weird-that-cemeteries-inspire-me/

Stop back next week for an entertaining conversation about writing tools the duo couldn’t live without. If you’d like to leave a comment on the episode, head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com. They’d love to hear from you. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

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2 Responses to LWW 35: How Do You Read, and Can You Be A Good Author Without Reading?

  1. Miira says:

    Even before listening, I thought: Yes, you can be a good author without reading, but you’ll be better if you read. At least you’ll learn what not to do! Glad to hear you came to the same conclusion.

    (I’m the kid whose mum called the library and said, “Don’t let her borrow more than three books or she’ll never go out to play!” Their reply: “Sorry, you just missed her; she left with ten books!” … I was 7.)

    Ooh, got to get that All I want book, like asap :-D!

    • admin says:

      I’m laughing over your library comment. I think it’s hilarious your mum would call. It’s hard to control book lovers.

      And, I also need to get that All I Want book. It sounds epic!

      Thanks for listening!

      TB

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