About Memory and Method

Post 1952:

Almost every book you can read about writing fiction tells you that reading lots of other stuff is essential. I agree, sort of.

People that tell me they read tons of books, like hundreds a year, are most likely not remembering a bunch. Whole chunks. Entire characters. So what was the point?

Maybe none. Or maybe the simple act of reading is enough, while retention is an entirely different matter. That could be. But as a writer, am I doing myself any good by reading other works?

Yeah. It’s probably a little different for everyone, but I get a vibe off of books. I can glean style pretty quickly, then compare it with my own style to try to make myself better. Also, reading good books makes me jealous and angry and I want to be better. Reading bad books makes sad and angry and makes me want to be better.

It’s got to be essential on some level. Filmmakers watch films. Painters study art. Writers gotta read. How much is up to you, but I say be careful. Too much and you’ll be writing not as yourself but as some amalgam of consumption. Too little and you’ll forget why you love words and what they can do to your soul when they're arranged in a certain order.

Mostly, read my books. I think that’s the upshot here. Cheers and see you after.