You thought I was going to say read.
Nope.
My first way to help authors and your own writing is to TRY:
- a new author.
- a new genre.
- a new format.
Reading time is precious, so it’s normal to stick with an author you know. However, there are lots of wonderful debut authors each year just waiting for you to give their book a whirl.
There are even new genres to explore like New Adult (or just maybe one you haven’t touched in a while like science fiction or memoir).
One way to try out a new book is to change up your reading format. Maybe you like the crack of opening a new hardcover book, but try reading in a digital format on a smartphone, tablet, ereader, or even a computer desktop. This delivery method helps many self-published authors share their work with the world.
Getting out of your comfort zone may help with your current work-in-progress. I know it makes me think about my characters in different ways and gives me new ideas.
By trying books by new writers, you have little to lose. Well, sometimes you will find a rotten one, but it’s golden when you find a book that sings to you.
Are you willing to try new genres or new authors when reading?
If you are scratching your head about Reader University or simply asking “What is Stacy up to?” you can read all about it here.
Great point, Stacy! I did nothing but rad new authors last year and they were all amazing! I think I only read three traditional books. I would like to read more funny stories this year though and a couple of my favorite poets have new books out, so I think I’ll give the thrillers a break for a bit. What are you reading?
I recently read two short stories — Teresa Robeson’s from the Out of Time: Five Tales of Time Travel and The Seret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber. Next is The Fault in our Stars by John Green (and five picture books I need to pick up from the library). Then, I’ll likely read Divergent by Veronica Roth (as I saw a preview for this movie before Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins) and thought “well, there goes that story idea.” So, I’m reading that to see if my idea is different enough or perhaps I’ll write a short story.
Good idea! I would try a new genre when I finish this memoir… đŸ™‚
I need to read more memoirs Sue.
Yeah! I probably won’t try many new genres age wise, because I am 12, đŸ™‚ but I like the idea! Woo!!! đŸ˜€
But, you can and do “try” new authors Erik. You are always very kind to review many books from a variety of publishing backgrounds – traditional, small, self-published, indie.
Great advice, Stacy. I tend to read in phases, like right now I’m in a non-fiction, inspirational phase. But I’m liking the TRY concept. Also, love your new streamlined site!
Thanks Coleen. We’ll see if I can keep it streamlined. I go in phases too.
I am so flattered you read my short story, Stacy! đŸ™‚ I’ve been reading friends’ books and stories too, but I’m so slow with my reading these days, I’ve got an even bigger backlog than I use to (Catherine’s Weirdo Zoo is on the list). I just want to have time to read…is that so much to ask? LOL! I’ve also been reading more ebooks since we’re running out of bookshelf space.
p.s. I clicked on the above link for reading more about Reader University and it says “page not found.”
Hmm. Thanks. It should be fixed now.
I loved your story. And, I’m always glad when I can say that about a writer friend’s work. Ebooks are sometimes my best method with toddler in the house! He likes to flip through the pages. The Kindle doesn’t offer that fun distraction.
I’m not sure when I signed up for you website, it worked. Tried RSS. Can’t find it and I don’t have feedburner. Went back to blogger to reach you. I do see you in my e-mail box, but it may be the old blog. Will at least sign up for your e-mail. Have a great 2014.
I’ll check that Patricia. Thanks for stopping by.