Can You Be a Writer and a Reader?

There’s been another fascinating discussion on the ACFW main loop (if you’re writing Christian fiction and you’ve not joined ACFW, you might find it’s worth your while. I’m finding it quite useful.) I guess in this case it’s not so much a discussion as a comment that many have agreed with: Once you get involved writing, your internal editor kicks in and you’re unable to enjoy reading other people’s work.

I have to say, I hope that never turns out to be the case for me! The idea that I might, eventually, have to choose between reading and writing makes me wish for Solomon – because I’m afraid I’d have to just cut the baby in half. How do you choose?

So far it hasn’t really been an issue. (And I’ve been writing for a million years, for all that I’m reasonably new to the idea of actually working toward publication (which is different than wanting to be published. I’ve wanted to be published forever as well, just haven’t wanted to put the effort into it.)) I find the editor in me turns off pretty easily when I’m reading, unless I’m specifically reading to edit or critique.(And even then, sometimes it can be hard for me to turn the editor completely on – I figure as long as I can find the story in there, I’m good. I’m not what I consider a picky reader.)

There’s nothing particularly earth-shattering here – just some musing that’s been rumbling around in my head lately that I thought I’d share…but if you have thoughts, I’d certainly love to hear them!