IWSG, Reading Changed Me

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG

This month's Insecure Writers Support Group topic is:

How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?

The truth is...A LOT

I was always a voracious reader. I was the kid in school reading as she walked to class, totally oblivious of people saying hello or...to my utter dismay, opening doors. I chewed through tomes in just a couple of days always on the prowl for a new series to swoon over. Often quoting characters and expecting others to understand my nerdy references. Yeah...that kid.

Now I am an adult version of that kid. I still read like its going out of style. I still tend to get lost in a book even in a crowded room.

BUT...reading took a little of an unexpected turn for me. It became a learning experience on how to write. 

As an author, I can appreciate what an author is doing in terms of technique. When I read, I notice things like dialogue, world-building, character development, story arc...and I learn a ton from each author.

Reading helps me identify what works and what doesn't. What I like and why I like it.  And hopefully, improve my own writing.

I figure the more I take in great writing...better writing...than my own...the more I learn.

Because of this, my choices in books has changed to reflect my taste for higher quality products. The YA genre in particular is pumping out some amazing series...I am truly excited as a reader and fan!

So now, happily, I have an actual professional reason for my book hoarding! Yay me!

Please take a look at some of the other insightful posts by the Insecure Writers Support Group...you never know where inspiration might strike.

+Raquel Byrnes

Hartline Blitz...

A special thank you to all the supporters of the Hartline Blitz for their encouragement and participation. 

These bloggers have some great posts for authors and lovers of books!

A big thank you to Anne over at My Mommy the Writer for her amazing review of Gothic Romance, Secrets at Crescent Point.

Caroline over at Sunny Bank Secrets has a book trailer for the Noble Island Mysteries Series and a FREE first chapter to Dawn Crandall's wonderful book, The Hesitant Heiress!

Jill Richardson has generously featured both Secrets and Heiress over at her blog, Brave.

Jenny Carlisle created a great post on her road to publication. She is a supporter of inspirational fiction.

A shout out to Caryl McAdoo for her feature of Secrets of Crescent point here. And a beautiful post highlighting The Hesitant Heiress here.

Sandra Ardoin added to her TBR stacks and gives a great reason why at her blog. She has a feature called Trailer Tuesday and its a great way to check out upcoming releases.

For family and hometown stories, check out Linda Massucci's blog. Thanks to her support!

And finally, C. Kevin Thompson, author of great science fiction, hosted Dawn and I on his official blog! Thanks!

It has been so encouraging to connect with these amazing bloggers and authors. I hope to take a moment to visit their pages and say, "Hello!"

by +Raquel Byrnes