Can Fiction Reading Influence Your Novella Writing?

For many authors, the process of writing a novella is a creative journey filled with its own unique challenges and joys. One question often debated is whether it's wise to read fiction while working on a novella. In this article, we will explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of reading fiction while writing, drawing from various authors' experiences.

Read or Don't Read: The Unanswerable Question

Consider the experience of writing a novella versus just reading fiction. If you find yourself constantly seeking inspiration, it makes sense that you might gravitate towards reading in your genre. In my case, I love to write stories I enjoy, and reading is a fundamental part of that enjoyment. My primary suggestion, based on my own experience, is to be cautious about reading anything too close to what you're currently working on.

The Fount of Inspiration

When it comes to reading while writing, personal preferences can significantly impact the decision. I often read a wide array of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to urban fantasy, space opera, and gritty naval fantasy. For instance, while writing a low-technology fantasy adventure, if I were to read too much urban fantasy or similar topics, I might run the risk of it influencing my work. However, this cautionary approach is not a universal rule. As we'll see, avoiding fiction entirely or only occasionally isn't always necessary.

The Neutral Perspective

Some authors, including myself, don't find it matters whether they read fiction while working on a novella. For my first novel, I scrupulously avoided reading any fiction, but I didn't find this practice to be detrimental. In fact, for my second novel, I continued to read fiction freely, and again, it made no difference.

Reading as a Routine

Personal habits can also play a role. I read constantly during my free time, both during the day and in the evening. Whether I'm writing a novella or not, I don't see the need to stop reading the genres I enjoy. Some authors, however, avoid reading in their genre due to concerns about unintentional imitation. While these concerns are valid, a balanced approach might help avoid this issue.

Reading to Avoid Repetition

One argument for not reading in your genre while writing is to avoid being unconsciously influenced to replicate specific styles or themes found in other books. However, my perspective is different. I believe that by continuing to read the genres I enjoy, I am less likely to unintentionally duplicate existing ideas or creative paths.

However, it's important to note that reading is but one of many sources of inspiration. We can draw inspiration from movies, personal experiences, and even the world around us. While reading is a powerful tool, it's not the only one. Some authors might find it helpful to deliberately avoid reading certain types of fiction to maintain a fresh perspective, while others might find that reading doesn't impact their work.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision to read fiction while writing a novella is a personal one. Some authors find it enhances their creativity, while others prefer to avoid any potential influence. Whether you read diligently or sparingly, the key is to maintain a balance that works for you and your writing process.

So, next time you're faced with the decision of whether to read fiction, consider your own preferences, habits, and goals. The best approach might be somewhere in between — carefully choosing what to read and when to read it, without letting it dominate your creative process.