Is it important to read to your writing style?

I have been reading the most fascinating book; Kate Adie, The Kindness of Strangers. The Autobiography.

I shall be in the next few days leaving a review.

What I found fascinating, was how reading this text affected my writing. I am aware that I posted just last week about having completed a full chapter, possibly two so to say that it had stopped me writing just wouldn’t be true.

However, where as I can be going about my daily chores with ideas flowing, taking time to think about them, consider them from various viewpoints, I haven’t been able to do this. To be honest, my brain has been dead in terms of creativity.

I had a conversation today about the constrictions of journalism, how it has so much structure it can feel forced (although it does eventually become natural, to some). The person in question has written for a newspaper and he said this has led to lack of creativity, although added for him this was not a bad thing.

I read all the time, but always novels at bedtime. To read an autobiography is out of my comfort zone. I can only contribute this to my ‘dead brain’.

Am I the only one to experience this? Does what you read affect the way you write? Could it be suggested that for a crime writer for example, only read crime novels? Certainly worth consideration at the very least.

Twopence to cross the mersey – Helen Forrester

due to an unexpected change in fortune, the Forrester’s find themselves moving from Southern england to Liverpool.

From private schooling, and live in staff, to living in a damp and infested bed sit; the five children go hungry whilst dad searches for work, and Mum embraces the depression that hovers over her.

As the family begins to find a way to cope, which in turn leads to new jobs and hope; the eldest daughter remains in isolation with no way out. Choosing to make her own future, Helen finds her own inner strength and finds a way to help herself.

In this tale of despair and desolation, at times you could be mistaken for thinking the setting is within modern Britain among the council estates. Then the stark reminders, such as the currency, come into the story and you are swiftly taken back to the 1930’s.

Unlike modern stories, you don’t get the happily ever after. It is left at the start of change. The only comfort is that it is a real life tale, that of Helen Forrester, and the knowledge that she has succeeded enough to tell it.

Nobody likes you – Marc Spitz

This is one for die-hard Green Day fans. Well maybe.

Following Green Day through their career from early childhood, to their Gilman Street days, finishing at the success of American Idiot; a fascinating insight into the bands turmoil with their punk/pop fans.

It has a slow start, hence why it’s one for die-hard fans. Anyone else may just lose interest within the first chapter. It does get better, needless to say the more recent happenings in the band’s history hold the most appeal. Probably because it is most fresh in the mind.

Having said that, whether you like Green Day or not, if you have ever had an interest in punk, you should find this informative. Even from just a punk progression viewpoint. This is purely about the music, and the characters that make it. Merely mentioning family life, if only for how it has affected the music. No filler, just production, promotion and the emotions that arise. Friends from past and present; and how they hold the key to a continuing successful band.

I’m probably biased. It stands to reason that I am a fan else I wouldn’t have picked up this book. But it has good interviews, fascinating insight, and simply; a well written record of punk music history.

Sphere 2006