I’ve been a reader and lover of books all my life. I thank my grandmother for that. She was a teacher back in the Philippines, and since she pretty much raised us, she instilled in me a love of reading and learning at a very young age. I have no doubt that being an avid reader has greatly contributed to my skill as a writer, and overall intelligence.
Before I started to think of myself as a writer or author, I was a consumer of books. I have my favorite authors, and I’d like to think I know good writing when I see it. Since I started writing my own novels, it has been a challenge to find a balance between reading and writing; I mean, there are only so many free hour in a day. But I make it a point to buy books and read books to 1) support fellow authors 2) research the markets 3) study my contemporaries and 4) improve my own writing.
Having finished Edwardo’s NEVA HAFTA, I’ve picked up the next book in my “To Be Read” pile. This book, (which shall remain nameless since I don’t feel it’s classy to bash other authors in public) was published by a big name publisher, received several positive reviews, and made several Bestsellers Lists. It’s in my genre. And four chapters in, all I can think about is — MY BOOK IS SO MUCH BETTER!!!
Seriously, if this chick can get a book deal, I know I can. This is the second book I’ve read recently where I felt the writing was weak (if not altogether riddled with terrible grammar), and the plot lagged. On every page I want to reach for my red pen and alter sentence structure (really, do their editors even read these things???). It’s amazing to me the amount of Crap that gets published.
So even though I feel like I’ve wasted hours of my life reading this terrible piece of cleverly-marketed garbage, I am uplifted and encouraged knowing that I CAN make it in this business. I know the difference between good writing and bad writing, and while I don’t claim to be the next Alice Walker, I do feel confident that I’m leagues above some of the other authors out there making a living as writers. I’m gonna make this happen.
On that note, I’m proud to report that I cranked out two more chapters this weekend. I’m still trying to finish WHEN LOVE ISN’T ENOUGH before I leave for my trip this summer, and things are lookin’ good. 
Get ‘Er Done!
Comments on this entry are closed.