Once you officially realise you’re a writer, reading a book is never the same again.

Yes, you can still get swept away with the story and enjoy turning the pages, but there will always be that part of you that silently (or, not so silently) critiques the book as you read it.

Since committing to becoming a writer, the way I read a book has changed dramatically.

First, here is how I used to read a book, when I was a ‘reader’ only:

Reading, reading…

Oooh, I like the sound of him…

Reading, reading…

*Laughs*

Reading, reading…

*Cries*

Reading, reading…

Geez this is getting good…

*Phone rings*

Bugger off, I’m trying to read…

Reading, reading… (at 1am if it’s a page-turner)

The End.

Good book, can’t wait for the next one!

Okay, here is how I read now, as a ‘writer’:

Reading, reading…

I can really picture these characters

Reading, reading…

That’s a great way to show the conflict

Reading, reading…

Wait, do I detect some head-hopping going on here?

Reading, reading…

This protagonist sure has a strong motivation to reach her goal

Reading, reading…

*Laughs*

Reading, reading…

*Cries*

Reading, reading…

Damn! Why couldn’t I have written that?

Reading, reading…

*Jots down new idea for a novel*

Reading, reading…

Concupiscent? *Googles concupiscent*

*Adds concupiscent to list of ‘words I must use sometime so people think I’m intelligent’.

Reading, reading…

*Phone rings*

I better get that; it might be a publisher offering me a contract.

Reading, reading…

Oh, It wasn’t by the way.

Reading, reading…

Aha! I have a great idea *jots down notes frantically until 2am*

*falls asleep and loses place in book*

Reading, reading… (two weeks later)

I can’t remember what’s been happening, better go back to the start…

Reading, reading… (repeat above process)

(eventually) The End.

Good book, can’t wait till someone reads mine!

Now that I’m a writer, one thing’s for sure; no matter whether the book I’m reading is fantastic or just ‘okay’, I always appreciate the effort the author has put into it.

So how about you? If you’re a writer, do you find this affects your reading? If you’re a reader, do you find it easy to get totally absorbed by a book, or do you also stop here and there and notice the craft that’s gone into the book?

P.S – I bet some of you are now googling ‘concupiscent’!

Inspiration sometimes strikes when you least expect it, and since moving house recently I set up a relaxing area on my balcony, which I now call my ‘Inspiration Spot’. Every time I’ve set myself down on the deck chair and looked up at the blue sky, the leaves of the tree dancing above my head, I’ve come up with new ideas. Great ideas. Whether it’s because I’m simply relaxing and letting my thoughts wander I don’t know, but something about my ‘spot’ ignites inspiration in me.

So now, whenever I need a boost, or a new idea, it’s off to the Inspiration Spot I go…

What about you? Is there a special place where you feel inspired?