Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Bad, Lisa G. ...Bad, Bad, Bad, BAD Lisa G.!


Recently, I read a book. It was by another author. There. I’ve said it. And now for the biggie: My name is Lisa G. Riley, and I’m an author who reads other authors’ books.

Any time I read a book that isn’t my own that I’m supposed to be proofing, or that doesn’t have anything to do with research for a book I’m writing, I feel as guilty as I would if I’d committed some kind of crime. It’s the weirdest feeling, and almost the entire time I’m reading someone else’s book, my conscience is sending counter thoughts through my mind. It whispers to me (chidingly, of course):

What ARE you doing? Put that book down, please. That author is already published. She’s done what she has to do and you must do the same. How can you possibly live with yourself? Reading other books when you know that that great American novel of ours is just waiting to be written! Bad, girl…bad, bad, bad, BAD girl!

Okay, so my conscience is a little bit harsh and confident (great American novel?) and for some odd reason, she has a snappy British accent, but anyway…

Seriously, it is sometimes difficult to enjoy some of my favorite authors’ work without feeling guilty. Does anyone else feel the guilt, or am I just, um…special? Should I be seeking help?

Lisa G.

7 comments:

F. D. Davis said...

Lisa,


You're special. Very special. Of course when I'm reading for pleasure and not for a contest like I've been doing for the past two months you feel guilty that you're not working. But I also feel fed so that makes it worth the momentary guilt.

Dyanne

Niambi Brown Davis said...

I'm feeling the guilt right now (lol); that's why I reluctantly put down the book I was reading and am now attending to this neglected stack of papers in front of me.

roslynholcomb said...

I'm a mother. Guilt is my constant companion, though I must admit to being guilty of reading the latest Patricia Briggs book instead of working last night. I made up for it in the wee hours of the morning by writing a scene involving two very hot bodies and...wait for it...buttercream frosting. (Hey, I can't eat it, I have to do SOMETHING with it!)

Kelley Nyrae said...

I feel guilty when I'm reading and know I should be writing. It's hard not to but I just try to make myself forget it. We DESERVE to read for pleasure every now and again :)

Abigail said...

Is guilt contagious? I should be writing too, but Adam Omega is taking up all of my free time. LOL

Lisa said...

Thanks, everyone for your comments. It's good to know that I'm not the only one!

Lisa

Jax Cassidy said...

I think we all go through this phase when we forget that we are supposed to read for leisure and not as a CP. I've stopped reading for the past year because I would automatically turn on my editor hat on...but eventually I was able to read a book just for pure entertainment sake.