Thanks for that analysis - I haven’t read Red Mars (yet, anyway), but I have noticed since I started writing more seriously, that I have been more analytic in my own reading, noticing more how “real” writers have pulled things off
I'm glad you could appreciate this little analysis!
It has helped me improve my writing a lot to just reflect and think "okay, I really struggle with this thing, let's read a book and see how this writer handles that"
The expanse and how they utilize informal dialogue is a good other example of this - quick example since we've discussed it in the past!
I haven't read Red Mars, though I have picked it up and considered it once or twice. Ever since reading Consider Phlebas I've been a lot more cautious about buying scifi without reading a couple of chapters beforehand. I have to really be in the mood for a hefty tome of worldbuilding and prefer the "keep up" approach of say, Steven Erikson. Though having read your thoughts I think I will give Red Mars a go in the future. Thanks for the discussion, it was helpful and better than a straightforward review.
On the "read lots to write better" advice. I think it's generally true BUT with the huge caveat of quality. I've read some poor books, or at least ones that I found the style of to be not to my liking, and all I can say is I learnt what not to do and what I didn't want my writing to be. Which is an important lesson but seeing prose that excites you and appears beautiful is better and given they are fewer in number, reading less but reading better may be the way to go.
I agree, I prefer the keep up approach as well! I think Red Mars may be one of the exceptions to that for me.
Also I think prioritizing quality over quantity is the way to go with reading. I appreciate your thoughts on this all and I'm glad you enjoyed the post!
Thank you for writing about this, It's interesting to read. I noticed you wrote you don't read much, but when you can. Sometimes I wonder if it is not more worthwhile to read little and well than to read a lot but stay on the surface. Sorry, that's a bit off-topic, but I've been on it a lot lately, maybe 'cause I have very little time to read now.
I think you make a good point, quality of reading over quantity of reading might be an important thing to think about! I've seen people brag about reading over 100 books in a year and I don't know how they do it, but I can appreciate maybe a dozen books or so and still be happy with that! But yeah I think you're absolutely right!
Thanks for that analysis - I haven’t read Red Mars (yet, anyway), but I have noticed since I started writing more seriously, that I have been more analytic in my own reading, noticing more how “real” writers have pulled things off
I'm glad you could appreciate this little analysis!
It has helped me improve my writing a lot to just reflect and think "okay, I really struggle with this thing, let's read a book and see how this writer handles that"
The expanse and how they utilize informal dialogue is a good other example of this - quick example since we've discussed it in the past!
Anyways, thanks for reading I appreciate it!
I haven't read Red Mars, though I have picked it up and considered it once or twice. Ever since reading Consider Phlebas I've been a lot more cautious about buying scifi without reading a couple of chapters beforehand. I have to really be in the mood for a hefty tome of worldbuilding and prefer the "keep up" approach of say, Steven Erikson. Though having read your thoughts I think I will give Red Mars a go in the future. Thanks for the discussion, it was helpful and better than a straightforward review.
On the "read lots to write better" advice. I think it's generally true BUT with the huge caveat of quality. I've read some poor books, or at least ones that I found the style of to be not to my liking, and all I can say is I learnt what not to do and what I didn't want my writing to be. Which is an important lesson but seeing prose that excites you and appears beautiful is better and given they are fewer in number, reading less but reading better may be the way to go.
I agree, I prefer the keep up approach as well! I think Red Mars may be one of the exceptions to that for me.
Also I think prioritizing quality over quantity is the way to go with reading. I appreciate your thoughts on this all and I'm glad you enjoyed the post!
Thanks so much!
Thank you for writing about this, It's interesting to read. I noticed you wrote you don't read much, but when you can. Sometimes I wonder if it is not more worthwhile to read little and well than to read a lot but stay on the surface. Sorry, that's a bit off-topic, but I've been on it a lot lately, maybe 'cause I have very little time to read now.
I think you make a good point, quality of reading over quantity of reading might be an important thing to think about! I've seen people brag about reading over 100 books in a year and I don't know how they do it, but I can appreciate maybe a dozen books or so and still be happy with that! But yeah I think you're absolutely right!