So I just got home with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I know, I’m a little behind the times, and half of the country is probably halfway through the book by now (1:00 PM Saturday.)
The problem I’m having is this: I’m this close to finishing the first rewrite of my book, and I’m afraid if I start to read Harry Potter, one of two things will happen. I’ll either (a)give up on finishing the rewrite until I’m done with Harry, or (b)reading Deathly Hallows will influence my writing or (c)both.
I think I’m mostly afraid of (b). It’s the reason why I quit reading anything when I’m deep into writing. I’m always afraid that I’ll subconsciously start putting stuff into my writing that has no business being there because my subconscious thinks it’s cool and because it’s what I’m reading at the time. “What? Since when did Professor Snape put Seymour Snit on detention?”
There’s a solution to this dilemma, however. If I finish the first rewrite (after all, all I have left is a slight re-working of the first chapter), then I can sit down with Harry. In other words, I need to quit blogging about it and get that rewrite done so I can get through Harry Potter before I see any spoilers.
July 22nd, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I think you’re right, but you’re also working in a very tight window!
July 22nd, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I did it! I finished the first rewrite yesterday, and am about to start chapter one. I need more ‘can’t-miss’ books to come out, obviously, so it’ll get me off my duff and writing.
July 22nd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Wise to resist that temptation, I think! When I’m writing fiction, I can only read non-fiction (and vice versa); the subsconscious can be a sneaky and efficient little con artist! Harry Potter will still be there when your own chapter is done. (Which accomlishment will give you the most satisfaction, looking back 5 years from now?) Good luck with it!
July 22nd, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I must be the only individual in the free world who has yet to read even one Harry Potter book.
Congratulations on completing the rewrite. Now go enjoy your reading.
July 22nd, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Jen: that’s it exactly. Reading fiction while I’m writing it makes me afraid it’ll “taint” my own stuff. I finished my chapter, though, and it feels good.
Pinhole: I am in awe that you have managed to avoid it this long. Someday it may suck you in, however. And then you, like the rest of us, will be a slave to Rowling.