The Writing Life: Mistakes to Avoid - Reading

As his loyal reader already knows, Mr Baskerville is writing a series of helpful* posts for writers. There are many writing blogs on the internets, full of actual advice and useful tips. Google them, and spend many happy hours reading about writing rather than typing a single word. Hey, it's research!

So, writers, use Mr Baskerville's process as a deterrent. Simply do not do what he has done.

Reading Widely

We all know we should read widely in our genre, and also should probably read a few classics every now and then, if only to show off at dinner parties.**  But there are a couple of downsides to this:

1. You will become so immersed in the book you're reading that you have no time for your own writing. 
2. If it's a series, you will  then have to read everything else the author has written.*** You will eventually emerge, blinking, from your 12 book binge, and won't be able to write anything in your own voice for at least 5 years.
3. You realize that you will never ever write anything as good as this, so why even bother, and may as well open another bottle while I finish this chapter...oh bugger it's 2am
4. You realize that the book you're reading is absolute bollocks and you despair at the industry which publishes this drivel****

*or not, choice is yours
**does drunkenly ranting about that sulky arsehole in Troy count as an enviable display of erudition? No, Mr Baskerville didn't think so either.
***Robin Hobb, I'm looking at you.
****50 Shades of Shite, I'm looking at you.