Iām much more of a logger, though I do make notes in case I want to use for mentor, comp or purchasing reasons (really need to reassess my bookshelf situation before doing much/any purchasing š¬
Elayne! What a thorough job! I totally think doing something like this is valid, and worthwhile for sure. I just think I get thrown back to my literature courses in college, which I hated, because, even though I liked reading, and I liked reading things I may not have chosen on my own, I hated the overanalyzing. It took the joy out of reading for me. But, it does make sense, that if you are writing, then it would be helpful to understand why you liked or didnāt like a particular book. To look at itās story structure, and characters and how the plot moves, the dialogue, etc. Which are skills to bring into your own writing. Maybe, I can find a way to make this process, not take the joy out of the book for me, or not feel like Iām creating my own college literature course. Youāve given me some things to think about, and I might just steal some of your process, to see how it might work for me!
I feel you! It's a lot to "really analyze" any text. But I feel like what works about this is the KNOWING the notes are only for me! So I can write as little, or as much, as I feel like...no pressure or guilt or sense of grading. Some entries are literally things like, "I loved <this pun> and the way the ending <did this>." Really basic. Other things I get into much, much more detail and nuance...but only if I think it's something I think I might want to remember later, you know? And I don't even have to be "nice" on the notes, either, which, honestly, even though I consider myself a half-nice person, just adds a bunch of stress. Like, if I don't like something, I don't have to sandwich it. š It's just Elayne, reminding Elayne. No one else is looking over my shoulder on them. And that is so, so freeing. Anyhow, I'm delighted if anything seemed like it might be something you want to try--but also, you'll find your way, regardless! I know you've got this!!
Iām much more of a logger, though I do make notes in case I want to use for mentor, comp or purchasing reasons (really need to reassess my bookshelf situation before doing much/any purchasing š¬
Oh, it's so true! I look around here, and I'm ashamed of "ourshelves"--LOL! I need to cull...but it's so hard.
Elayne! What a thorough job! I totally think doing something like this is valid, and worthwhile for sure. I just think I get thrown back to my literature courses in college, which I hated, because, even though I liked reading, and I liked reading things I may not have chosen on my own, I hated the overanalyzing. It took the joy out of reading for me. But, it does make sense, that if you are writing, then it would be helpful to understand why you liked or didnāt like a particular book. To look at itās story structure, and characters and how the plot moves, the dialogue, etc. Which are skills to bring into your own writing. Maybe, I can find a way to make this process, not take the joy out of the book for me, or not feel like Iām creating my own college literature course. Youāve given me some things to think about, and I might just steal some of your process, to see how it might work for me!
I feel you! It's a lot to "really analyze" any text. But I feel like what works about this is the KNOWING the notes are only for me! So I can write as little, or as much, as I feel like...no pressure or guilt or sense of grading. Some entries are literally things like, "I loved <this pun> and the way the ending <did this>." Really basic. Other things I get into much, much more detail and nuance...but only if I think it's something I think I might want to remember later, you know? And I don't even have to be "nice" on the notes, either, which, honestly, even though I consider myself a half-nice person, just adds a bunch of stress. Like, if I don't like something, I don't have to sandwich it. š It's just Elayne, reminding Elayne. No one else is looking over my shoulder on them. And that is so, so freeing. Anyhow, I'm delighted if anything seemed like it might be something you want to try--but also, you'll find your way, regardless! I know you've got this!!