Jillian Clemmons

Are Books Your Crack?

As a former librarian, if there’s one thing I love, it’s books. But, about a month ago, a friend of mine asked how I found time to write with so many updates on Goodreads. “Yeah…about that,” I began, and what followed was an epiphany. My bookshelves were overflowing, my library card was maxed out, and I wasn’t rewriting my manuscript. Could books be the problem?

No way, I thought. I had to read within my genre. I had to stay current on the marketplace. It was part of my research, as a writer, to read all the books about my craft. Everyone says that the most important thing a writer does is read. But I wasn’t writing. I was stuck in a vicious cycle of automated library holds, and the irresistible urge to review every book that passed through my hands.

There is something intoxicating about the instant gratification of reviewing. Your grammar doesn’t need to be perfect, and plenty of strangers are interested in what you have to say. In a way, I was helping people while I strengthened my social networks. Wasn’t I?

It’s called an addiction for a reason, and the steps below are what finally worked for me. If someone you know needs help (you), keep reading.

Eleven Ways to Tell if You’re Addicted

• Your bookshelf is stuffed with unread books, and you just bought one more.
• You have a different audiobook every day… for your car, laptop, and iPod.
• The library clerk has to remind you, again, that you’re at your limit for check-outs.
• You have more than 200 friends on Goodreads.com, but the local librarian is your best bud.
• The only writing you do is book reviews.
• People have begun to follow your reviews.
• You’re skimming a magazine on the elliptical machine, while you’re listening to a book on tape.
• There are more than 500 books on your to-read list.
• Friends say they’re amazed at how many books you’ve read. Repeat: read, not written.
• Neighbors marvel at your ability to walk the dog while reading.
• Your family resents books.

Twelve Steps to Recovery

• Realize that you’ll never have time to read it all. Yes, your habit may be limited to materials about writing, but we all learn more by doing. Ask yourself if what you’re doing is adding value to your long-term goals.
• Now, this step is tricky, but vital. First, divide your reading list into categories: materials within your genre, leisure reading, research, and books on writing. Once you create the lists, decide which books are truly important to your career right now. Give yourself one day to do this.
• Download LeechBlock.com. This Firefox add-on is designed to block time-wasting sites that prevent from you writing, e.g., Goodreads, Shelfari, weRead. It works well for Facebook too.
• Take a week off from reading. One week. Give your mind a break, and reevaluate your goals. Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of my book? Why am I writing it? What do I want to accomplish? Then, find a writing space away from all reading materials.
• Find a mentor or role model who is consistently producing new material, and surround yourself with serious writers.
• Write down your long- and short-term goals, and then create deadlines. Gauging your progress can motivate and inspire you.
• Lean on your critique group or RWA chapter for support. Discuss your goals with family and friends to keep yourself honest.
• Once the week is over, make a vow to read less and write more. Remember, it’s not a competition. You’re retaining next to nothing with shallow reading habits.
• Tackle your writing first, and then reward yourself with reading. You’ll remember more when your mind is uncluttered.
• The library is your opium den. Finish the books you have checked out, and then place your returns online before you head back. Give yourself five minutes to check out.
• Ditto for bookstores. Go in with a purpose, and stick to it.
• Maintain. Continue to take personal inventory of your goals, and move forward. Reading is important, but it’s just the first step. You’re a writer. So, stop being too busy.