My previous manuscript which is already out on submission has received some interest from an agent and a small publisher. YAY! Time will tell if anything will progress but it is all great for giving a much needed boost of confidence.
OPTIONAL QUESTION
It's been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don't enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
I think it is important to read extensively, especially in the genre you are writing. I guess there is always the chance that your writing will pick up influences from other books and writers but as long as you aren't trying to become a copy of their work I think it is useful to see how other writers approach things. It is great to help you understand what works or doesn't work for you. It is also a good idea to know what the current market is like. But most importantly of all, I love reading and can't imagine my life without books in it!
Thanks to Alex for hosting the IWSG and this months fabulous co-hosts Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor