As writers and authors, there’s always the
stereotype of reading and writing the same day.

A
writer always needs to read something, anything, at least a paragraph to charge
the battery of the pen they own, I’ve read in countless
articles.

Like every other writer out there, I’m also a book
lover and yes I do love to spend my time curled up on my bed or my favourite
sofa with one in my pyjamas and my hair in two plaits. I also like writing in
the same attire.

But contrary to popular opinion, I really can’t
write and read in the same day.

I don’t know what it is but the result of so many
experiments is that I’ve never been able to read to my heart’s content or write
to my heart’s content when I try to balance the two on a single day.

I either write an insane twenty pages or complete a
200 page book.

It’s a tendency of mine to get so involved with
something to the point of obsession when I’m at it, and it has its own
advantages and disadvantages. I think that’s why my pen gives birth to such
long manuscripts. I become so obsessed with my fictional characters that I can’t
help but dissect every single facet that makes them who they are and make sure
they’re all displayed out in the webs of the story I construct around them. The
funny thing is that I don’t realise they are long, until someone bulges eyes at
me after receiving the answer to the word count. It’s weird, obsessive, and
just the way I like it.

I can never ever
write a short story, believe me.

So, I think that’s why I’m unable to read a book on
the days I write. I’m too busy sculpting characters of my own that I don’t have
time to read how the fictional babies of other writers are.

So how’s it for you?

Are you a writer who can’t balance writing and reading on the same day just like me or do you always make sure you read and write every day?  

Hope you’re healthy and safe.

Best,

Deepika