I realized something about myself the other day. I haven’t been watching much TV in the past year, mainly the news. I used to be addicted to one show–Lost–and I finally made myself cut the addiction.
Why? Why would watching TV be harmless? I’m not sure it is, lots of ideas for books come from it, but I have my own reasons. And I just pinpointed the main one. I don’t like to be kept waiting. I want faster–not necessarily instant–gratification. I mean I love some of these shows, but I don’t like the idea of waiting months, even years to get a conclusion to the storyline or certain conflicts.
I discovered this with Lost. I loved the show. But after the first season ended, I realized I”d just spent months, all those Wed nights without knowing what the hell was happening on that island. It got to the point where I’d put down my computer, stop writing, and watch the show. And it was only one show, but I didn’t like the way it controlled me. The way it was like my drug I had to have. Now I prefer a movie, where generally there is a conclusion at the end of two hours.
So what does this have to do with the world of writing? Well, for me, quite a bit. In my opinion, this need for quicker gratification is one reason short stories and novellas are becoming popular. Some people don’t have time to invest in these super sized novels that take weeks to read. At least I don’t. I’m a single mom of an almost-three-year old, trying to get my writing career off the ground. I don’t get the joy of sitting down with a big book and reading it in three hours like I used to. For me, an ebook short story/novella or print anthology is perfect.
I know this debate is completely different for everyone, and a lot of people prefer the longer books. But for me it’s all about a quick read, a jolt of romance, with a HEA. Maybe it’s the same as people who prefer a straight shot of espresso, rather than the entire Americano. (Sorry, showing my Seattle side) That’s how it is for me though. Well, at least at this point in my life. Maybe when my kid starts school, things will change.
Anyway, this was just my ‘ah ha moment’ of the link between my TV choices and my books choices that I wanted to share. So… what do you find yourself reading right now?
September 26th, 2006 at 6:25 pm
I hear you on this one Shelli. I was just talking to my best friend (single GROWN kids) and she was raving about “Heroes” and “NCIS”. I told her “You know why I don’t watch those?”
She knew. “Because you’ll be mad if you don’t get to watch them every week.”
True.
I don’t want to get hooked on a TV show because that will be the night Dell is sick, or Paul decides midnight is his bedtime.
Ahhhh the glamorous life of a mommy.
Thank God they’re coming out with show’s seasons on DVD.
Maybe I’ll get to see all of “Medium” some day.
September 27th, 2006 at 1:08 am
Hmmm..Maybe that’s why I like crime shows so much….you find out who, what, when and how about the killer in an hour. I think the only two series shows I watch are Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.
What I’m reading…still both short and long. If it’s a book I’ve really been wanting to read, I don’t care how long it is. However, it still might take me a week or two to read it.