Books no longer interest me

[EmmaH2022]

Hello all
This is just a query as I'm considering dipping my ..pen? ...back into creative writing.

I was wondering if anyone feels a lack of interest in reading now, and if that affects your interest and/or motivation for writing.

I used to be very into both but I do think the book landscape is a lot different than it was. There are many books I could read over and over but I can't find new stuff I like. Is it just me? Am I missing things? The last book I really loved was Once Upon a River. But it's very rare for me to love a book now.

i know one person who loves to write but doesn't read, I wish I was like that.

Bump

But you can’t write without reading. You need to know your genre/s really well and that can only come via wide reading.

What is it about the current publishing landscape you don’t like?

Her my friend's writing is excellent though

I can't find anything I fancy reading

Btw this isn't a deadly serious post or a criticism of anyone's work, just wondered how others felt.

What genre do you like? I've read some great new books recently, but there's no point suggesting any if they're not the sort you like.

In general, I'd suggest watching Between the Covers on BBC - the most recent series has just finished but they're on iPlayer. I find they cover quite a good range of books

123 I don't have a particular favourite genre

something that's concisely written with a strong story, I guess, so no deus ex machina to resolve the plot.

nothing with a political agenda ... something with straightforward writing, so not stuff like "Lincoln in the Bardo".

I can't find new stuff I like. Is it just me? Am I missing things?
I think it's just you! I agree that an awful lot of new stuff is over-hyped but there are still one or two good'uns out there.
I mostly read classics (there are lot to catch up on!) but find that some, most notably published in the last hundred years, are of-their-moment and actually don't stand the test of time.

My favourites recently have been Lessons in Chemistry and The People on Platform 5.

I wasn't as keen on The Liar's dictionary but it's a bit different and might be worth a try

123 those look good and I'd not heard of them - thank you.

There are so many fiction books out there new and old you must be able to find something! As pp said you can't write yourself without reading

It doesn't have to be new. You could read classics. You could also look beyond British writers (assuming you haven't).

I haven't read much for the last 5 years, but in the last year or two I have been writing. For me it's due to a profound lack of time and energy. I can write in tiny snippets (on my phone), but I don't enjoy reading like that. My writing isn't great, but tbf it never was.

I read every day. I am into history would never read a modern novel

and some of the classics

I have literally never met a good writer who doesn’t also read a lot.

Some novels I’ve read and enjoyed recently — broadly literary fiction, and recently published:

A Crooked Tree, Una Mannion
The Raptures, Jan Carson
Trespasses, Louise Kennedy
Fight Night, Miriam Toews
The Chosen, Elizabeth Lowry

And some older novels I’ve reread recently and loved all over again:

Beyond Black, Hilary Mantel
The Rules of Revelation, Lisa McInerney
The Master, Colm Toibin
The Collector, John Fowles
Angela Carter, Nights At the Circus
John McGahern, The Barracks

You're not alone, op.

I've spent years struggling to find books I enjoy and lost interest for a long time. V strange given that from childhood I always, always had my nose in a book and in spite of years spent not reading, still carried a book with me everywhere.

I think it takes time to find authors who's writing you enjoy and droughts aren't unusual. The number of books I've read because friends and family have told me how good they are and I've been disappointed by the writing and/or plot!

I've just discovered Denise Mina and love her writing style. Try Conviction if you haven't already - it's not your normal, formulaic crime fiction (which I dislike) and she has a lovely turn of phrase.

I also really enjoy Frederic Backman's books. Walter Moers is brilliant too if you want something off the wall.

Just keep trying things and you'll find something again.

Thanks everyone, I will look these up (though some I have read).

I think you might be right about finding an author that suits. Btw do you mean Fredrik Bachman?

I think the cover copy and what you see immediately online doesn't help. Always an instant comparison to something else, so if the something else doesn't appeal, I end up thinking it's not for me.

I do want to get back into reading fiction for the benefit of my brain as well, so thanks for the suggestions.

If you enjoyed Once Upon A River what about other Diane Setterfield books like The Thirteenth Tale (imo better than Once Upon a River) or Bellman and Black. In a similar vein is Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver, and The Binding by BR Collins is extremely good.

If those are the sort of books you like (dark, gothic with a hint of magical realism) then that is the genre you may like writing. But reading around other genres and reading a lot is very important when doing creative writing.

Thanks Louisa

I have read those except for The Binding, which I will add to the list. The Thirteenth Tale is one of my favourite books ever. I do love a story where a house is a key character.

the book drafts I have aren't gothic. I do enjoy gothic but I don't think I'd write it.

Random thought - my local library closing has a lot to do with it, gone are the days of drifting in and seeing what they have and no cost if you don't like it.

I wondered about this, libraries are great for trying out new authors.

Browse some second hand bookshops maybe if you have any near you? Or charity shops .

I have both of these on my to be read pile! Very much looking forward to both.

If you like gothic, try Waykenhurst by Michelle Paver.

I really enjoyed Waykenhurst :)

Yes, I loved Wakynhurst too.

I bought Salley Vickers "The Librarian" in a charity shop at the weekend, am about to start it now.

I hope there aren't too many books that are going to be online only, saw a couple of things that looked good but I like a book book!

I am bookmarkingthis thread. Lots of suggestions . I have also found fewer books I enjoyed and have dipped my pen again. However, one book I found quite thought provoking was passed to me. The Choice by Claire Wade. Not my normal type of book . Easy to pick up and put down