aureate & aromatic

Did quite a bit of reading and writing recently, and thought up a few questions for my fellow readers, writers, or those who do both.

I’m determined to complete my current read this week. Whilst doing so, I noticed that the chapters have a mixture of ones that are brief and unnumbered or the regular numeration.

It has been a while since I’ve seen chapter titles that have to do with the material/themes of the subject. Or even an epigraph of sorts with other quotes – fictional or sourced from real life. Though I suppose the latter is reserved for more fantasy novels which I’ve not been reading as of late. 

I was wondering the perspective of those making books and those enjoying them so I posed the questions online.  

From the readers’ side, the consensus was mostly indifference. Of those who do like them, it was mostly for their usefulness in marking their place in the story or jogging their memory of the plot. 

For writers, it helped to determine what parts of the story to include in a particular section or arc. That is something I could relate to as someone who is a fan of them and who likes to keep things organized and even and keep track of what needs to go where. 

Despite doing my best to read as much as possible each day, I also found my mind wandering and drifting to the world of writing. Especially right before bed, late at night, or whilst in bed. I ended up using my notes app as a tool which is not something I personally do often, though I know others out there probably do.

I am curious to know what unconventional methods some authors use while working and have yet to see anything extremely out of the ordinary.

I feel the struggle for most writers is setting aside the proper time to write – especially if there are a lot of other real life responsibilities and workloads that consume most of your free time or energy. 

When those obligations aren’t there, it’s easy to kill time doing something other than write, but I suppose a little bit – no matter how little – every so often is better than nothing. Eventually, those bits will add up to something significant before you know it.

And the last bit of curiosity I’ve had this week this time focused on readers or anyone who likes to collect books. It was as follows: 

I personally am very tempted when I see gorgeous collector’s editions of books, or classic covers. But even so, I feel two is my max for the variations of a single book. 

That being said, some readers chimed in that they collect both paperback and hardcover variations of the same book. While others mentioned specific leather bound editions or simply a plethora of collections for the same series.

Those were all my musings for the week. I find it interesting to see the thought processes of others, or what motivates their decision-making as a writer and/or reader. 

Feel free to chime in should these questions interest you!

Happy reading & writing!

~ C.C.