Reading through the writer’s eye
It was, however, suggested that one-track subject reading was not an easily sustained activity and a degree of variation generally enhances the pleasure of reading.
Writers, Ms Jo-Anne Richards and Mr Richard Benyon, were the guest speakers at the February meeting of Writers2000.
Their chosen topic was reading through the writer’s eye.
Two interesting facts that emerged during the course of their presentation were; that in South Africa a best seller is defined as a book which has sold in excess of 2 500 copies and that in South Africa non-fiction books sell better than fiction books.
The speakers highlighted that entertainment was a constant theme in reading, whether fiction or non-fiction, and that reading also assists one in bridging the gap between oneself and the, writer as well as learning something about other people and subjects.
It is impossible to avoid learning something whenever one approaches the written word – sometimes good, sometimes not-so-good, but always something.
They tabled some different reasons why people read, including stoking the fires of emotion, stimulating and challenging the intellect, a straightforward desire to learn and grow, or simply just for pleasure and enjoyment.
Books exist to satisfy all these needs.
It was, however, suggested that one-track subject reading was not an easily sustained activity and a degree of variation generally enhances the pleasure of reading.
It was proposed that seeing the movie before reading the book to some extent removed the thrill of the reader filling in mental visions of characters, places and events.
Often the movies somehow fall short of the sometimes spectacular creations of readers’ minds.
It was also interesting to note that the film rights to many well written stories were acquired but never applied.
It was speculated that these could perhaps have been purchased to ensure that competing film production houses could not secure these rights and steal a lead with possibly good movie material.
Many other aspects of reading were covered during the presentation by the two writers and writing teachers.
For more information on Writers2000, contact Nicolette Bosman on 082 924 5735 or 011 039-8115.
Alternatively, e-mail w2000@telkomsa.net
