“I can still do what I love.”

The other night I was heading to bed and went to say ‘good night’ to the dogs. I couldn’t find Nyssa.

Yeah, I know. How could I not find an Akita? Had I left her outside? I was sure I hadn’t, I had just let them all in and given them their nightly liver treats.

I ran around looking for her, turning on lights I had already turned off, when the curtains behind the couch moved. Then she stepped out of the picture window and back over onto the couch where she sleeps.

Ah, yes. I forgot about that.

I constructed my picture window to be deep enough and strong enough for me to sit in and read. Complete with a slate tile sill so spilled plant water wouldn’t be an issue.

But it has become a favorite dog-napping spot instead. For Nyssa especially. I think she stays awake watching out the window for wildlife most of the night.

It is also a way for her to do what she loves—hunting. Just in a different manner.

I often hear that editors find it difficult to read for pleasure. I feel quite sad about that.

Reading is my escape, I have always loved it. It has made me want to write and to be an editor.

I can understand how the mechanics of editing could get in the way of reading. I have noticed my awareness of craft principles has ratcheted up manyfold, but it hasn’t diminished my ability to enjoy the story or my desire to read for fun. In fact, in many ways, it has enhanced it.

As important as it is for writers to read in their genre (and out of it), it’s the same for editors. Genre conventions, tropes, subject matter, reader expectations, all of these are constantly changing and the only way to keep on top of them is to stay familiar with what is rising and falling in interest.

Which means we have to read.

Yes, we read all day while we edit. Reading for our own enjoyment is another way to fill the editor’s toolbox, though. Much as writers absorb pieces of what they read and it all gets scrambled up to make their own author voice, the same happens with editors.

One author’s clever use of time could stick in your mind and then provide a new angle for a suggestion you make to another author several months later. Description techniques, first line hooks, chapter endings, the list of things you can pick up for use later on is endless.

Editing is a way to better reading, and reading is a way to better editing. As long as our eyes (and ears) hold out, there is plenty to be gained from pleasure reading. Let it enhance your editing skills. I have no doubt Nyssa’s nighttime window hunting improves her field hunting. She never misses a movement in a stone wall or in the tall grass.

Then maybe the next time you are searching for the right suggestion to take an author’s work that extra bit further, it will be relaxing in the back of your mind, waiting to be called upon. Pull it out of your picture window and let it work for you.

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺~

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Do you find it difficult to read for fun if you are an editor, or in editing mode? What exactly gets in the way? Let me know in the comments, I’m interested to hear your thoughts. 👇🏼

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