One of the best things you can do as a writer is read. Read in your genre and out of your genre.
Some writers say they don’t have time to write, much less read. Think about that for a moment. If they don’t have time to write are they even writers. Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand the not having time issue, but you must make time for writing. And, you must make time to read.
By reading, you ingest what other writers do. You may not even realize it at first, but your subconscious is a sponge and it’s soaking it all up.
If you are anything like me, reading is what brought about the dream of writing in the first place. So, why would you quit now? You can learn from reading good writing, but you can also learn by reading bad writing. Those books that make you think, “I can do better than that,” can get the ball running on your next big story.
I will admit when reading some great books I may slump and say, “I can’t do that.” But, I push forward and say, “But I’ll give it a shot.”
For those of you struggling for time, audio books are a great solution. It is also a great learning experience for all writers. Listening to a book is different than reading one. You will discover a whole new world and a different outlook on the books you read.
Reading can be inspirational and can lead you to new story ideas. You can pull themes, characters, and even settings from the books you read. Now, I’m not saying go write the newest version of Stephen King’s, Under the Dome. But I am saying keep an open mind while you read and let ideas float around.
So, what are you reading?
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7 comments:
This is so true, Cher--I've got 4 books going all at once right now, a mystery, a thriller and 2 nonfiction--plus a couple of magazines...
I totally agree. Reading is one of the most important things a writer can do. I love the classics...Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare. Good stuff :)
Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Conda, *blush* Guess I need to pick up the pace on reading, lol. I listen to audio books during work, but still have to find a niche in time for actual reading. I'm currently reading a nonfiction book. I try to read a little everynight before I go to bed.
Sarah, Thanks for commenting. Classics are always good.
Great post, Cher. Reading is an important part of being a writer. You need to know what others are writing, right?
Agreed, very good post. I received a boatload of books for Christmas that I've neglected. :) I should really step to and hammer them out. :D
Susanne, Thanks. Yes knowing what others are writing is helpful, but for me it's more on how they write it.
Lynn, Thanks. Yes you need to dig them out. I will confess though most of my reading is through audio books.
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