I used to be afraid to read when I first started writing.
I was petrified, honestly.
I convinced myself that reading while writing was entirely off-limits. The chance of accidentally stealing an idea from a fellow author was too high. Furthermore, I would be far too distracted if I decided to read.
Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
What I didn’t realize while writing my first three books—yes, it took that long—was that to be a good writer, you need read.
Read books in your genre and outside it.
Read scientific journals and magazine articles.
Read everything.
The benefits outweigh whatever fear you may have. Trust me on this one, or if blind faith isn’t good enough for you, check out my list of why writers need to be readers below.
The Benefits
Broadening Your Vocabulary
Let’s face it; variety is the spice of life. You don’t want to see the same descriptors over and over again, or dialogue tags for that matter (50 Shades of Grey, I’m looking at you). It comes across as lazy or unimaginative writing. No writer wants their work to bore their readers after the hours they put into it. When you read, you expose yourself to new expressions and words—so READ.
Inspiration
Refusing to read while you write denies you the opportunity to be inspired by other authors and enrich your work. Let me make this clear: It’s okay to take inspiration from others. Allow your imagination to soar in a dozen different directions when any spark of inspiration hits. Additionally, it’s okay to strive to mimic another’s writing style. Finding your voice takes time, and knowing how you want to sound (in cadence and style) is essential!
My mimicking attempts revolve around reproducing the emotions other authors evoke in me. I dissect and study the scenes I love and then dive further back to see what actions drove the plot to each pinnacle point. With this understanding, I can achieve the emotional knockouts I adore in my stories.
Bypassing “Writer’s Block”
Although I don’t personally believe in writer’s block (which is a topic for another time), some do. To those who hit the proverbial wall and search valiantly for the right words all by their lonesome… do yourself a favor and pick up a book. Again, allow yourself to be inspired by another story or reread something by your favorite author. Expand your vocabulary. Drift off into a new world so that you can go back to yours with a fresh start.
Stay in Love
Whenever in doubt of your work as a writer, don’t fall off the wagon and forsake it all—read! Choose an old favorite or the book sitting atop your TBR pile. Remind yourself why you chose to become a world builder and weaver of stories.
Don’t lose your passion.
Fall back in love with your craft.
#Trending
Listen up, as authors, it’s important we keep a keen eye on #trends in our genre. Seek out what your readers are reading, and then—you guessed it—read it yourself. Study and analyze the plot to discern what your readers are loving, and we can give them what they want too!
Confidence Boost
Now that you are back to your voracious readerly ways, you’ll notice you don’t read books the same way. The author in you will critique and take note of word choice, pacing, and plot twists. This doesn’t mean you won’t get caught up in a good story—like all avid readers love to be—but you’ll know when you aren’t. These observations will stay with you and motivate you to write better. You may even realize what a fantastic writer you already are and find yourself back at your keyboard with renewed confidence.
That’s a wrap! Tell me your thoughts on my list or drop a comment and tell me what benefits you garner from reading!
xxx
Rebecca