Read Well to Write Well

Over the last 20 years I have taught writing to people from the age of 12 on up, and one thing that novice writers have in common is a true desire to become better writers. One of the things I appreciate so much about new writers is their drive to improve their abilities. We can all learn a little more and become better writers if we are willing to do the work.  

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How Do Writers Improve? 

The formula for improving one’s writing is surprisingly simple:

First, read every day. Next, write every day. Finally, open yourself to change.

That may come across as an oversimplification of a revered occupation, but for anyone who wants to be a better writer, these are the steps. 
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“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.” –Ray Bradbury

“Be ruthless about protecting writing days, i.e., do not cave in to endless requests to have “essential” and “long overdue” meetings on those days. The funny thing is that, although writing has been my actual job for several years now, I still seem to have to fight for time in which to do it.” –J.K. Rowling

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” –Stephen King

Yes, the process for improving our writing is simple. We need to spend time reading, we need to write, and we need to be open to change. But this list raises some questions:

Should writers read specific books?

Should writers read books in their genre?

Should writers read books about the writing practice?

Deciding what to read in order to become a better writer can feel overwhelming. Writing is a passion, a dream. It can seem like if you take one wrong step — by wasting your time reading the wrong books, for example — the dream will be destroyed. But happily, that is not the case. As new writers increase their reading and writing times and open themselves up to change, they tap into their unique interests and writing style, picking up lessons along the way that help them improve their craft.

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Should writers read specific books? 
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Read the books that you enjoy. If you devour young adult literature even though you are in your 40s, then read every young adult book you can get your hands on. Read them, read them a second time, analyze them, and read them out loud. This will give you not only immense pleasure by reading the books you love, but it will also provide you dedicated time to study the specific aspects of your craft.
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You cannot know a genre if you are not interested or willing to let it take over your reading life. If you have the idea that you'll write science fiction because it sells well, but you are not terribly interested in reading science fiction novels, then get rid of that idea. Writing is as much about lifestyle as it is about producing a completed story. Read what you love. 

Should writers read books in their genre? 
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Yes, definitely. But do not let that limit your reading. If you write historical fiction novels set in Medieval Europe, it is perfectly acceptable to read modern Scandinavian thrillers too. There is no expectation that writers need to limit themselves to one genre or to a short list of writers. If a book appeals to you, read it. Oftentimes, I find that when an unusual book calls me to read it, I have something important that I need to learn from that book. 
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Over the years, I have met a handful of people who cannot read in their writing genre while they are working on a larger project (like a screenplay or novel). I have only heard of a handful of people who say that reading in their writing genre alters their writing style and voice. To correct that situation, they read outside of their writing genre until the project is finished. Voila, problem solved. Most writers do not run into that issue, but if that's the case for you, be open to altering your normal routine to create a better environment for your writing.  

Should writers read books about the writing practice?
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Absolutely. Every writer should be reading about how to write, and there is a hefty list of books available on the subject. If you are open to change, then you realize that everyone has something to learn, and none of us were born perfect writers. Many writers do not realize the array of books available on how to write, but these books can be game-changers for many novice writers.
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Eudora Welty, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Anne Lamott, William Zinsser, Natalie Goldberg, Annie Dillard, and Julia Cameron all published books about the writing process. These books offer tips and tricks for improving your writing habits, reflections on the writing process, and stories of what inspired people to pursue writing—as both a hobby and a career. 

When you look over your writing practice, where can you make an adjustment for a small improvement? Perhaps if you are not reading at all, you can schedule 15 minutes a day of dedicated reading time. Or if you are limiting your reading to magazine articles, you can change your focus to books. If you want to write better, you have to put in the work to make that happen, but reading, writing, and being open to change is natural for most writers. Sometimes, we just need a little nudge to get ourselves on track. 


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