Why Every Writer Should Be a Reader
If you want to be a writer, you must also be a reader. Notice that I didn’t say ‘should’. I said ‘must’.
Yes, I know, the reason that most people come to writing is because they love to read, but sadly, that is not the case for all. I come across people now and then who do not read but, for some unknowable reason, want to write. I always imagine that these people have heard about the occasional (rare) occurrence of somebody writing a blockbuster novel and subsequently becoming richer than their wildest dreams.
That fantasy is not going to work out for those people.
First of all, you can be a fabulous writer and not win the luck lottery that leads to fame and fortune. Can you get published? Most likely. Can you make enough cash to feed an army of adopted cats? Probably. Can you keep writing and publishing consistently enough to make a decent living? Maybe.
The truth is that most writers write due to love of the written word, the headrush that comes from creating. Writers write because it is easier than not writing. The stories in your head clamber to get on the page. Life is not truly satisfying until you’ve written that story into existence.
But you need to read.
Read Everything
What should you read? Anything. Everything. Read the genres that you like to write. Read outside of those genres. Even bad fiction is fair game because you learn what not to do. (Providing that you are astute enough to discern the good from the bad. We’ll get into that later.) Read the classics. Read memoirs. Read the newspaper (do they still make newspapers?).
Also, never forget to read books on writing craft. I make mention of a craft book now and then, but there are hundreds to choose from. Soon, I will make you a list of options to choose from whenever you get into the writing doldrums. I harp on craft books because that is what made the biggest difference in the quality of my writing. Most of the things that I write about on this site, I’ve learned from craft books over the years.
Reading Helps You Learn How to Write
Writers should never stop learning how to write. Art can never be perfected, only strengthened, grown, and explored. Reading helps you to learn techniques from other writers, helps you to define your style. You can learn what to do and what not to do. Sampling the work of another can inspire your own story. (Note that I said ‘inspiration’, and not plagiarism.) For instance, you can pull a thread from a story, a setting, a character type, or an event. Change it, evolve it in your mind, put your own twist on it, and make it your own.
Reading quality fiction can help you understand the human condition more completely. You can delve into cultures beyond your own.
What if you only write for yourself? That’s fine, but you should still read.
Don’t you want what you write to be of the highest quality, even if you are the only one reading it? Imagine your great-great-grandchildren discovering some of your work. Do you want them to laugh and cringe or smile in awe of their talented ancestor? I choose the awe, thank you very much.
Read. If you don’t have time, find the time. Get up early. Stay up late. Read just before bed. Read while your coffee is brewing. Use the Kindle app on your phone and read in the checkout line. Take a book or a Kindle with you everywhere. I promise that once you commit to reading, those snippets of time will find you. Check out Six Ways to Prioritize and Find Time to Write for more inspiration.
For now, happy writing, and happy READING!
Join us on Facebook and never miss an article!
