Writers Must Also Be Readers

Flowers and a Book--Happiness

Today's photo shows us two things that make me happy. I love flowers, as do most of us, but I also love books. Reading is my favorite pastime. Why it is referred to as a 'pastime' is beyond me. I don't read to 'pass the time' but for pleasure and to increase my knowledge.

All writers should be avid readers. The more you read, the more you soak up ways to write. I've often said you should not copy the style of other writers, be yourself. However, being a sponge to what others write is not necessarily meant for you to copy the way they write.

Instead, it is a way of learning the different styles of writing. When you read with a writer's eye, you decide very quickly which kind of prose you like best. Some people adore flowery, poetic prose while others prefer plain, get-to-it writing that still offers a good story. 

When you read novels, you learn what kind of dialogue you like and the type you don't care for. You figure out whether you like stories with flashbacks, ones with prologues, and/or epilogue. Descriptions in books help you know what type of description you want to use in your own stories. Long detailed ones, or short and snappy but giving a definite image to the reader.

All your likes and dislikes in your reading help you with your own writing. 

Of course, there is one more good reason to be a reader. You should be reading books about writing. Beginning writers sometimes think that they've read one reference book on the craft and that's all they need before diving into the writing pool. Wrong! I don't think you can read too many how-to books to help you learn to write like a pro. I'm not suggesting that you read one a week, but new ones come out on a regular basis, and the best old ones stay in print. Some cover all aspects of writing while others might be directed at one type. 

Here's yet another reason for a writer to be a reader. You set an example for others. Writers want others to read their work, so we should be the first in reading. 

Have you read a good book lately? How about putting a recommendation in the Comments section below? I'm reading The Giver of Stars by JoJo Mayes and enjoying it immensely. Last week I read The Last Train To London by Meg Waite Clayton, heartbreaking story about the early days of the Nazi regime and a Dutch woman who helps bring Jewish children to England. A tough subject but well-written and absorbing.