Good Writers Read Good Books
First, why I read good books.
Right now I am reading the book, Doctor Zhivago. A book by Boris Pasternak.
I learned this.
The style of his writing is unique.
His perspective and style changes as you read the book.
The book has a wonderful flow.
I don’t want to stop reading it once I pick it up.
It’s an interesting edit for a book of this size.
The author is Russian.
He lived during disturbing times - Communism.
He started the book in 1910.
It was as good as written by 1920.
It was only completed in 1955.
He had to keep the book a secret for fear of death.
The book's anti-communist stance would have led to his certain death.
The book was finally smuggled out of Russia to be published.
Reading this book makes me feel inspired to write my very best. It is a wonder of literature.
As a writer reading is a critical tool for sharpening my skills and enhancing my thinking.
All Writers Should Read Books For Several Important Reasons:
Inspiration: Reading a wide variety of books exposes writers to different writing styles, genres, and ideas. This can spark their creativity and provide inspiration for their own work.
Improvement of Your Writing Skills: Reading helps writers improve their writing skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. By observing how skilled authors construct sentences and paragraphs, writers can enhance their own writing abilities.
Understanding Narrative Techniques: Reading allows writers to learn about various narrative techniques, such as point of view, pacing, character development, and plot structure. These techniques can be applied to their own writing to make it more engaging and compelling.
Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Reading books from different cultures, backgrounds, and time periods exposes writers to a wide range of perspectives and worldviews. This broadens their understanding of human experiences and can help them create more authentic and diverse characters and settings in their own writing.
Research and Reference: Writers often need to research specific topics or genres for their work. Reading relevant books is a valuable way to gather information, facts, and ideas that can be incorporated into their writing.
Learning From Masters: Reading books by accomplished authors allows writers to learn from the masters of the craft. Analyzing the works of celebrated writers can help writers understand what makes great literature and how to apply those lessons to their own work.
Keeping Up With Trends: The publishing industry and reader preferences evolve over time. By reading contemporary books, writers can stay informed about current trends and what is popular in the market.
Critical Thinking and Analysis: Reading encourages critical thinking and analysis. Writers can learn to evaluate literature, identify what works well, and recognize areas for improvement. This critical perspective can be applied to their own writing.
Developing a Love for Reading: Most writers are also avid readers, and their love for reading often fuels their passion for writing. Reading allows writers to continue enjoying the written word and keeps their enthusiasm for the craft alive.
Finding Community: Reading allows writers to connect with a community of readers and fellow writers who share their interests. Engaging with this community can provide valuable feedback, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
In summary, reading books is an essential activity for you as a writer because it enriches your writing skills, provides inspiration, and keeps you connected to the world of literature. It is a source of continuous learning and growth for anyone looking to excel in the field of writing.
Ghostwriter and New Author Mentor
Alan Forrest Smith
