Recently, I discussed the process of writing with someone who wanted to write a book, but didn’t know where to start. I asked him who his favourite authors were. He replied that he didn’t really read books.
I admit, I was puzzled. For me, my love of writing began with my love of reading. I can’t divorce my first love, and I still read every single day. Most, if not all, professional writers I’ve ever spoken to tend to agree. Reading and writing go together like….books and hot chocolate, thunder and lightning, babies and gummy grins. I just can’t separate them.
The conversation got me thinking about how one learns to write. In my opinion, it’s very difficult to learn to write if you don’t read – and read widely. How do you know if a book is well-written or poorly researched? How do you know which style of writing you like best?
My genre of preference is mystery and suspense, so it will come as no surprise to learn that I read lots of mystery and suspense novels, both Christian and non-Christian. I also read political thrillers, war-time stories and even fantasy books. All of them have taught me something of how to be a writer.
From one author, I learnt how to create deep, real characters. From another, I learned how to keep the pace fast and frantic. From yet another, how to drip feed clues to the reader.
Something else I’ve gained from reading lots of books is research. When I write about a certain topic, I find novels that deal with the same issue to get an idea of what other authors do. I’m particularly interested in how non-Christian authors approach these subjects. For example, I read one of Jonathan Kellerman’s novels, Survival of the Fittest, while researching for my book, The Shadowed Mind. His book features a eugenicist killer, just as mine does. However we approach the subject from very different angles!
I encourage you, if you are an aspiring author, to continue reading widely. Try new authors and new genres. Expand your list to include non-Christian authors, if you don’t already. Seek out award-winning novels, to find out what makes them award-winning.
Do you believe that one should be an avid reader to be a good writer?
Don’t forget to subscribe to receive Monday Masterclass posts direct to your inbox!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I couldn’t agree with you more. I believe you ‘are what you read’ … in your imagination at least. As a homeschool mom, I want my kids to read incredible literature/poetry/scripture so they will know what good writing sounds like—so they can write just as well.
As an aspiring writer, I can’t imagine my life without books!
Blessings,
Shan
I totally agree – I cannot imagine life without books either! What a great gift God gave us – this ability to share and communicate via the written word. I wish you well with your homeschooling!
Julie,
As a writer, my first passion reading tends to be a helper to my muse. If I never read extensively and frequently I wouldn’t understand how to pace a story, or how to shape my characters appropriately.
Those who are published and who have bestsellers under their belts know a little something more than the newbie writer.
Sure, one may know good grammar, syntax, and spelling, but if you aren’t great at storytelling, you really ought to sit at the feet of the greats.
So I agree with you.
Erica
Erica, I’m so glad you pointed out that despite proficiency at grammar, syntax and spelling, you may not be a good writer! I say this often – writing is about creating a different world, which is so much more than technicalities!
Just l-o-v-e-d reading this!! As to whether good writers are good readers…I tend to agree…reading and remembering what was said and how it was said and the context spillover into the writer’s mind and then onto their own work on paper.
Absolutely, Jennifer! Many of my greatest lessons were learned at the hands of other authors.
I just finished Deadly Delusions this afternoon. Imagine my concern when I read the article about Thomas Jefferson’s new exhibit at the Smithsonian.
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/smithsonian-touts-jefferson-s-genius-editing-gospels-and-removing-resurrection
Perhaps we should add “Prophet” to your titles.
Wow! That is quite scary – and yet not overly surprising. Occasionally I am accused of being unrealistic in my plots, but I think this article proves that my ideas are not as far-fetched as one might think! Thanks for sharing!