Read? But we are writers, we write!
Yes, but we should also be READING.
A large part of what we do is based on what we know, what we have experienced, and what we have read. Let’s be honest, most writers are also reading enthusiasts. Reading and writing often goes hand in hand. Through reading we come to learn about this wonderful world of writing.
At one point in your life, a certain book or series truly inspired you. You decided, you wanted to write something like that, you wouldn’t to create worlds and characters that touched not only your heart but the hearts of others. That’s because reading inspires and encourages. For me, my writing is inspired by hundreds of books such as Harry Potter, Eragon, Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, etc. These books and their authors have encouraged me to become the best author I can be. Reading also connects us to others, whether they are fictional characters or real people who share the same interests.
In order to be a successful writer, you want to be a frequent reader. Now of course, you have deadlines to meet and reading every day may not be possible, but in your writing journey don’t forget or underestimate the power of reading.
Reading can be inspirational.
Reading can be an escape.
Reading can be an adventure.
Reading can be a connection with others.
Reading can encourage.
Reading can be comforting.
What else, in your experience, can reading be?
In the comment be sure to answer, “reading can be ______________.”
Happy Writing (and reading) Everyone!
Spotlight:
Lloyd Chudley Alexander was an American author of more than forty books, primarily fantasy novels for children and young adults. His most famous work is The Chronicles of Prydain, a series of fantasy novels whose conclusion, The High King, was awarded the 1969 Newbery Medal for excellence.
A successful author of more than 30 publications, Lloyd enjoyed reading Shakespeare, Dickens and Mark Twain. He asserts that King Arthur is his favorite hero. If Lloyd Alexander can find the time to read and places so much importance on it, we should too.
Happy Writing (and Reading!) Everybody!
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I enjoy both reading and writing.
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I think the two activities usually go hand in hand, don’t you?
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I do yes. ☺❤🌹
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Reading is a MUST as a writer! Also, listening to or reading things by published authors (such as “On Writing” by Stephen King).
Other people’s writing can be so inspirational, and can make you understand the basics of writing, and give you things to aim for too – it’s amazing.
Great post 🙂
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Definitely, I totally agree! When we have examples set before us, why not take advantage of them? Thanks for commenting!
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Exactly! 🙂
No problem!
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I’ve often said that reading is the best education a writer can get. And it’s free! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
–Michael
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You are SO right Michael! There are books everywhere for free nowadays and they range a variety of topics!
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One cannot help but agree although a caveat is required, don’t just read what you like, try everything and you may be pleasantly surprised
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That is true! It’s good to branch out because diversity helps with our own abilities.
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I completely agree with you Bobby…
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Reading can be a life I never had and never will.
Reading can be an adventure I wish I could have taken
Reading can be a way to escape the daily life.
😏
P.S
If you have some time would you please give me your feedback on my last short story “Witness”
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I love those answers!
Sure I’ll stop on byn
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Thank you
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Reading can be eye-opening. For me, in these past couple of years, instead of reading for pleasure like I’ve always done, I’ve been taught to do close readings of the books I read and it has allowed me to think deeper into things (With much difficulty on my part. I don’t think I’ve mastered close reading yet.). So I’ve been reading actively a little now.
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That’s a great answer! Close reading is something that takes years to master in my opinion.
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I personally find it a little easier to do close readings of novels compared to poems. Poems are so short. I took a poetry class and I had the most difficult time understanding where my classmates got all of their theories from based on their closed readings.
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Poems are hard especially because author intention and reader interpretation can differ so widely!
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As much as I think close reading is a great tool to have, I kind of lost the pleasure in reading a novel. When I read, I just want to relax and forget about reality for a bit.
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I hear you there! But I think, even subconsciously, we are analyzing and remembering.
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Yep. ^^
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Reading is essential for writers! Really, exposure to many forms of media is important for writers. Film and TV can also be used by writers as tools for inspiration, but it depends on on what you’re writing. For example, right now a friend and I are working on a screenplay so I am reading stage plays, and watching TV shows and films for inspiration. Great post!! 🙂
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Such a great example! You’re right, different mediums are helpful depending on what you, the author, is looking for or working on.
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I’ve heard that when you’re writing a piece – book, essay, or short story, whatever – 90% is studying and reading, and the rest is the actual writing.
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Hmmmm that’s definitely something to think about! It could be true when we consider how much more we read than write.
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The two go hand in hand, IMO. Reading gives us inspiration and ideas and can enhance our writing.
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In complete agreement with you!
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omg i am so glad i read this post. i was talking my ear off to my boyfriend how i wanted to reread all of my ALL TIME favorite books.
Lloyd Alexander, the author you mention, is the author of Time Cat. That was a book i read a handful of times, and now I really want to read it again! i forgot he wrote so many books.
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Glad I could jog your memory! You should definitely reread, that’s what I’m doing this summer ha!
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