This is sort of an age old argument. In my experience, most professionals agree that writers need to read. But something that I’m noticing in particular is how many beginning writers don’t read. The Writer’s Atelier audience is a mixed one, so for those of you who already know what I’m about to say, feel free to exit this post. For those of you who are fairly new to the game of writing, listen up.
1. Reading teaches you how to write.
I know this may sound insane, but it’s true. Reading actually has the power to teach you how to write well, especially if you’re reading well-written books. There’s something that happens subconsciously. You’re absorbing the words, stylistic choices, syntax, etc. You can learn about craft as well by observing the way authors craft characters, plot, setting, and more. Let’s not talk about the immense amount of learning and technique that can come from craft books.
Reading for learning is especially critical if you didn’t study creative writing in school or if you’ve never taken any creative writing classes.
2. Reading allows you to know your market.
I don’t care if you’re planning to self-publish, or if your goal is to go the traditional route. You must know your market if you’re going to be a successful writer.
So often we get fed the idea that we shouldn’t look around at what others are doing. That’s true to an extent. No, you shouldn’t look around and feel jealous about what other writers are writing and achieving. But yes, you should look around and see how writers craft their stories, and you should know why the successful books sell.
I completely understand if you’re the kind of writer who only wants to concentrate on craft. I get it. But you’ve got to know what’s working and what isn’t—reading helps you do that.
3. You’ll learn the kind of writer you don’t want to be.
There are good books, and there are bad books. I know many writers who don’t want to waste time reading poorly written books, and hey, they have good reason. Why should we waste our precious time on something that we don’t find worthwhile?
The thing is, reading a bad book isn’t a complete waste of time. You can learn what not to do as a writer. I spent a lot of time reading submissions for The Literary Review, Voyage, and Black Fox Literary Magazine, and nothing has taught me more about my own writing, than reading not-so-great writing. Bonus points if you actually identify and write out what wasn’t working in the piece.
This is not an exercise for the sake of poking fun at the author, or putting them down. Many pieces submitted for publication are not ready and need a little more TLC. It’s your opportunity to learn from them.
Reading should be a priority, just as writing should be.
There’s no way around it if you desire to be a serious writer. As Stephen King says, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
Racquel Henry is a Trinidadian writer, editor, and writing coach with an MFA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a part-time English Professor and owns Writer’s Atelier. Racquel is also the co-founder and Editor at Black Fox Literary Magazine and the Editor-in-Chief at Voyage YA. She is the author of Holiday on Park and The Writer’s Atelier Little Book of Writing Affirmations. Her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction have appeared in various literary magazines and anthologies. When she’s not working, you can find her watching Hallmark Christmas movies.
