Want to be a better author? Here’s what to read!
Reading books will make you a better writer.
But to really get the most out of your reading time, you need to read the RIGHT types of books! Here are 12 suggestions to expand your reading diet and noticeably impact your skills as a writer.
1. Don’t just read a single type or genre of book
Just like only eating noodles, only readying non-fiction business books isn’t a balanced reading d
iet. Read a variety of books: non-fiction and fiction, different genres.
2. Read the greats
Not everybody is in love with a “classic” or an author you “should” read. Here’s a hint: I’m not a Jane Austin fan! But there are great pieces of literature in all genres. You need to read the authors who have really mastered their craft and can make their words sing!
3. Read award winners
Liking a book is totally subjective. So if you’re stuck on where to start, I’d suggest working your way down a list of book award winners. These aren’t necessarily best sellers! They’re the books that the literary community says are excellent. I personally love the Newbery Award Winners – young adult novels.
4. Go back to a book you loved
Remember that book that moved you? The one that stuck with you? Read that one again! Figure out WHY you loved it so much. I have a list of my go-to books that I love to re-read. (And yes, some of them are kids or young adult books!)
5. Don’t force it!
I’ve tried Moby Dick about a dozen times. I just can’t get into it and I’ve always really wanted to read it. If you’re reading something you really can’t stand, you have my permission to find something else to read.
6. Force yourself to finish
Yep, I’m completely contradicting #5. See, I think there’s something to be said for forcing yourself to finish a book that just isn’t doing it for you. Figure out WHY you can’t get into it. What mistake is the author making that keeps you from being engrossed? Then you’ll know to avoid it in your own writing.
7. Don’t read the genre or topic you write in
Like a cleanse or fast, go cold-turkey on reading the genre you write. Let your own ideas percolate and rise to the surface. Otherwise, you run the risk of unconsciously copying or plagiarizing the other authors you’re reading. (This is a real thing!)
8. Read something that’s fluff
I don’t mean something that’s crap – poorly written and full of mistakes. I mean read something that is just… fluff. This could be chic lit or a trashy romance novel. Read something that has no other value than to entertain. Are you entertained?
9. Read something old (but not ancient)
Try for something you’ve never read before – and an author you’re not familiar with. Pick up an un-updated version of anything by Dale Carnegie. Try some L. Frank Baum. Read something that uses complex sentences, words that we don’t use any longer, and study the poetry of the language. Look for something that was written and published pre-1920’s for the best results. (Or at least where the author was an adult by the 20’s!)
10. Read something old-old
And I give you permission NOT to finish it – but give it a whirl. Try the Canterbury Tales (Chaucer), Beowulf, or anything from Virgil or Homer. Try to find an edition that has NOT been modernized too much or translated into oblivion. You’re looking for the old-old writing styles! (There’s a reason I’m not suggesting Shakespeare, although he’s great. You’re looking at literature and Shakespeare, at heart, is a playwright.)
11. Read an early-reader book
These books have lots of pictures and limited text. (A picture-book is defined as images only.) Examine JUST the text and see how the author invokes images and feelings with just a few words.
12. Read poetry
Look at how the words interact with each other. Feel the rhythm of the words, the sounds, the syllables. Extra credit if you read it aloud. You don’t have to like poetry to get a lot from this! You’re becoming a student of language – and taking lessons learned from poetry to prose!
The whole point of this list is to give ideas for what to read. Don’t expect results overnight! To get the best benefits, read the works as an author – not a literary critic, not a literature major, or even just for enjoyment. Read them to see what works and what doesn’t, read to find out what you love and what you hate, read to see what has fallen out of style that you love and could incorporate.
The more you read, the better you’ll get at it. And it WILL improve your writing. But remember, that reading alone doesn’t make you a great writer – you’ve got to practice the skills you’re learning from your reading too!
Where are YOU going to start your reading-to-become-a-better-writer journey? Leave me a comment below!
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