Reading and Writing: Developing Your Craft Through Books

A little-known way of improving your writing is the act of reading.

When you think about it, it doesn’t make much sense that doing something that’s not writing would improve the craft of writing.

But really, there is a symbiotic relationship between reading and writing and not a negative one in that.

You must be an avid reader to become a better writer.

How Reading Influences Writing Style and Technique

When you read as a writer there is a subconscious process by which your brain absorbs what you reading.

This is explained by the concept of you are what you eat.

In this context, you make what you consume.

If you consume content that is meaningless and shallow, you will create writing that is empty and soulless.

In this way, if you read good writing you will make good writing.

It’s as simple as that.

This is why exposing yourself to many different writing styles and genres will enhance your writing. I talked about this in my post on inspiration, but the more meaningful content you consume the greater your bank of good writing is you can refer to.

Staying Inspired: Drawing Creativity from Unlikely Sources

So to best enhance your writing style and technique expose yourself you many different writing genres and styles.

Recommended Books for Writers in Different Genres

It’s challenging to dive into a genre that you are unfamiliar with, you don’t want to pick terrible writing because you will subconsciously emulate that.

So here are some places to start for some genres and key areas to investigate;

Mystery/ Thriller: Must-reads for Suspenseful Storytelling

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Analyzing Flynn’s use of unreliable narrators for heightened suspense.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Examining Larsson’s mastery in creating intricate plots and unexpected twists.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Unpacking the art of building tension through psychological narratives.

Fantasy: Building Imaginative Worlds Through Influential Works

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Dissect Tolkien’s world-building techniques and rich mythology.
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
Learn from Martin’s complex characters and sprawling, interconnected plots.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Explore Rowling’s ability to create a magical world with universal themes.

Literary Fiction: Exploring Depth and Nuance in Character-Driven Stories

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Analyze Lee’s exploration of social issues through compelling characters.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Study Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism and intricate character relationships.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Delve into Dostoevsky’s psychological depth and moral exploration.

Horror: Evoking Fear and Dread Through Exceptional Works

The Shining by Stephen King
Analyze King’s mastery of atmospheric horror and psychological terror.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Explore Jackson’s skill in creating a haunting atmosphere and subtle horror.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Delve into Stoker’s foundational work in Gothic horror and vampire lore.

By delving into these masterpieces, you’ll glean insights into the unique characteristics of each genre and discover valuable lessons that can elevate your writing.

Each book is a treasure trove of inspiration waiting to be unlocked on your writing journey.

Incorporating Reading Into Your Writing Routine

The best way to get a habit for something is to track it.

Track the time you spend reading each day for a week. You will then have a basis of where you currently stand and can now set a goal for your reading.

Say if you were to read a book every two weeks, set a goal for one a week.

Setting yourself challenges to reach with your reading will make sure reading is a regular part of your routine.

However, you mustn’t be spending significantly more time consuming than you are creating.

If you find yourself reading for most of the day and get in half an hour of writing every day, this will negatively impact your writing simply because you’re not writing.

It’s all about balance.

Building Your Own Personal Reading List

You must be reading books because you want to read them, not because it has good reviews.

Reading, like writing, should be fun. You don’t need to force yourself to read if you hate reading, because you won’t learn anything from it.

Thus, you must come up with a list of books you want to read.

A good selection of reading material should come from various cultures and perspectives.

Horror is what I write the most and I have found it endlessly interesting to read folktales and foreign tales of ghouls and monsters. This reading imbues my horror with a sense of universality, which is a valuable aspect of writing.

Expanding your reading beyond your comfort zone is endlessly beneficial.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is an incredibly difficult book for me to read, I don’t know why but I just struggled big time with that book. I’ve found though after reading that book I am better equipped to get through similarly difficult books with ease.

The challenge is the first step to growth.

You won’t learn anything worth learning in your comfort zone.

So get out there, and experience everything.

In Conclusion. . .

In the dance between reading and writing, each complements and enriches the other.

Through the pages of brilliant works, we absorb writing styles, techniques, and the subtle nuances that make storytelling an art.

The more we read, the more finely tuned our writer’s instinct becomes, leading to an ever-evolving craft.

Consider reading not just a leisurely activity but an indispensable tool for your growth as a writer.

Every book is a mentor, offering lessons in narrative structure, character development, and the delicate dance of words. Approach your reading with intention, seeking inspiration and learning from the masters of the craft.

Embrace the diversity of genres, styles, and voices, for it is in this rich tapestry that you’ll find the building blocks of your unique voice as a writer.

As you embark on your reading and writing endeavors, remember that this journey is not a linear path but a continuous loop of inspiration and creation.

Let every page you turn be a stepping stone in the evolution of your craft.

Happy reading and writing, fellow wordsmiths!

May your shelves be filled with stories that propel you forward on this literary odyssey.

If you liked this post here’s another one about how to implement play into your writing;

The Productivity of Play: Mix Fun into Your Writing Process