As a tutor, I always remind my students of the importance of reading. Whether you are writing novels, blogs, scripts for film, tv radio, game or theatre as well as non-fiction even for work, you should be reading what everyone else is doing. So I’ve put together some writing tips, 5 reasons why reasons is important as a writer.
Reason One.
It’s give you an idea what is out there. The chances are if you by your book from a store, it is more likely to be from a publishing house. Meaning a team of experts have deemed that this book fitted in with current trends of what the reading public want. If you intend to sell you book, then this is a huge help. Not just in knowing what is fashionable, but where you book could fit in and with which publisher.
Reason Two
Reading helps you to develop you own style. Like when as a child you watched a parent or adult cook, you learn how to do the basics. As an adult in your own kitchen you add your own twist to the recipe. That’s exactly what reading as a writer does.
When you start out writing, you just write what comes into your head. No thought is out into what ingredients you need and the quantity, , you simply throw is all in!
The more you read you will pick up on nuances of dialogue, delve deeper into characters, notice the plot turns and twists and where they start to develop. It improves you grammar and language skills. Never a bad thing!
Each writer has their own Writer’s DNA, it comes from who you are and how you got there, making it pretty unique stuff!
That same DNA, effects our interpretation of books. This is what makes up your writing style, so keeping reading!
Reason Three
This one is my favourite, RESEARCH.
For any writer, you SHOULD be researching. It doesn’t matter what you are writing there should be an element of looking stuff up.
Let’s start with location. You decide to set your story in a place you have never been. So how do you it’s suitable for your story? How will the characters react to their environment? How will it help your story progress? Science dictions writers haven’t been to the moon, but they can read about temperatures and conditions, they can read science and technology journals to understand what we can currently achieve and what we hope to achieve, with a writers imagination you can take this further!
I love to read up on psychology, I find it a great way of developing intriguing characters with realistic flaws, such as the habits of a stalker.
Don’t let NOT researching limit what you write!
Reason Four
Reading is one of the best tools for doing this. Whether you want to learn a new skill such as writing for film or learn about Restoration Theatre (my current expansion project), there is always an expert on the subject who has already written the book. Not sure where to start? Your local library can help or try a social media group will probably have lots of recommendations or you.
And finally,
Reason Five.
Reading a novel as a writer should make you want to ask questions.
Did you enjoy the story and why?
Where all the characters believable? Did you empathise with them and their situation?
Where all the loose ends tied up when the story ended?
How did the story make you feel? Were you eager to turn the next page?
Would you recommend this book to someone else and why?
I’m sure you can think of lots more questions, your readers will.
So start thinking like a reader when you write and keep asking questions of your own work.
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