It’s common for writers to also be avid readers. The two things go very much hand-in-hand, and for good reason.
However, the older we get, the more busy we get. School, work, life gets in the way, so it’s hard enough to find time to write, let alone read. And then the longer you go without reading, the bigger your reading list gets, and then it’s all just so overwhelming.
But if you’re a writer, you shouldn’t give up reading. Don’t let it fall too far to the wayside, and here’s why:
Get to know the market
Find out what’s popular and see where your work will fit in with general interest. Keep in mind, however, that this does not mean change your book if it doesn’t fit the market. Even if your book seems way out there, keep at it. The market can change in a heartbeat, and besides, you might run into something like a certain trope or character archetype that you’ve used that will help the book fit in, even if it’s your plot that seems like it’s coming out of left field.
Gain confidence
Do you ever read something and think “Hey, that kind of sounds like my style?” It’s the more positive end of “Oh man, I could never write something like that.” If you read enough books, you’ll end up thinking both of those. Just remind yourself as you’re reading that all kinds of people get published, and pretty soon you’ll be thinking “If they can do it, I can do it.”
Get inspired
Gaining inspiration from a book is not the same as ripping it off. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Did you read a name you really like? You can use it without copying the whole character. A certain worldbuilding technique? Do it! Did your characters dig themselves into a hole you don’t know how to get them out of? Find a book with a similar issue and let them inspire your next steps.
Get to know different styles
Not sure if you can pull off first person point of view? Want to try strange storytelling techniques like putting the actual story in footnotes? Have you always enjoyed science fiction but were never sure how to approach it?
In addition to getting inspired, reading books can help you analyze how they’re styled, and maybe something will jump out at you for your own book.
Broaden your worldview to help with diversity
The author pool is getting more diverse in terms of race, gender, sexuality, and ability. Reading what people of different perspectives have to offer both supports them and helps you write in some of those different perspectives. Including diversity in your work is so important for readers to be able to relate with what you put out.
Interact with authors and make connections
If you like a book, leave a review. Especially if it comes from a new author. And in the age of social media, you can hype that book up as well and someone might repay the favor.
What’s your opinion? Comment below how reading has helped your writing!
The Write Opinion 