Is reading overrated for authors?

Occasionally, you hear a writer say something like, “I’m too busy writing to read.” Now, what are you writing? And who are you writing for if you don’t read?

Stephen King a best-selling author said

‘If you don’t have the time to read, then you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. It’s that simple!’

If you do not read as a writer, why do you expect your work to be read? Reading is a writer’s lifeline. Here’s why.

To help you better understand your field of practice

How do you know what exists in the world of words, the possibility of language, the depth of the various genres, and their stylistic elements if you do not read and explore through other books? Imagine a chef who dislikes trying out other people’s cooking; an artist who doesn’t visit the art gallery or a musician who hardly listens to music - how will he/she get better? It simply doesn’t add up. It’s impossible to be a writer who doesn’t read - and expect to become a better writer!

To stir your imagination

If you don’t let your imagination run free as a reader, you will impoverish it. You can read a book and wonder, “Well, what if this happened? And what if the character came from this background instead?” By reading other works, you will find new ideas to experiment with when you write. Reading fuels your writing.

To learn from other writers

You cannot be an island in life and that includes writing. The more you read, the more you learn about the art of writing, styles that you can incorporate, and areas you can improve upon.

You also read so that you can be ‘influenced’ by great authors

Yes, the word ‘influence’ is intentional because some writers refuse to read because they are afraid it will influence or taint their style. There is no way to avoid being influenced by others. When you watch a TV show, listen to a song, watch a movie, you are influenced by things people wrote. Though you learn from error-riddled emails or casually-written social media posts, you learn more by reading published fiction and non-fiction books. And your writing gets influenced for the better.

Reading allows you to study grammar in context

This is a literal hack. You may be able to spare yourself the headache of reading a formal grammar book by studying the way professional authors use punctuation and grammar conventions. You can also find answers to grammar questions you were never quite sure about. But do not be in a hurry to discard your dictionaries or grammar books, because some authors deliberately disregard grammar rules.

Reading helps you expand your vocabulary.

You don’t know all the words yet and reading a dictionary isn’t a pretty task. You can note words or phrases you don’t recognize or find especially masterful. Learn, memorise, and incorporate them in your next writing project. Your dictionary is your friend so do not replace it with other people’s books.

Reading gives you a break from your writing while keeping your mind active

Taking a break from writing to go read a book can provide the creative break you need to get back to writing with a fresh eye. It also keeps your brain active and sharp.

Reading is good for your brain

Science has proven this. So if you want a healthy brain, you better keep reading! Reading increases empathy, reduces stress, exercises the mind and keeps your brain sharp as you age.

The more you read, the more you expose yourself to the possibilities of reshaping your writing in unexpected ways. You can learn more about this in the Authors Write-It-Now course. The next session starts on May 7, 2022.