Learning by Osmosis: How Reading Makes You a Better Writer
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ~Stephen King
For writers, reading and writing go hand in hand. I read romance novels at least ten years before I attempted to write one. For me, reading became a training ground for writing, even though I had no idea I was doing it. Learning by accident—is there anything better?
When we read a juicy, well-written novel, our brains are doing more than feasting on candy for the mind. We are soaking up phrases, ideas, and structure without even knowing it. (Bonus if you look up a word you don’t know and retain that knowledge for later!) You might even find that the next writing session you sit down for is colored by the reading you’ve done. If you notice easier flow or rarely-used-by-you words popping into your paragraphs, you may have reading to thank for the assist.
Reading novels can also accidentally teach you about pacing, character development, and plot structure. Patterns will emerge in your favorite genres. I remember noticing that, in romance, if a guy is introduced by his full name, I’d better pay attention. Chances are he’s either the hero or a future hero. These little winks from the genre invite us writers to use these tricks in our own books. You know that thing everyone makes fun of in romance where the heroine “releases a breath she didn’t know she was holding”? That, friends, is a wink/nudge from the great Romance Novel in the sky. It’s overused, yes, but it’s also one hell of a fun Easter egg. A true IYKYK sort of situation.
So… how do I make time to read?
Life gets busy, I get it. I, too, have been caught in the trap of scrolling through my phone instead of opening up a book. I have good news! A reading habit can be built (or rebuilt) in just 15 minutes a day. Here are a few tips:
Put a novel in your purse, on your nightstand, or next to your phone charger. The next time it’s staring you in the face, put downthe phone and pick up the book.
Read for fun is more than my motto, it’s a way of living. Set aside the nonfiction self-help or the literary tome for book club and pick up a genre you love to read instead. Maybe it’s a romcom, or the latest romantacy. Don’t judge a book by its “lightness.” There is absolutely nothing wrong with reading for pure escape.
Join my challenge! Don’t worry, it’s unofficial. My Read for Fun tracker is available for download when you sign up for my newsletter for readers. (This is also a good place to find info on new releases and stay plugged in for my biggest giveaway of the year.)
If you’re on my newsletter list, you’re already in! Simply pull up a recent newsletter for the Lemmon Insider’s info.
Not on the list yet? Sign up below, and I’ll send you the password right away.
Writers, this is your official invitation to turn off the TV, put down the phone, and grab a book that you’d love to read. While you’re enjoying yourself, the words will work their magic. Remember, you’re not just reading—you’re also gaining skills to be a better writer.
The key to your next great story could be a few chapters away…