If you want to be a writer, or even if you would just like to improve or hone your writing skills, the first thing that I would suggest you do is read.
A book can hold a lot of power within the contents of its pages. For example, there is the obvious stuff; a good book can provide an escape from the stresses and worries of everyday life, it can allow you to live vicariously through the characters in a story and travel to another time or a place that you haven’t been before, and it can also help you to appreciate another person’s point of view.
As a writer, reading is just as essential as putting your pen to paper. It is a part of the learning process, allowing you to see what has worked for other writers and authors and how they have structured their stories using character and plot to move them along.
Not only that but reading a wide range of different books from many different genres will help you to see that everyone writes differently. Everyone has their style and voice, and you will be able to learn about your own by studying the techniques of others.
Reading is also an excellent way to improve your knowledge of the language and grammar, as well as to grow your vocabulary.
You can also absorb a lot of information about the genre you have chosen to write in if indeed you have a genre in mind, and studying books in that genre will allow you to see what the typical tropes are, what has been overused and maybe, even what you might do differently.
By losing yourself in the pages of a good book, you can become inspired. As you are getting to know the plot and the characters, your subconscious will begin to churn up new ideas that you can use in your own writing.
Above everything else, reading helps you to exercise your brain. It is vital to keep your mind active and healthy to allow your creativity and imagination to flourish. After all, imagination is the most important tool for developing ideas and turning them into art.
I hope you found this helpful.
Until next time,
George
© 2018 GLT
Categories: Reading, Writing Tips
GEORGE L THOMAS 
I always need a reminder to read varying genres- I tend to stick to YA sci-fi as often as possible, and I have to really consciously get myself to read anything else.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I hear you. It is hard to try and read a genre you’re unfamiliar with or not too interested in. I’ve struggled with it myself, but on the other hand, there have been times when I have read something like a crime thriller, which isn’t usually my cup of tea, and been entirely surprised when I’ve enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was just telling a young writer friend of mine this exact same thing! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Preach!! I completely agree! And I hate when writers say things like: I don’t have time to read, I need that time for writing. Make time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree. You have to read to be able to understand what you’re supposed to be aiming for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this article. You nail the reasons why it’s so important to read. Will include it in my favourite articles post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading, and reading widely, should be as natural and as necessary to the writer as breathing oxygen is. That feeling of stepping into the imagination of another writer is priceless. I am an obsessed bibliophile. I even love children’s picture books. You’ve shared some good points in your post, George.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I appreciate that 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person