Q: Why is it important for writers to be avid readers?
A: To become better writers. Here are two ways being an avid reader will help your writing.
- Read wide: read across genres. You’ll get an idea of what sells, what genre expectations are intrinsic to that specific genre, and, if you’re lucky, inspiration to break some rules. I read John Scalzi for inspiration. He continuously entertains with stories of out-of-the-box characters and narrative plots. He twists genre elements until they’re unrecognizable…and yet, weirdly plausible. To see what I mean, read Kaiju Preservation Society or Starter Villain. (Better yet, listen to the audiobook, it’s Wil Wheaton!)
- Read deep: take a novel that you love, or is in your genre, and deconstruct it to within an inch of its life. Pulling apart narrative structure or character arc is the easy part. I’m talking about analyzing every word as it grows into a phrase, into a sentence, into a paragraph. See how each coalesces into the next, and how they play together to create scenes and dialogue. Where are the metaphors? How do the words feel on your tongue as you read out loud? What takes your breath away? The deep reads reveal an author’s craft and skill, unveiling something you might be able to emulate and make your own. Or it could inspire you to try something new with your own writing.
Each of these provides an opportunity to learn and hone your craft. Don’t be afraid—if it doesn’t work there’s always the delete key.