It's the beginning of a long holiday weekend here: the weather is warm, the flowers are in bloom, and my patio furniture is calling my name. I plan on doing a lot of reading this weekend.
I know most writers understand that reading is essential for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. Reading the work of other writers provides an opportunity to increase your vocabulary and language skills, learn new techniques, and gain exposure to how themes are being used in new and creative ways. It's also a good way to relax and recharge your creative batteries.
What a writer should read is debatable. Personally, I think a wide variety of books is advisable. If we stick to reading only the same authors or types of books, we lose out on expanding our knowledge of not only what's out there, but possibly something we would truly enjoy.
So, where to start?
I suggest starting with the pile of books most writers (and readers) accumulate over time. Depending on how high your pile is, you may have enough reading material to last a good long time. If you're not sure what you have, or possibly some of the books were loaned or given as gifts, take the time to sort through them and decide if you even want to read them. If not, return them, donate them to your local library or Goodwill, or sell them at a garage sale or online. Books are treasures, but they're not worth keeping if you have no interest in reading them, and you'll create more space for the ones you do want to keep.
I had to train myself to only keep 2-3 books "in progress" on a table and the rest stored neatly in bookcases and in 2 baskets tucked on shelves under my end tables. I also learned to make good use of the library, looking up books I want online and putting them on hold to pick up at my convenience. It saves a lot of time and money, and I know they won't be taking up permanent residence in my home.
I still buy books, but I'm careful about choosing ones I'm likely to read more than once: classic literature, writing reference books, or biographies. I do indulge in other book purchases, but most often these get passed along for others to enjoy.
The best way to get out of a rut with your reading material is to read about new books and new authors. Often they will recommend other books and authors, or more classic material they felt influenced them as writers. There are plenty of authors who write their own blogs, and tons of web sites devoted to book discussions and recommendations.
A couple I like are:
BookPage: http://www.bookpage.com is a monthly national review publication. I get the hard copy for free at the local library, but the online version is great as well. The current issue, May 2009, contains 72 book reviews and author interviews. The archived editions are available there as well. You can even submit a request that your book be considered for review; guidelines for the process are listed on the site. They also have a Q and A column titled "Advice for Writers".
LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com allows you to create your own profile and add your books and personal ratings. Many different book discussion groups are available to join, you can connect to other readers who share your reading interests, and you can even receive free advance copies of books (adult and childrens books), if you are willing to write a review. I recommend checking it out.
The bottom line is that reading and absorbing the language of other writers' words will benefit you as a writer. Pay attention to specific lines or passages that especially capture your attention. I keep a small notebook handy to record these when I'm reading (I NEVER write in a book—a throwback to my childhood learning that books are sacred) and review them occasionally to remind myself what good writing looks like.
I relate writing to learning a foreign language where the easiest way to learn is by immersing yourself in the language. Since the language of writing is contained inside books, I highly recommend frequent dips in the ocean of words they contain.
Feel free to share what you're reading and your thoughts about it.
Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to your submissions.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 31
Excellent ideas, Nancy.
Last book I read was City of Thieves.
Thanks, JM. Right now I'm reading, "Please Excuse My Daughter" by Julie Klam, a very cool writer I met on Twitter. It's a very funny, poignant memoir and I'm enjoying it immensely.
Great post, Nancy. I'm reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Hi, Gretchen. That book is on my list to read too..
yes, to write we must first read. Undeniable. I am currently reading David Kessler's new nonfiction book, "The End of Overeating". I just finished reading Thrity Umrigar's new novel "The Weight of Heaven". My next book to read is Josh Weil's "The New Valley", which is a collection of 3 novellas. Weil is supposed to be the hot new thing in writing, according to some.
Hi, Chris. Wow, you've been busy reading!
I habven't read any of Josh Weils's work yet, but I know beyond his prose, he has written a screenplay, a play, and made a short film in addition to winning several writing awards. I will add "The New Valley" to my reading list. Thanks!
Another book I have in the queue to read is a non-fiction book titled "A Jury of Her Peers: American Women Writers" by Elain Showalter. It's a comprehensive history of women writers from 1650-2000.
My pile (or mental pile) of books waiting to be read reaches to the ceiling. And I WORK in a library!
Tracy,
I'm jealous! I'd love to work in a library.
Our small town has a gorgeous library though; people here seem to treasure it. We have 7 full-time librarians, 6 part-time library assistants, and over 40 part-time clerical and page employees. My teen daughter just interviewed this week for a summer job there and we're really hoping she gets it.
i work in a library too, tracy. first dibs on new books is a great fringe benefit.
Nancy, I love reading debut novels (or novellas of course in the case of Josh Weil). There is something special about reading the first work from an author and debating, does this person have what it takes to become a major writer? I remember reading "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver back in the 1980's and telling somebody that she would be a big name someday.
I can often tell when somebody has something to say and has the skills to say it. I wish I could write a novel, but somebody has to read it, and somebody has to help make other people aware how good a new writer is.
You too, Chris? How wonderful!
You have a point about debut novels; it is rather exciting to be involved in it.
that really came across as conceited, didn't it? Oh well. At least I admit that i cannot write fiction myself.
Not at all. Clearly you are an avid reader, and have an eye for good storytelling, so why do you think you could not write fiction? I'd be willing to bet you'd be good at it.
No, I think it's rather amusing and also TRUE -- somebody DOES have to read those debut novels: how else are the new writers going to get anywhere?
I'm reading Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore in between breaks from a rather dry volume on security by that hot, exciting new federal agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
I also veer off into pulps, keeping close at hand the latest issue of Alfred Hitchcock and Ellary Queen Magazines.
Wow, Greg, sounds like two polar opposites- which sounds advisable with the volume on security. ZZZZZZZZZ
I didn't know they still published Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen magazines. I remember my mom read them when I was a kid.
Every time I read a novel that "stirs" me, for one reason or another, I always look at how the author created form, used words, silence, etc. Every great read is a great lesson.
Exactly, JM. That's why I think avid readers have a great shot at writing. Sometimes you learn more by watching (or reading) a master.
I completely agree. All great artists study the masters.
Now we just need to convince Chris that he can write if he wants to. :)
Chris, who? Brockman? I've read his writings and they are very good.
Ah, the Chris above? I don't know this member, but if you say Chris has writing ability, I have no doubt of it.
Yes. He was saying that he works in a library, is an avid reader, and has an eye for good writing. Then he said he admits he can't write fiction himself.
I say, "why not?"
I agree. One needs to dive in and give it a try. No such word as can't, only won't.
hi guys, maybe i should give it a shot. So far, I write reviews. Some are called to be artists, some are called to be art critics, know what I mean.
but thanks 4 the vote of confidence.
I think if you are interested in writing fiction that you should give it a shot. You sound like you have a knack for recognizing talented authors and you like to read- both good qualities in a writer.
If you prefer to write reviews, that's cool too. It's still writing.
Make that five, Chris.
You are a great writer. Why not try fiction?
one of the best lessons you get from reading great novels is "show me, don't tell me". That's an important lesson, right? A hard one to learn too. Don't let the narrator say it, just turn the camera on it.
So true, Chris. Sometimes writers get overly descriptive trying to paint the scene. That not only makes for tedious reading, it doesn't allow the reader to use their own imagination.
What you said about the camera is interesting. When I edit books, I have a movie playing inside my head as I'm reading that helps me decide what changes to make.
Thanks for the links and ideas. I especially like the idea about keeping a notebook handy.
Thanks for the info.