Why Should Writers Read As Well As Write A Lot?

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Recently, I’ve been thinking about the advice writers are most often given. Things like ‘show don’t tell’ or ‘don’t use adverbs’. Advice which in and of itself is a great starting point. But there’s so much more to this advice than just these hackneyed phrases they get boiled down to. So today I thought I might unpack one such statement. And, having just been on an epic voyage to the library, I thought I might talk about why writers are always being told to read a lot. You know, apart from the fact that books are awesome things and every single person in the world should be devouring them.

I’m always a little surprised and quite sad when I hear writers say that they don’t really read. Firstly because they’re missing out on so many good stories and adventures. But also because they’re missing out on one of the biggest tools writers have to help grown their writing skills. Next to taking writing courses or reading books on the craft, reading other fiction books aside from the one you’re currently writing is one of the best ways to learn how to write better. So here are some great reasons all writers should keep reading as well as writing.

Firstly, because these books have all, for one reason or other, been considered good enough for publication. They’ve been written and rewritten, edited by professionals and scrutinized by a multitude of knowledgeable people. They’re a few steps ahead of where your book is right now, and they’re a great place to learn what a finished book looks like. And, if they’re not that great, you can always learn what to avoid doing.

Secondly, because being surrounded by many books is the best way to learn what works, what doesn’t, what you like, and what you really don’t. You’re able to gain a more discerning taste for plot devices, characters, writing styles, and voices. The more you read the more you understand about what works from a reader’s perspective, and can start translating this into your own writing.

Thirdly, because we writers do have to be aware of what other books are out there, what’s popular, what’s been overwritten, and what’s gone out of fashion. It’s not quite so important if you just write for fun,  but if you have any intentions of publishing in the future you should have at least some knowledge of what’s already out there.

Fourthly, because reading is the best way to discover things. Genres, character types, narrative structures, awesome writers and books, pretty much anything bookish. Because when it comes down to it, whatever the reason you’re reading, you have to admit, books are pretty amazing things really.


Why do you think writers should read a lot? Do you think it’s possible to be a good writer without reading much? And tell me, what are you reading at the moment?

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11 comments

  1. I agree with all of your points, Imogen! This was a great post. Right now I'm re-reading the Lord Of The Rings series. But it's not so much of a re-read as a 'going through and reading all my favorite parts again' :D. What are you reading right now?

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    1. Don't you love books where you can go back and reread just your favourite parts and it doesn't matter? They're the best. I'm currently reading Mystic Cuty by Theo Lawrence, and on the side I've got Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton, which is pretty amazing so far.

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  2. I wrote a post on this too recently. I think it's absolutely essential that writers must read. It's a bit ironic if one doesn't don't you think? They want people to read their book but they won't read others?

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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    1. Ooh, I must have missed that one. Definitely going to look for it now. And that's so true! Thanks for visiting Victoria.

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  3. I totally agree! Reading is crucial for writers. My reading and writing tend to ebb and flow--I'm usually doing one more than the other, and then the balance changes for a while.

    I just finished Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher this week, and I'm now reading The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. (Emily from Ink, Inc. recommended it very highly to me. So far, so good!) I have to flip the question on you: what are YOU reading, Imogen?

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    1. I totally get that. I certainly read less when I'm writing, and more when I'm taking a break/thinking over ideas. Ooh the Raven Boys is such a good book. I'm glad you're liking it so far. That series is one of my favourites. I hope the rest of it lives up to the recommendation!

      Ooh, what am I reading? Well, I just finished binge reading three Kathy Reichs thrillers, which is always fun, and now I'm getting back to some fantasy with Mystic City by Theo Lawrence and Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton.

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  4. I think reading a lot is extremely important! It's definitely helped improve my writing, because I've learned what works, where, and when; and about how to construct different plot devices. It is quite important, though, to be careful to not accidentally slap a plot or character from a book you've read into the book you're writing.

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

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    1. Very true that. You really have to be careful with your inspiration, don't you? I get so excited by inspiration from movies and books I have to be really careful not to just slap it all in without making it my own first. Books are such a good way to learn how to write better though, aren't they?

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  5. I totally agree with you! I would even take it a step further and say that writers need to read books outside of their preferred genre. By opening yourself up to how different people approach different stories, you gain so much more. I learned this by being forced to read books for school, that ended up shaping how I write today.

    This is such a great reminder to all writers:) Thank you for sharing!

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    1. That is so true. Reading inside your own genre can be so limiting sometimes. I think we can learn something from every book, even the ones we didn't particularly enjoy, or in a genre we don't normally read. I know I've learned such a lot about writing characters, suspense, and descriptions from books that aren't fantasy. Such a good thing to keep in mind. Thanks Sunny!

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  6. I'm always curious about these people who don't think they need to read to be a good writer because I haven't met them and I'm not sure what kind of delusions live in their heads for them to think not reading will help them as a writer. Like, I have no idea.

    Still, I agree with you. Reading is important because it makes you better as a writer, period.

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