“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” ~ Stephen King
Stephen King knows a thing or two about writing. He’s written 65 novels selling over 400 million copies, so you should take him seriously when he says there are “two things you must do above all others.”
Writing a lot makes sense. But why does reading a lot matter?
Read to Develop Robust Mental Models
It’s hard to produce excellent writing if you don’t know what excellent writing sounds like. When you read a lot, you develop mental models to use when writing your own material. Your goal should be to create practical, robust mental models of excellent writing.
The more great writing you read, the more likely you are to develop those practical, robust mental models. When you find yourself reading crap, abandon it and move on to something good. Why waste time on something that won’t help you become a better writer? Cast a wide net but limit yourself to reading the good stuff.
Read Widely
Read the best your genre has to offer. The best writing in your field will help you internalize the conventions you’ll be expected to meet. You’ll discover what works for people meeting the same challenges you will meet.
Read great writing outside your genre. There’s a whole world of fiction and nonfiction that will help you develop your mental models.
Read about the craft of writing. Writing is a craft. There is always more to learn. Read books about the craft of writing to learn specific techniques.
Read Analytically
You’ll get more from the great work you read if you read analytically. Highlight important passages. Make notes in the margins. When you finish reading a book, go back through it and summarize what you’ve learned.
Words and phrases can be captivating and make your writing sparkle. Keep a record of the ones you find particularly delightful.
Excellent writing has a structure that makes the experience better. As you read, pay attention to the structure. Does the author begin every chapter the same way? How long are the chapters or segments of chapters?
Many nonfiction authors include summaries, thinking points, or action steps at the end of chapters. Note the different ones you come across in your reading.
As you read, your brain will start throwing out ideas about things you could try. Don’t let that inspiration flit away. Capture your ideas so you can put them to work.
Put Your Ideas to Work
Writing is a doing discipline. You learn to write the same way you learned to swim or ride a bike. You do it. Make mistakes and then correct them. Apply one idea you’ve picked up from your reading every time you write.
Do you want to become a better writer? Develop robust, practical mental models of what excellent writing sounds like. Read widely to learn the lessons in different types of writing. Read analytically to get the most from everything you read. Finally, put your ideas to work. Try things. Keep what works and make it better. Ditch what doesn’t.
Want some reading suggestions? Follow this link to my resources page.
