Reading Tips for Writers

One of the most important things that a writer can do is read other people's work. Many do not realize how much they can actually learn from someone else. Since you must either currently be a writer, or you plan on being a writer, I will direct this towards you.

Once you have gotten home from buying a new book, you should be able to write down what caused you to buy this book. You should be able to explain what is was that triggered your interest in this book, and not in another one that was sitting right next to it on the shelf.

Write this answer down immediately before reading the book. Once you have completed the book, review this answer to see if the book lived up to your initial expectations. If it did not, try to understand what it was that the writer could have done differently to accomplish the goal that you had in mind for the book.

If the author did live up to, or past your expectations, think about what the author did that made you so happy with the book. You should be able to point out specifics that made this book one that you would suggest to others.

As you are reading the book, write notes for yourself about things that the author did that you like. Write down notes, also, about things that are bothering you about the story as you are reading.

If the author wrote an interesting plot twist that you have never seen before, write it down. If there is an interesting character that you can relate to, write that down as well.

Another exercise that you can do when you are done with a new book is to review the title. How did the title of the book or story fit? If you were going to pick a title for this story or book, what would it be?

Remember, many authors and writers find it very difficult to come up with a title for a piece of work. By exploring the options that other writers have had with their stories, you will find that it will become easier to title your own work.

I have found that it helps me if I attempt to rewrite the teaser from the back of the book, or dust jacket. This will help me to remember many of the aspects of the work, and has helped me to create easier methods to synopsize my own work.

Make sure that you keep all of these notes. Later, when you attempt to write your next story, you may be able to get some type of inspiration from the other writer's stories.

By reviewing these notes, you will remember what you liked, and did not like from the stories that your read in the past. You will be able to remind yourself what you would have done differently in the story that you read.

Also, some of the ideas that you liked from other writers could be incorporated into your own writing. Since you have notes about the author's methods and ideas, you will not have to work hard to remember what it was that you had liked.

You never know when inspiration for a new story will hit. Many times, I have had inspiration while sitting down with a good book. A writer without a handy notebook and pen is like a musician without an instrument.