I love this! I've often said, in a similar vein, that you can't write stories unless you consume stories. That's what I do whenever I can in whatever form I can: TV, movies, songs, plays, anything at all - and, yes, books, which are so important because the written word is so very different from the spoken word.
My college writing mentor's advice was: "Read everything!" That fit my goal of being an author and my predilections since I had been reading across genres from elementary school onward and that's why I've published 27 books in close to a dozen different genres.
And learn your genre! If you want to write mysteries, for instance, start with Poe, Conan Doyle, Sensation Novels of the 19th century on into the Golden Age and beyond. Read books about writing mysteries and thrillers. Go to conferences dedicated to the genre. I read hundreds of mysteries before I started my series, but then I'd enjoyed the form since junior High school when I discovered Agatha Christie.
Yep. I don't understand people who say they want to be writers but they don't read. Like, how can you be a writer if you don't know what you like to read?
It’s funny, yesterday I was speaking with an old friend about how I only read non fiction -- specifically non fiction art books. He exclaimed that I would enjoy non fiction so much more if every once in a while I read some fiction. I like the analogy of a musician exploring different sounds, or an artist different mediums. It all makes sense to just give it a try. Thanks for the words, Sarah!
Really enjoyed this, Sarah. Reading has played such a big part in my writing journey. I joined a course to thrash out a book idea and our homework was essentially reading. I loved On Writing and also Bird by Bird and The Creative Habit. All great books on honing our craft. I also agree with the comment about reading fiction even if you love non-fiction! Some fiction reads have greatly inspired my non-fiction project.
Very true, and so true that it shouldn't need to be said. <Sigh>. Every year I teach a course in blogging, for adults, and every year I ask these would-be bloggers what their regular blog reading comprises, and every year it transpires that 75% of them don't read any blogs at all. At that point I ask them why they would expect to be able to write a good blog if they don't even read any. So, well said, Sarah.
I think so! Like many writers, I've had people tell me they'll write a book when they "have some free time" as if it was a hobby or a TV series you want to binge.
Love this. I owned a bookstore and had a number of knock ‘em dead books that I’d suggest to new or not yet established readers--to draw them in with story. Thanks for this essay.
Loved this article. I’ll be following Sarah now! Yay, kindred spirit!
I have to mention a few of my own favorite books about the writing craft: Story Genius (Lisa Cron), Plot & Structure (James Scott Bell), The Reader’s Brain (Yellowlees Douglas), and anything written by William Zinsser, beginning with On Writing Well —definitely including Writing to Learn, since you brought that up with such enthusiasm!
And one terrific book about reading: How To Read A Book, by Mortimer Adler. Yes, it was written in what seems a bygone era, but I refer to it all the time when I teach academic reading. It isn’t just for grad students, either— everything in it applies to writers too.
I love this, Sarah. Sometimes reading fills my cup and sometimes writing does. I enjoy audio books and have loved watching my kids listen to books that are too hard for them to enjoy reading. I’ve enjoyed the process of turning some of my writing into audio on my Substack! I also ordered YOUR book and look forward to diving in! Embracing the Journey. I’ve just read the introduction, but I’m so excited to start reading more tonight. I saw you post about it last week. I’m so glad that I did.
I've already finished my second audiobook of 2024, ha! They are perfect for walking the dog and exercise and some books are just perfect on audio. And they really do make me want to read more.
I love this! I've often said, in a similar vein, that you can't write stories unless you consume stories. That's what I do whenever I can in whatever form I can: TV, movies, songs, plays, anything at all - and, yes, books, which are so important because the written word is so very different from the spoken word.
Yes to all of this
I really needed this today.
Glad you are here for it, Macey!
My college writing mentor's advice was: "Read everything!" That fit my goal of being an author and my predilections since I had been reading across genres from elementary school onward and that's why I've published 27 books in close to a dozen different genres.
Yes! Read anything and everything.
And learn your genre! If you want to write mysteries, for instance, start with Poe, Conan Doyle, Sensation Novels of the 19th century on into the Golden Age and beyond. Read books about writing mysteries and thrillers. Go to conferences dedicated to the genre. I read hundreds of mysteries before I started my series, but then I'd enjoyed the form since junior High school when I discovered Agatha Christie.
Yep. I don't understand people who say they want to be writers but they don't read. Like, how can you be a writer if you don't know what you like to read?
It’s funny, yesterday I was speaking with an old friend about how I only read non fiction -- specifically non fiction art books. He exclaimed that I would enjoy non fiction so much more if every once in a while I read some fiction. I like the analogy of a musician exploring different sounds, or an artist different mediums. It all makes sense to just give it a try. Thanks for the words, Sarah!
Yes! Hey, try some good fiction about the art world. It's a great place to start 😊
Try The Art Thief--it's a bio that reads like fiction!
Really enjoyed this, Sarah. Reading has played such a big part in my writing journey. I joined a course to thrash out a book idea and our homework was essentially reading. I loved On Writing and also Bird by Bird and The Creative Habit. All great books on honing our craft. I also agree with the comment about reading fiction even if you love non-fiction! Some fiction reads have greatly inspired my non-fiction project.
Yes! We need to read all kinds of writing because different types of art makes us better at what we do.
Very true, and so true that it shouldn't need to be said. <Sigh>. Every year I teach a course in blogging, for adults, and every year I ask these would-be bloggers what their regular blog reading comprises, and every year it transpires that 75% of them don't read any blogs at all. At that point I ask them why they would expect to be able to write a good blog if they don't even read any. So, well said, Sarah.
True for teenagers AND adults.
I found the same thing teaching creative writing: students who wanted to write poetry but didn't read it--or even go to poetry slams....
I wonder if it's because people don't appreciate the skill involved
I think so! Like many writers, I've had people tell me they'll write a book when they "have some free time" as if it was a hobby or a TV series you want to binge.
Exactly!
All. Of. This.
Great piece, @SarahStyf. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Thank you for commenting
Love this. I owned a bookstore and had a number of knock ‘em dead books that I’d suggest to new or not yet established readers--to draw them in with story. Thanks for this essay.
I have a few go-tos as a teacher as well. There is no "one-size-fits-all" for finding the right book for someone who needs to get back into reading.
I recommend subscribing free to Long Reads. They curate wonderful essays that I read on my phone wherever I am.
That's a good idea. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks for sharing your insights!
Loved this article. I’ll be following Sarah now! Yay, kindred spirit!
I have to mention a few of my own favorite books about the writing craft: Story Genius (Lisa Cron), Plot & Structure (James Scott Bell), The Reader’s Brain (Yellowlees Douglas), and anything written by William Zinsser, beginning with On Writing Well —definitely including Writing to Learn, since you brought that up with such enthusiasm!
And one terrific book about reading: How To Read A Book, by Mortimer Adler. Yes, it was written in what seems a bygone era, but I refer to it all the time when I teach academic reading. It isn’t just for grad students, either— everything in it applies to writers too.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
More books to add to the list! Have you read How to Read Literature Like a Professor? I used that with my AP Lit kids years ago.
I love this, Sarah. Sometimes reading fills my cup and sometimes writing does. I enjoy audio books and have loved watching my kids listen to books that are too hard for them to enjoy reading. I’ve enjoyed the process of turning some of my writing into audio on my Substack! I also ordered YOUR book and look forward to diving in! Embracing the Journey. I’ve just read the introduction, but I’m so excited to start reading more tonight. I saw you post about it last week. I’m so glad that I did.
I hope that you enjoy it! It was such a great process to go through revising old pieces and weaving them together.
What a joy to share that process and the fruits of your labor with the world!
I've already finished my second audiobook of 2024, ha! They are perfect for walking the dog and exercise and some books are just perfect on audio. And they really do make me want to read more.
Highly recommend Daisy Jones and the Six for that kind of listen!
Ha! That is good advice. So is this where I admit that I don't like Colleen Hoover but I've read two of her books?
Emily Henry is the candy for me 😉
😂 Nope. Love her. That's how I feel about Colleen Hoover 😂