Most writers learn their love of the craft by reading. They read something and it inspires them to write their own similar story. While many read for pleasure, once writers learn the ins and out of creating their own stories they start paying closer attention to how published writers write. They look at how the writer grabs their attention and beckons them to read more. Writers begin to notice how published authors set the mood and bring their characters to life. Writers start noticing the nuances in how to write dialogue. These are the things that improve your writing.
By examining pieces of literature that already are successful writers learn what works. It is important when reading others’ work to find authors that write similar to how you want to. I am not saying to completely ignore all other types of writing, but by reading what you like, you get the enjoyment of the book along with help in ways to improve your novel.
So next time you read your favorite author sit back, relax and enjoy. Then when the book is finished consider going back through the book and analyzing how the author captured your attention and made you continue turning the pages.
I agree, Katrina. As a writer and author, I’m unable to read a book for just enjoyment. It’s not a bad thing, though. I just read slower because I’m also paying attention to the author/writer’s technique.
It’s similar to when I filmed my own video in school and someone who edits movies edited my video by cutting out some of the takes, putting scenes together, and creating a bloopers ending. I discovered how staged movies are, so it’s now difficult to sit through a movie or TV show without thinking of the behind-the-scenes work that must have went on.
It’s similar to writing, because now that I’ve learned writing skills and I’m interested in writing, I not only read a book, I analyze it, so reading is also research/work.