Reading
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” ― Stephen King
Writing is basically a craft, even if it also demands being creative. Like every craft, you get better at it through practice and through learning from masters.
Which basically means writing and reading.
I believe that practicing your craft every day is a very good idea. It keeps the words flowing, it keeps a story alive in your head and the characters and the world present and at your finger tips.
In fact, there’s a free program I offer to help you with that right HERE.
But practice is only one way you improve your writing. The other way is learning from masters. That means watching them in their craft, figuring out their tricks and choosing bits and pieces you want to try out yourself.
And that is reading.
Read in the genre you write – that is imperative. You must know the expectations readers have for your genre. Very simple example: If you write romance, you have to know what’s expected in sex scenes.
And you should read outside your genre, just to widen your horizon. Staying in the romance reference, maybe you’d like to write historical romance, or SF romance. Then it helps to know much more about the genre you want to cross into.
There’s no need to be afraid to “copy” someone’s voice if you read their books. Yes, some of that might rub off on you, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s part of your growth as author.
And only by trying out voices, you’ll find your own voice.
Your Turn:
Which author have you read lately who has inspired you?
Image source: F. Moebius
PS: If you want some help because you feel insecure about your writing, or have trouble dealing with a review, or are afraid to read in public – click HERE, send that email and we’ll talk about how I can best support you.
