4 Ways Reading Makes you a Better Writer

The concept of reading to enhance writing is not a new one, but it is so important that it can’t be understated, and so I’d like to talk about it today, focusing on 4 ways reading makes you a better writer! Take a peek…

1. Reading enhances your understanding of story telling
All books are structured to tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. As a writer, you’ll be aware of how this simple structure is not actually easy to get right when writing a novel. The more you read, the more you get used to how to structure a story, and your storytelling should flourish. Reading helps you decide what makes a good story and what doesn’t, as well as understanding the techniques that work best for your genre.

2. Reading can help you beat writer’s block
Reading opens up the imagination and whether you’re reading the same genre you’re writing, or not, it’ll help. Reading submerses  you in the world of story telling and gets your creativity flowing. Getting too stuck behind writer’s block can restrict your development as a writer, so next time you’re stuck, pick up a book!

3. Reading widens your vocabulary and broadens your mind
For all the reading, writing, studying and learning in the world, we can always come across new words, expressions and ideas. The more you read, the more you broaden your vocabulary and therefore improve your own writing as a result. Reading also opens your mind to new genres, new ways of life, and styles you’ve never considered before.

4. Reading makes you excited to write
At the start of this post, I expressed that my week has been a good one for writing, due to reading some fantastic books. So, this point is really relevant right now, at least to me! When you read a really great book, with gorgeous descriptions and captivating characters it excites you to consider how your own story idea could grow. Enjoying a book can really spark that creative desire inside of you, and see you making more writing progress as a result.

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I’d love to hear how reading helps with your novel writing! Or even if you’ve read any great books recently, that you’d like to recommend! Comment your thoughts below,

And until then,
Keep writing
M
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