Writing Tip #6
You want to be a writer? There has to be one thing that you love to do above all else. READ! I think it’s obvious by now that I’m a book worm. I have loved reading ever since I first learned how to read. Getting lost in worlds is my favorite thing to do that I wanted others to get lost into my worlds. In all honesty, reading has led me to writing.
I’ve been reading On Writing by Stephen King and in it he states, “Reading is the creative center of a writer’s life.” (pg. 147) This is where you learn about different writing styles, voices, how other authors use descriptive imagery and certain writing techniques. I have read so many books over the years that I can pick up the different styles of each ones. You ever read a book and the writing was easy and short, but you got the whole story in your head anyways? Then there’s those books that are filled with pretty words and so much description that it really transports you there.
When I first read the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr, I tried to make my writing style more like hers with being very descriptive with my scenes and characters. Then I read the Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick and I tried to make my writing more light and simple, yet getting straight to the point. Keep in mind that I was a new writer, only a teenager trying to find my own style. I didn’t think it was bad back then because I was just exploring the writing styles from the different books I read.
Now I have my own writing style. I truly believe that school could only teach you so much. All those websites and platforms that teach you writing could only get you so far. If you want to tighten your skills as a writer, then read. Keep reading. That’s the only way to understand yourself as a writer and what kind of writing you want to do.
