Reading Like a Writer
discussion
Writers Who Do Not Read

As Stephen King said, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
I can't imagine wanting to be a writer without first having been a reader. Perhaps those who write tracts or rants are not readers, but then their writing is to serve another purpose, part of their own crusade, so maybe they write out of necessity, not the love of it. Honestly, I think reading and writing (for a writer) are mutually inclusive.


The two people who have already responded have already made excellent arguments for the necessity of reading. I have very little to add, as they have said it all.
Some "writers" don't read because they don't want to be influenced by the writing of others. I say that as writers, we would do well to be influenced by the great writers that we read, if only to magnify and become better than we are.
My love of reading and the power of words and story are the very reasons that I pursue writing now.

How to Read and Why by Harold Bloom. My professor said that he is (probably) the most well-read person in the country!

Yeah. That's what I said. At least in the same vein anyway.

Liana, where are you going to school? I did my undergrad in Writing Sems at JHU and am now pursuing my M.A. (at JHU as well).


How would a bilingual MFA compare to/differ from a regular MFA? I know that some MFA programs (at least JHU does) require a certain level of proficiency in at least one foreign language.

Sounds like you'll have a fun and challenging summer. I've yet to read anything by Alice McDermott, but I know her credentials and that she is quite a literary force.

I think I would find that distracting. But then again, I'm not bilingual. I've attempted to learn both Spanish and French with minimal success. I like the international aspect, though. I like Latin American literature ... if only I could read it in Spanish. I worry about things getting lost in translation - which is a good reason for bilingual writing programs! Quality translation is so important.
The summer workshop is part of a 10-day writing conference I'm attending in Bar Harbor, Maine. It's sponsored by my program and counts as a course. I'm looking forward to the full immersion ... I'm also looking forward to not being tied down all summer because I have class every week!
We recently read After This A Novel for class, which I loved and I highly recommend. I recently purchased Child of My Heart A Novel, which I'm planning on reading this summer. I also need to pick up a copy of Charming Billy.
Aah ... so many books, so little time. My reading list for this summer is a mile long!
Reading: Writing as Love: Marriage. ;) But (sigh), then comes divorce.
I was in graduate school for 10 years, and read a lot during that time. I had to recover from that period for awhile and slowly rediscover how to read without an "internal editor" (though I still insert commas and rearrange in my head many of the paragraphs I read for pleasure). It's a curse!
For a while after my comprehensive exams (actually 4.45 years to be exact), I got a sour stomach just driving by Books-a-Million.
It gets better though...you start to slink all cat-like and curious, to the books you left behind and the people who gave them to you. :)
I was in graduate school for 10 years, and read a lot during that time. I had to recover from that period for awhile and slowly rediscover how to read without an "internal editor" (though I still insert commas and rearrange in my head many of the paragraphs I read for pleasure). It's a curse!
For a while after my comprehensive exams (actually 4.45 years to be exact), I got a sour stomach just driving by Books-a-Million.
It gets better though...you start to slink all cat-like and curious, to the books you left behind and the people who gave them to you. :)

In the same way, no one is born knowing how to write good fiction. You want to learn how to write well, read literature. They're your textbooks.

I don't understand wanting to write fiction but not reading it. It's like being a chef who doesn't eat.

What I mean is, people can write essays and articles or just witty comments very well even though they don't read books, but I don't think they would be good fiction writers.



I am an aspiring comic book writer but I never read novels. I understand that comics are a very different realm from novels, but a comic book writer is still a writer. My own diagnostic is that I simply don't have the patience to stare at a wall of text for hours (ADHD?). Rather, I find inspiration from other artistic media that can better hold my attention such as movies and music, as well as inspiration from history and my own life experiences.
Since when does reading have to be a prerequisite for writing? Is "inspiration" really that confounded? The people here use the term "writer" so broadly. Creatively, I would say I am more inspired by things not written on paper.
Essentially what I'm saying is the word "fiction" does not apply only to novels.


Suzanne Collins (author of the Hunger Games) got the idea from watching TV. Yes, she does also read books, but hypothetically if she weren't a reader, she still could have come up with the idea. Probably would have published it through a medium other than a book, but it's still a writing.
So what I'm saying is a person who writes NOVELS would probably be best off reading novels, but not writers in general. I was thrown off by how broad the term "writer" was used in the title.


Yes, Ishmael, Collins could have gotten the "idea" for Hunger Games from anywhere, but she couldn't have written the book without reading other books. You want to write graphic novels/comic books? Well, I'm guessing you have read a few in your day. If not, then I'm guessing your writing won't be very good. Having an "idea" isn't writing.

I think I need to exemplify by using myself. Yes, I read. I like to read. But not as much as I want to write. The thing is this, and I might get judged for this, but I've gotten a lot more inspiration to write good stories by listening to music or watching movies than most reads.
Now, this is not a bash on reading. I still love reading extensively. However, perhaps a more important question is at stake here: reading allows you a greater range of vocabulary, but then again, it enforces and mixes the book's concepts with your concepts for a novel that, after so much reading, you've already replaced other concepts with your concepts. Thus, reading helps with words, but destroys creativity.
If you like writing essays more than stories, read a lot. If you like creative writing, still read, but not as much. This can't really be fully explained, but reading does distance one from writing.
Perhaps most will not agree, but that's how I've felt for writing and reading over the course of my writing endeavours.

And here are some of my thoughts: http://www.kristaarias.com/sleeping-w...

I think I need to exemplify by using myself. Y..."
Sorry. Really old thread. But Stepfan, I thought I should back you up. I used to devour books. Like stacks from the library. Now I don't. I lost that urge to devour books and instead can't stop writing. I try to read when I can but I don't like to read when I'm writing a WIP because I tend to take the author that I'm reading style. It's fact. It's like hanging out with a friend who says a certain word or talks a certain way. Pretty soon, you'll talk like them. Since I'm always writing, with no shortage or ideas or creativity, I find I have hardly anytime to read. But I'm trying because I know I'm apparently "not a writer" unless I read. And I have to write well despite all this because my book has gotten awesome reviews. So worry not, you are not alone in your thinking. Now I write, searching for writers I can learn from and making notes. It seems I'm super picky in the books I read. If I'm not hooked instantly, I put it down. Which also makes it hard to read. Anyway, those are my two cents from a published author, who, according to reviews at least, does write well despite the claims that if you don't read you can't write well. Balderdash ;)

Hi Matt! It's called Shattered. Available on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, etc. It's on GR too. Hope my post didn't come out as braggy or anything. I just was hoping other writers out there felt like I did and I found one so I had to back him up :) But I guess I used to read a lot so I guess I DO technically "read". :)

I think I need to exemplify by ..."
But at some point in your life, you did this:
"I used to devour books. Like stacks from the library."
So you don't really make a case for those who don't read becoming good writers, especially fiction writers. And I sympathize with Ishmael but fiction and novels, in which all imagery must be invoked through words alone, require an extensive education in how that is accomplished and that requires reading, a lot of reading. Comics are another art form altogether, as are orally recounted tales (which rely on memory, skill in rhetoric and drama, etc.)
As for reading destroying creativity, I think that's absurd, Stefan. Read interviews with good writers, and you will find that most have been and continue to be inspired by other writers, and find their own concepts and style through that inspiration as well as through their own unique sensibility.

Whoah! Make one supportive comment and you're all the sudden "making a case" and are a "naysayer." I thought this was our two cents in these "comments?" I was simply expressing mine. Didn't think one comment required so much backlash. Yikes.
Neither Stefan nor myself said we "don't read," so neither of us were "making a case." We both just agree that we don't read as much as we've heard we should and we don't feel our writing has been affected. This was a support comment. All opinions guys. Ease up.
Let's be friends people.

Are you reading the comments, Shelby? Stefan states that "reading helps with words, but destroys creativity." I don't find that reading poetry and fiction destroys my creativity, quite the opposite (though plenty of other life requirements may interfere). But okay, I'll bite: name one writer you admire who has never in their life done much reading.

Matt, thanks for the perspective reminder. I overreacted. I apologize for that, Stefan and Shelby. But I'm reading War & Peace (a very long read) and doubt that what I write around now will sound like Tolstoy.

My issue has always been having ADD. So I have a tough time staying focused on long novels and reading for long periods of time. Yet, I can sit for hours and hours writing, editing, re-writing, etc.
So, this is what I have discovered; one does not have to learn the craft of writing from reading. There are tons of material which can help with the craft (even non-written material like pod casts which I listen to often - it doesn't matter, just fill your brain with good stuff). And non-readers can come up with as many creative "ideas" as avid readers. But there are definite benefits to reading as much as you can handle; discovering new ways to move a plot along, or a better way to express a certain POV. If you are limited in your time set aside from reading, then read the classics (A.K.A. - amazing writing!).
I remember when I first read Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". I seriously couldn't get past the first few pages cause I just kept reading them over and over again - I was hypnotized by the quality of the writing. It was like being blind and suddenly able to see. All the books that I read on the craft of dialog and tension and character and plot suddenly all made sense. I couldn't put it down.
Unfortunately, I have found that I need to focus on reading short stories. In long novels, by the third page of describing the same bedroom scene, I begin to lose it. The good news is, that even the best writers have all written short stories at some point in their career. So you can learn from the best even if you don't like to read long novels. Poetry and essays can be relatively short. Yes, even comics and graphic novels can be good to read for non-readers (ASSUMING, the authors are good writers).
The elephant in the room of course is the definition of a "good" writer. I have also read Stephen King's book "On Writing", as well as John Gardner's "The Art of Fiction", and Bradbury's "Zen in the Art of Writing". I get a sense their definition of a good writer is a little different that that of an average blogger, or even a Mid-list author. From my research, it appears that the best of the best authors couldn't live without dedicating a large amount of their day to reading. It's their passion and is all they think about.
Regarding the analogy posted earlier on basketball players being short or tall - the common element there is that regardless of size, they each practice, practice, practice - the equivalent to lots of reading and writing for authors.
I know I'm sort of speaking out both sides of my mouth here. I absolutely see the benefits of being a good reader. Yet, I don't read very much (meaning, for long periods at a time anyway). But at least I acknowledge that it is my Achilles' heel, and that I need to do something about it (audio books while driving, etc).
So, the key question is, what is your definition of a "good" writer.


Anyway, wondering if anyone can help me put together a list of short story writers who they admire (story titles would help, too). Chekhov I do like - but am hoping for more contemporary writers (although back to my comment about the classics - there I go speaking out both sides of my mouth again. Ha ...) I mean, I just Googled "best short story writers" and 46 million blogs just popped up with their own lists of anywhere from 10-50 of the "best". Kallie, Chekhov and Salinger I am familiar with. I also do read lots of Bradbury.
Let's see if we can keep the list to contemporary genre short fiction for now. Although, I'll take any literary work if you feel it's a "must read". I can probably even sit through a good novella if it grabs me by the back of the neck and won't let me leave. I have tried Cormac McCarthy's work - but he tends to break too many rules, which is fine, but I'm still trying to master the craft and would prefer some good role models for now.
Classic horror comedy is my favorite - think "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein". Okay, okay, stop making that wrinkled face while uttering "Ugh". Just start typing .... (wink)
Thanks guys!


What's even funnier is, I also got "Reading Like a Writer", which inspired me to start searching "are good writers also good readers" this morning and finding Goodreads. I never put the two together until literally just this second.


A writer doesn't read to get ideas...the ideas can come from anywhere. Everyone has plenty of ideas for a story. A writer reads to learn the craft of putting the language together: sentence structure, word choice, the beauty of a well-written sentence.


Duncan - All I have to say is that you write beautifully.

Maybe I just haven't found enough of the right books.
My own stories come from my life. I look up to my favorite writers style-wise and the way they organize scenes and situations, but everything else is raw and intuitive. I have met too many "writers" who love literature and the way words come together, but they simply do not know what to write about. Reading gives you the foundation and tools to create good writing, but you cannot, absolutely cannot replace life experiences that act as inspiration. I have read too many books where I FEEL the writer sitting comfortably at their desks writing about situations and places and people they have never experienced or convince me that they have experienced. I FEEL the plot neatly tucked and trimmed together rather than spilled and puked up. I think a writer should act as a transcriber more than a creator. A great writer needs to convince you completely.
This astounds me on several levels. I hate to sound pretentious, but if you have nothing raw to put on the blank page, no matter how much you love books and the written word and the "writerly life", you are not a writer. At least, this is my definition of good writing. The craft can be tightened and perfected and made razor sharp, but you need to feel it, you need to believe it and have your readers believe it.

I am happy to say that is not true for me, maybe because I never try to read like a writer. A number of writers and their stories cast a spell. For example Flannery O'Connor, who came to mind reading one of the posts that referred to 'raw' talent. Flannery O'Connor did not get out much after she became ill with Lupus; so the experience requirement doesn't hold there. Nor does it apply to Jane Austen (also a semi-invalid) who observed what she needed for social commentary and dialogue from her corner of the drawing room. How do they convince me? As someone here also posted here, voice and story are important and both writers have entirely unique and voices that people who enjoy their writing would recognize without seeing their names. And I doubt that O'Connor or Austin waited for inspiration to come calling. No, they went after their stories and characterizations and dialogue and wrestled them out of language as few have ever done.

No, I definitely agree that reading is the foundation to a good construction of writing--construction, not content. I read voraciously as a child, always had my hands on books, and I think this gives writers the skill to string words and scenes together well.
But there is a difference between "plotted" writing, the act of sitting down and making a character, story, and deciding what they do next vs. the story finding you. Stephen King mentioned this in his Memoir "On Writing": that stories come in the form of fossils, and it is you, the writer, who digs them out.
Stephen King is a good example, and same with John Ajvide Lindqvist. Neither have come face to face with vampires or zombies, but the characters and setting and situations seem to come from real life. I don't feel like I'm "watching" something when I read their writing.
I think I'm tired of the attempted "shock value" of modern writing, along with fabricated plot twists, whodunnits and hook-n-sinkers that you learn from book reading, but not from life. Convince the reader, make them believe your words. I want to read a book that makes me forget I'm reading a book. I don't want to be reminded of the writer at the desk.

Yes, for sure. The former does not come to life. I guess that is what you meant by inspiration. For myself, it's necessary to do some blah writing before the story begins to find me, then it's important to recognize where that didn't happen and toss the flat stuff.

I agree. I don't plan on using half of the writing in the final draft, but I still think it's important to get everything out. It will resonate in other scenes, somehow.

I don't think it's as important to have read a lot as it is to have experienced a wide variety of stories. Whether the stories are in the form of novels or movies or something else, it's fundamental to witness and understand what makes a good story. Reading other novels can certainly give a writer ideas of how to structure a novel and of how to make prose flow effectively, but I don't believe it's necessary to read a lot of novels to learn this.
Once a person has experienced a wide variety of stories, and once a person has an idea of how to structure a story in novel format, most of what's needed to become good is simply a lot of practice at writing. Also, I believe writing poetry can help significantly with prose. Learning how to say a lot without actually saying a lot is a rare skill in writing. Many writers whom are recommended to me are far too wordy. They may have excellent mechanics, even eloquent and diverse prose, but they lack an effective filter. Historically, I've been far more impressed with thin books than thick ones. I've yet to read a 1000 page book that I truly believe needed to be 1000 pages.
Lastly, I believe having something worth saying is an underestimated quality in writing. This idea could be weaved in with saying a lot without actually saying a lot, but I prefer to give it its separate space. With every line a writer puts down in a story, he/she should ask "why does the reader need to see this?" Most of the time, the reader doesn't, and it's better to leave some things to the imagination. But also, there's the story as a whole--why does the reader need to read this story? What can they pull from it that they can't pull from anywhere else? The answer to that question for most stories is at best, entertainment, and at worst, nothing. I don't want to be completely discouraging toward writing for sheer entertainment value, but an author's writing is going to make far more of an impact on people if it teaches them something that never occurred to them before. That's hard. That's what I strive for when I write.
Once a person has experienced a wide variety of stories, and once a person has an idea of how to structure a story in novel format, most of what's needed to become good is simply a lot of practice at writing. Also, I believe writing poetry can help significantly with prose. Learning how to say a lot without actually saying a lot is a rare skill in writing. Many writers whom are recommended to me are far too wordy. They may have excellent mechanics, even eloquent and diverse prose, but they lack an effective filter. Historically, I've been far more impressed with thin books than thick ones. I've yet to read a 1000 page book that I truly believe needed to be 1000 pages.
Lastly, I believe having something worth saying is an underestimated quality in writing. This idea could be weaved in with saying a lot without actually saying a lot, but I prefer to give it its separate space. With every line a writer puts down in a story, he/she should ask "why does the reader need to see this?" Most of the time, the reader doesn't, and it's better to leave some things to the imagination. But also, there's the story as a whole--why does the reader need to read this story? What can they pull from it that they can't pull from anywhere else? The answer to that question for most stories is at best, entertainment, and at worst, nothing. I don't want to be completely discouraging toward writing for sheer entertainment value, but an author's writing is going to make far more of an impact on people if it teaches them something that never occurred to them before. That's hard. That's what I strive for when I write.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. Francis, you are spot on with your comment about feeling "forced to read" in order to become a "good writer". I started writing years ago, but read a post that started the exact same way you started your comment, and I gave up. I know I have a tough time sitting through most long books - but not cause I'm not educated. I have a degree in mathematics from a major east coast university. But I love story telling; whether in writing, or sitting around the camp fire. What stories I have written I have gotten comments back, from both readers and instructors - "you should write". I have received feedback from instructors like, "Wow, I rarely see this type of writing from new writers." And he wasn't even trying to get me to sign up for more courses. His advice - "start submitting".
The stories are in there, waiting to come out. The craft is coming along. But again, I read that comment, and I get discouraged again; why waste my time!
So, I'm back, but will not give up this time. I do realized that reading is important as a way to find good and bad examples.
With that, what are some great examples of good writing? Which books motivated you to become writers? Which stories are stuck in your head even to this day? I'm willing to put in the time - it's one of the reasons why I joined this site, to get recommendations. I write short fiction, so let's start there.
Thanks everyone!

I have been for a while insecure of my lack of reading. I mean I did once love it and have been moved by the work of Toni Morrison or Joyce Carol Oates, I know what good writing is.
I gave up on writing fiction because it seemed to never work out, and now i'm realizing it might be because I don't read enough. When I did read, fiction was by far my favorite. Now a days I write essay's and my memoir. I journal soon after waking up and a lot of times it's me venting, this makes me feel better, I also keep a dream journal. I read a book occasionally but I read articles and answers on Quora daily, (a few hours worth) funny how the ADHD doesn't seem to act up then. I have thought to myself that I would be better off putting my phone down and reading a book instead - 2 hours later I am still reading a article on Psychology Today or an answer on Quora or Reddit, or random you tube videos.
I do understand that reading good books would only be beneficial, but doesn't that apply mostly to fiction writing? If writing non fiction does it still apply? Maybe rather than feeling discouraged I should take this as an opportunity to include reading into my life, get offline and read a book! but why is it so overwhelming?
all discussions on this book
|
post a new topic
The Complete Maus (other topics)
Child of My Heart (other topics)
Charming Billy (other topics)
After This (other topics)
More...
Books mentioned in this topic
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (other topics)The Complete Maus (other topics)
Child of My Heart (other topics)
Charming Billy (other topics)
After This (other topics)
More...
Is it possible to be a writer who doesn't enjoy reading? We all know readers who have no desire to write, but does it work the other way around?