Why Writers Should Read

Recently I spoke with an Alley Cat about a crit I’d received. The crit partner had wisely uncovered a problem no one else had seen. The Alley Cat’s response was “Your crit partner must read a lot.”

I pondered the underlying message in her statement: Reading a lot has great value for writers.

As a writer, I, of course, see value in readers. I want to please, inform, entertain, and intrigue readers. But sometimes I forget that I, too, am a reader and because I want to be a good writer I should be much more than a reader, I should be a voracious reader.

After all, a chef eats, a musician listens to music, a tailor wears clothes, an actor watches plays/movies, a medical persons observes procedures, a swimmer watches others swim, and etc. A writer should read.

"In the ongoing process of becoming a writer, I read and reread the authors I most loved. I read for pleasure, first, but also more...of how sentences were formed..." Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose

True confession: I have read this year, but only a few books. 

Not that long ago someone like Cec Murphey or Frank Ball challenged those participating in a writers loop to read one hundred books that year. I have so much to learn from them, sigh.

The challenge inspired me. Someone had dared me with a difficult task. I read more than one hundred books that year. It also happened to be one of the best writing years in terms of, wel,l many writing components for me.

So, for my sake, and hopefully your benefit, I chose to make a list: The benefits of reading for a writer. After only ten minutes I came up with twenty-five benefits and am thinking more will pop in my head before this post is published. And I'm sure you will think of some too :)

The Benefits of Reading Voraciously for a Writer:

1. Plot ideas:  A secondary character in a movie said to the MC something like, "I once wanted to be a fashion designer. I learned to sew, studied the fashion magazines, and managed to see a few shows. As the models paraded the new styles I looked at the garments and thought how I would have made it differently." The Trouble with Angels. 

When a writer reads books, many books, new ways of telling stories pop. Fresh, interesting new ideas. Cinderella has been told in countess ways, yet the story always piques our interest. Why? Because the foundation is a good story. Change the setting, themes, characters, throw in this, add that curve, and a new story is born. (i.e. a bookstore worker chatted with me about the Twilight series. She said she loved the books, and in her opinion the series was nothing more than retellings of the classics, but with a new twist.) 

I am one who frets over finding new story ideas. Sometimes the pressure of creating the new perfect story looms over my head. After thinking about this post I realized this was not the key. Writing well and presenting a fresh twist will bring the new story idea.

Since I hate homework, I will give you a challenge--should you chose to play with me--read one book between now and the next post. That means we have two weeks. In this newly read book, search for one way you would changed the story had you thought of the same great idea. What new story could be created?

sample: Cinderella. What if the prince had been changed to a pirate. What if the wicked step mother had been changed to a prince? (Princess Bride)

The purpose of this challenge is to grow an idea pool from the wealth of fabulous books sitting at our fingertips. Are you willing to rise to the challenge? Ready? Go.

Hmm, I've used up today's post with the first benefit on my list. Guess you'll have to come back to see the next one...Buwahahaha...hints of 1001 Arabian Nights.

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This blog post is by Mary Vee

Mary lives in Montana with her husband and loves to hear from her three college kids. She writes Christian young adult fiction (pirate tales, missionary and Bible adventure stories).

Come Step into Someone Else's World with Mary's writing

To learn more about Mary, visit her blog http://www.mimaryvee.blogspot.com/