the craft. read like a writer.

Growing up, books were these worlds to get lost in. I remember my mom giving me books that were so much more adult than I probably should have been reading at the time, but I ate them up. From writers like Terry McMillan to Eric Jerome Dickey, I was enamored with the writers’ ability to characterize people that I feel like I knew. People that felt like my aunties. Young professionals that felt inspiring but were a mess. Then, the seed was planted, that maybe one day I might be able to write my own book.

At the time, it was a hoop dream. I didn’t actually know anyone who wrote for a living. But it was that early seed that continued to be watered. Reading is an essential part of developing as a writer. You’ve likely heard that you should read as a writer, but maybe you’re not as aware of exactly how it benefits you. So this week, we’ll talk about it.

It helps you learn how to write. I’ve talked about my lack of formal training in writing. Yes, I did start as a journalism major and then later switched to a comms major that was writing intensive, but no one taught me how to write a book. That came from reading a lot of books. Reading helped me understand exposition and climax, world building and character development. You’ll learn approaches, small devices that will keep a reader intrigued. Reading is, of course, about enjoying the story, but it’s also about study. Writing often will help you develop, but you must also study.

Developing your vocabulary. This one feels most obvious. The more I read, the more words I learn. It’s great. I was reading something recently that used the word “languid” and I absolutely logged it to use in one of my own works. I love reading for this purpose among others. Being exposed to language, new words and new ways of utilizing them, is important. If you really want a masterclass, pick up some Morrison, Sanchez, Angelou.

Getting acquainted with voice. Most of us begin our writing journey imitating others. And eventually in that process, we find our own. But it takes a lot of study, there’s that word again, to understand voice. We should be reading a wide range of works in order to be able to determine what differentiates one writer from another. Challenge yourself. Read YA, Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction, throw some Sci-Fi or speculative fiction in the mix. Even non-fiction!

Expanding imagination. Those worlds that I talked about in the intro. Well it was building my imagination as a kid and into adulthood. Reading great books helps keep that going! I also love that in Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott talks about following the stories of secondary characters. You might be able to conjure up your own stories based on reading others’. Adulting is the nemesis of imagination. Don’t lose opportunities to get enveloped in the land of make believe.

To be inspired. Have you ever read something so beautiful that you immediately want to fire up your laptop and see what happens? I’m not saying it happens all the time, but when it does, it’s like gold. Reading well-written work should inspire your own work. I find poetry to be super helpful in this area. I mean, the way that they can express human emotion in some of the most imaginative ways with the use of great words. Great poetry, heartfelt stories, great memoirs all makes me want to write better.

I know it can seem counterintuitive to read when you’re working on your own writing. And you definitely have to find the balance. But don’t put it too far off. When I’m diving into something new, I love to read things within the genre to help get my gears going. Then I dive into my own work and may put reading off for a bit. Or I’ll read some non-fiction if I’m working on my fiction pieces. And don’t forget to write those book purchases off on your taxes. Remember it’s research!

Make the time, because reading only makes you a better writer. This year, I’m focusing on reading some things outside of what I tend to like. You know, expanding my palate so to speak.

Writing/Job Opportunities

LA Times is hiring an Assistant Editor, White House and Breaking News.

Louder Than a Riot is hiring for multiple positions including: Senior Producer, Editor, Associate Producer, Production Assistant.

Middle Seat is hiring a Senior Digital Strategist, Email.

Kaplan is hiring a Copywriter.

Tidal is hiring a Content & Strategy Lead, Social Lab. (Remote position.)

Autostraddle is hiring a Managing Editor.

Consumer Reports is hiring a Senior Writer/Editor, Electronics.

Outside is hiring an Email Strategist. (Remote OK).

Campfire Labs is hiring a Staff Editor.

West Wing Writers offers full-time, paid internships for those interested in speechwriting and strategic communications.

To Be Read