want to write? keep reading

This morning as I sat in a local coffee shop, working on “Iduna’s Apples” on the iPad, a writer friend of mine stopped in for a chat. She’s gone back to school recently to purse a degree in English, and she’s disappointed that there aren’t as many writing classes in the program as she’d hoped.

“That’s why I wanted English,” she said. “For the writing.”

I’ve not made a habit of checking up on the academic credentials of authors before I read their books, but of the writers whose work I enjoy reading I can’t think of too many who have undergraduate or advanced degrees in English or Creative Writing. When I brought this up, my friend told me an anecdote she’d heard about Laurell K. Hamilton being kicked out of her college creative writing class for refusing to write literature and out of fear that she would ruin the other students.

Just last night, I checked in on the SFF Writer Chat on Twitter where Robert J. Sawyer was a guest. When someone asked him about his training as a writer, he responded: “Self-taught! One creative-writing course at university, but it was a waste. Read great books & you’ll write great books.”

And there’s the crux of it: if you want to write well, you need to read. A lot.

Sure, go down the “required reading” lists of the top 100 books of the 20th century or whatever. Pick up the titles that are popular, but read the ones that are hits with critics, too. Mostly, though, read what appeals to you, and then figure out what it is about that writer or those books that draws you in. Is it all five senses coming into play to set the scene, or is it the snarky dialog? Maybe you’re hooked by a character’s internal running commentary, or how the story builds suspense by using present-tense verbs. Maybe you like the way a writer stretches your mind with unusual metaphors. Whatever you’re reading, figure out what you like about it, and also make note of what’s not working for you as a reader. Pay attention to all of this, and then put it aside when you do your own writing.

Your job isn’t to mimic your favorite authors or to try to develop some formula?based on what’s currently selling?to write the next run-away best seller. Your job is to find your own voice.

Reading and writing both are to an author as playing scales is to a pianist (but hopefully more enjoyable). It’s practice, and I’ve found that the more I immerse myself in the vast universe of storytelling and in the rhythm of words, the greater my own motivation to write. It can be tough at first to not accidentally start emulating the style of a writer whose work you’ve been reading?they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?but your own voice will come through.

Mike likes to tease me about my “library habit,” but I can’t imagine not reading. Not only is it wonderful entertainment and education, but reading honestly makes me a better writer. I do read a good bit of science fiction (which I aspire to) and urban fantasy (which I’m currently writing). But I also read historical fiction, biographies, and memoirs. I read long-form journalism and books about cutting-edge science and technology. I read about religion and travel and gardening. It’s really a little bit of everything. And it keeps me sharp.

So I’ll reiterate Sawyer’s advice: “Read great books & you’ll write great books.”

Creative Commons photo by tonyhall