How To Use Reading To Improve Writing: A Step by Step Guide

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By Babatunde Odewale (Contributing Author)

Do you have to read to write better?

The answer to this question is pretty obvious and yet many people who begin to write neglect to read. It depends on what you expect from the writing. If your only goal is to make yourself happy while writing, then you certainly don’t have to read to write, but if your goal is to write your best and maybe even publish your novel, short story, or articles you should read. Here are some reasons to read a lot.

1) To find inspiration

Quite simply because you need “raw material” to feed your creativity. The more you read, the more you will find ideas for writing. In addition, it will make it easier for you to find the words when you are sitting in front of your computer screen.

2) To learn writing techniques

When you read, you subconsciously integrate the different mechanics of the author. In the case of a story, for example, the way the author writes the dialogues, the plot points, etc., may rub off on you. Even if writing workshops allow you to assimilate techniques much faster and, therefore, save time, they do not replace reading. To reproduce the writing techniques consistently and properly, you have to read a lot.

3) To express yourself better

By reading you will enrich your vocabulary and improve your grammar. You will also be able to learn to write dialogue correctly and make your points more precisely. You process reading both consciously and subconsciously, without even knowing it you will save phrases that you will reuse when you write. This will allow you to write faster and better, and to express your thoughts in ways that you may not have been aware of otherwise.

4) To know the genre in which you write

Finally, once you have decided on the genre and age category your writing will be classified into, it will be imperative to read a large number of works from that genre and category. Indeed, depending on the genre, we do not write the same way. Readers will also have different expectations. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that the “rules” of the genre are respected. This will also allow you to be aware of existing or overused clichés and not to repeat them in your work. Be sure to read recently released novels to learn about current market trends and novels that are similar to yours. This will prevent you from writing something that is too similar to a work that has just been published.

What to Read to Write Better?

As noted above, you have to read a lot of material from the genre you plan to write in, but don’t just limit yourself to that one. Read other genres, in other age categories. If you write fiction, for example, you can also read non-fiction literature, newspapers, trade magazines, etc., and vice versa. This will expand your vocabulary, and you will certainly find ideas.

Don’t give up writing for your hobby if you rarely read. However, if your goal is to write the best take at least some time to read.

Dealing With Writer’s-Block

You’ve managed to write the beginning of your essay or book, congratulations! But now you find that you’ve seemingly tackled yourself in the middle of the writing, and your progress is less and less rapid… Your pace has become painful, discouraging. You have a harder time deciding to sit down at your computer and write. Rest assured, many writers are in your situation.

Here are the reasons why you may find yourself in this situation, and some tips to remedy it.

1) Boredom

The beginning is often exciting to write. The characters are new, and the universe you have created too. There is so much to imagine and put into place. But once the first 10,000 words have passed, the routine sets in, and writing isn’t as exciting as it was at the beginning. You’ve got that epic ending in mind and yet looking at your word count, you think you’ll never reach it. If this is the case, and you can’t seem to write the middle of the book anymore, you can write the scenes you are most excited about first. Indeed, nothing obliges you to write in a chronological order. Also, ask yourself if you are bored or if the medium you have planned is boring. You may not have anticipated enough conflict, tension, and twists and turns. In all cases, force yourself to write regularly. Writing a book takes time.

2) Fear of failure

If you are unable to move forward because you spend your time rereading what you have already written, and the beginning of the book does not meet your expectations, tell yourself that you are writing an exercise. This is not the real book. This will allow you to write with peace of mind. In any case, to progress, you will just have to write a lot.

3) A plan that is too vague

Do you find yourself constantly stuck? Perhaps you encounter a recurring concern with a good number of writers: you do not know the rest of the story, or what the point of your essay really should be. If you have to constantly think about what to write, your progress will be slowed down. To remedy this problem, prepare more detailed writing outlines. This way, when you sit down in front of your computer, you will know what to write.

4) Wrong direction

Sometimes when you slow down and can’t move forward, it’s because there is a problem. The plot plan you have made may not be consistent with the personalities of your characters, or the source material you are using may not truly match the topic you are trying to explain. When this is the issue, you should not continue to push in that direction regardless. You can change your plan. Don’t force yourself to follow it to the letter! If you think there is a problem with your plot and/or characters, rethink the rest of the story. You may need to delete some of what you have already written, but it will allow you to write a better book… a work that will interest you and your readers!

Either way, don’t give up and move on to the next idea, or you’ll never write an entire book. Take the time to think about the source of the problem so that you can enjoy writing again. If you hold on, you’ll come to the end of the long-awaited story, and your progress will become much faster.

15 Essentials Tips to Write Better

In closing, let me give you this following essentials tips to writing better:

1. Think about what you will write before writing.
2. Use subtitles or section headings.
3. Do not repeat words or phrases too often.
4. Establish a structure (i.e., a plot or essay outline).
5. Have a strong beginning and ending.
6. Do not abuse punctuation or boldface.
7. Be authentic.
8. Read a lot.
9. Know your audience.
10. Write daily.
11. Ask someone else to read it.
12. Eliminate the chaff or fluff talk.
13. Use numbers or bullets.
14. Do not get distracted.
15. Review, use spell checkers, proofread, and edit.

Which of these tips do you think will help you most? Leave a comment below!