I think reading is crucial for anyone wanting to write for a living. We can all learn from other writers. For example, I know I've mentioned it before, but last year I had a fellow author read my first book, Raven. She picked up a few things that could do with improving and also made a few suggestions as to how I could make the story better as a whole. I made notes and made some alterations.
And then, a few months later, she asked me to return the favour and so I read her book. I have to say I was totally blown away. Suddenly, all those things she had talked about seemed to make perfect sense. I could see exactly what she had been trying to tell me (sometimes it's difficult to put these things into words). I felt like I'd had the perfect English Literature lesson. It wouldn't have made as much sense to me if I'd not read her book and seen where I was going wrong and where she was going so right. Her writing is simply amazing, her descriptive passages awe inspiring and her imagination wonderful. But then I believe that all us writers have wonderful imaginations. We wouldn't be writers if not.
Over the past few months I've read quite a lot of books, mainly ebooks by self published authors and I do believe that I've learned so much from each and every one of them. It has also strengthened my belief in myself as a writer and that is incredibly important.
Oh, and if you're wondering, the name of that author is Michelle Isenhoff and the book, The Quill Pen.
And then, a few months later, she asked me to return the favour and so I read her book. I have to say I was totally blown away. Suddenly, all those things she had talked about seemed to make perfect sense. I could see exactly what she had been trying to tell me (sometimes it's difficult to put these things into words). I felt like I'd had the perfect English Literature lesson. It wouldn't have made as much sense to me if I'd not read her book and seen where I was going wrong and where she was going so right. Her writing is simply amazing, her descriptive passages awe inspiring and her imagination wonderful. But then I believe that all us writers have wonderful imaginations. We wouldn't be writers if not.
Over the past few months I've read quite a lot of books, mainly ebooks by self published authors and I do believe that I've learned so much from each and every one of them. It has also strengthened my belief in myself as a writer and that is incredibly important.
Oh, and if you're wondering, the name of that author is Michelle Isenhoff and the book, The Quill Pen.
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1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
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3. Heather Self
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7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
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9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
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13. M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping
Wow... You do show what you've learned the instant you learn it; I see that much without knowing much about you. This post opened my eyes a bit, you know, to the act of reading to be read. I actually started reading The Quill Pen within five minutes of reading your post. I see why you embedded some of here advice into your memory. Her writing is something else...
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I SO love that! The learning is half the joy, isn't it? Understanding how to make what we do better, even in small ways, is thrilling! Thanks for sharing a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%! I often find myself puzzled over a certain phase of a story I'm writing (writer's block). When this happens I know I need to stop typing and pick up my Kindle. Reading for writers is like recharging your creative batteries!
ReplyDeleteTy-Shaun, I'm so pleased I encouraged you to go and read The Quill Pen and that you understood what I meant! Thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeletePatti... you're so right about learning being half the joy. It really is! X
Amy, I couldn't have put it better myself! X
Although, I'm not a writer of fiction, I firmly believe that reading will always make you a better writer and I think that's wonderful that you make time to expand your literary horizons, using it to hone your craft. I also think it's fantastic that you had such a wonderful crit partner, and I understand. I'm such a visual/contextual learner... I need to SEE something to fully understand the concept. Hope you have a great weekend Suzy! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dani! Yes, I was very lucky! You have a fabulous weekend too X
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