How To Use Reading Habit For Better Writing

man will turn over half a library to make one book.

—Samuel Johnson

If you wish to be a good writer, first be a good reader.

Nothing matches a good book to give you ideas and thoughts. I was a good reader in my twenties. I had ample time to go through the books. I have spent many a nights reading an interesting book.

But as I grew, I somehow lost that habit. Daily chores took over and I became too busy to turn a page.

I kept writing though. But the day came when mind yearned for stimuli. Writing looked like a chore, some times frustating.

I was running high on my creativity when I read but that was subdued when I stopped reading.

That was the day I decided to get back to reading.

You must read in order to become a good writer.

What to read?

Anything that you like and enjoy. It could be short story,a novel or anything. A book should be thought provoking, enjoyable. It should become a joyful activity and not an assignment.

To write better, it is important to read the genre of writing in which you’re working. You’ll pick up ideas easily.

How To Read?

When you read a book just do not do a plain reading. Instead mark th sentences and pages you like. Write down your view points. If you happen to read ebooks or you either can write your notes on paper or on computer in notepad or Word processor.

You would have a working conversational library soon and never ever have dearth of ideas.

You would notice that you like some writers better than others. They are the ones whom you would connect with easily. They are also the ones who would influence your writing most.

Learn how they use the language and grammar. See how they formulate sentences and structure their writings.

You would easily pick where to improve your own shortcomings.

One last thing

Do not ever leave the habit of reading. It is most valuable habit that writer can inculcate.