If You Want To Be A Great Writer, Read A Lot

Written by Amber Khatri

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” ~ Stephen King

Writing is an art, a skill, a medium of expression that is learned through observation and practice. Writers are not born writers, they develop that skill over time and master it till words pour out of their pen like water. 

So what does one need to do to become a better writer, specifically a fiction writer? 

To write, you need knowledge of grammar and literary devices, and an understanding of how thoughts and feelings are expressed through words. Books are treasures for writers. They carry so much knowledge that one feels like there is no end to learning from other writers. And the more you read, the better grasp you have on words and way of describing things. Through reading, you start to notice how writers weave a thought, an idea, a feeling, an atmosphere with their unique word choices and style of writing. 

It all begins with observation. When you want to write something, you need tools and knowledge to convey your ideas and imagination. No writer starts off knowing everything and being an expert. They all learn from the simple act of reading, not little, but a lot. They read whatever catches their interest and is perhaps recommended to them. 

Before you write your story, you read a million stories written by diverse writers. You want to know what types of writing styles exist, what moves you when you read, what takes your breath away. Also, you must be endlessly curious and have a hunger for learning. A passionate writer reads closely, taking in every little detail on the page, for example: the sentence structure, punctuations, words, language, etc. These are basic mechanics of writing that need to be learned before you use them in your own writing. 

More than that, books inspire you in many ways. You get introduced to new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. Each writer has his or her own unique voice and way of writing. When you read a fiction novel, you see how dialogues are written, the characters are portrayed and developed, story is plotted and paced, the type of language is used, a central theme and tone conveyed, and the impression it leaves on the reader. 

Reading is essential for so many reasons, which you learn as you become a habitual reader. It helps you build writing skill and be good at it through learning and applying. You see books as examples for how you want to write and the level of mastery you want to achieve with words. The more you read, the better you become at your craft and grow as a writer. Plus, it pumps you up with motivation and inspiration. You improve your imagination, sharpen emotional sensibilities, enhance your intellect, and become a keen observer not only when you are reading but also in the practical world.