Photo by Steve Coutts
Every once in a while, I hear a writer say something like, “I don't need to read. I'm too busy writing to read.” Stephen King would have something to say to this, but I keep quiet. Writing is hard enough. I don't want to make it harder.
For me, though, reading inspires, instructs, and helps me connect with other authors more than any other habit.
Why Writers Read
I enjoy reading, but even more, I enjoy how reading affects my writing.
Here are three things I've noticed about reading's relationship to writing.
1. Reading Inspires
In an interview with the Paris Review, Maya Angelou said:
I'll read something, maybe the Psalms, maybe, again, something from Mr. Dunbar, James Weldon Johnson. And I'll remember how beautiful, how pliable the language is, how it will lend itself. If you pull it, it says, ‘Okay.’ I remember that, and I start to write.
Reading inspires writing. It always has. Writing is a way to say “thank you” to the authors who have touched our lives
Writing can also be an act of rebellion against the way our favorite author's saw the world. Martin Amis said of his father, Kingsley Amis, “When my father started writing, he was saying to older writers—for instance, Somerset Maugham—it's not like that. It's like this.”
Whether in gratitude or rebellion, reading is fuel for your writing.
2. Reading Instructs
In an interview with Charlie Rose, the late David Foster Wallace said, “The way I am as a writer comes very much out of what I want as a reader.”
The more I read, the better my sense for how to craft stories. I understand my characters better. Reading teaches us how to write. Reading shows us the possibilities of language. Sometimes, reading even challenges us to write something better than what we're reading.
When you read writers you admire, read slowly and carefully. Ask, “What was he trying to do when he wrote this? How did she craft this sentence? Why does this create such a powerful emotion in me?”
3. Reading Connects
I have a few friends who are writers, and whenever they write a book, I try to read it. I know what it's like to put my heart and soul into ink and pieces of paper and have no one I know read it. I also know what it's like when a friend tells me, “I read your book. It was great!”
Before I interview a writer, I try to have some familiarity with the books they've written. I may not read everything they've written, but I'll read something. I do it because I want them to know I understand them, that I care.
For writers, reading is about relationship. These other authors, they're our friends, our co-laborers, our kin, whether we know them or not, whether they're dead or alive. By appreciating the work they do, we appreciate ourselves.
10 Books Every Writer Should Read
Now that you're ready to get reading, what books should you read? Here are ten novels I recommend:
Science Fiction: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
War: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
Love/Romance: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Fantasy Contemporary: Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Fantasy Classic: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Science Fiction Classic: Dune by Frank Herbert
Adventure: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Literary: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Young Adult: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Mystery: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
To Be a Great Writer
To be a great writer takes time. I understand you're busy, that you may not have two or three hours a day to read. That's fine. You won't hear any guilt tripping or condemnation from me. Life is hard. Why make it harder?
However, if you want to be a great writer, you will have to find time to read. Philip Roth talks about his writing habits:
It's work. Just endless work. There isn't time for any bullshit. I just have to work all the time, very hard, and cut everything else out.… I write from about ten till six every day, with a hour out for lunch and the newspaper. In the evenings I usually read. That's pretty much it.
How many hours do you spend reading per week? How many books do you want to read this year? How has your reading empowered your writing?
PRACTICE
Today, I challenge you to read at least one chapter of a book. If you're up for it, let me know by leaving a comment saying, “I'm in!”
If you're looking for a great book, you can find one in the list above.
Have fun and happy writing reading!
I read about 2-3 books at a time, over the course of a week. That may be why I’m trying to *write* four at once. (smh)
Hmm, I do this too…..you might have a good point here R.W.
Ha! Interesting connection. I wouldn’t have thought of that, but it makes sense.
Joe, I’m an avid reader. I always tell everyone, I learned to read when I was 8 and I haven’t stopped since. But majoring in English forced me to stop reading for pleasure and to always always be a critical reader. When I finally completed my degree, I still read, but at a much slower pace. I was also a snob so I was picky about what I read. For nearly 10 years, I was too snobbish to read what I liked, or frankly, even know what I liked anymore. Some time last year, I got so sick of picking up books that I wasn’t interested in, and asked my friend to give me something mindless to read. She introduced me to romance, and that’s when I learned what a snob I’d been! Last year, I read 107 books and the more I read, the more I realized I wanted to write, a dream I gave up in high school. And I found that the more I read things I loved, the more I wanted to write. It was completely inspiring. This year my challenge is 125, with a few clauses. So I’m in!!
What a great testimony to the power of reading. I majored in English, too. The tools I picked up were great, but getting over my the snobbishness that came with the degree has been important.
I totally agree, I wouldn’t change my major for anything else, but while it gave me a fantastic skill set, it turned me into a bit of a snob. Luckily we are getting over that now Joe.
I’m still getting over my snobbery, but I’ve landed back in academia on the teaching side, so I’m put in a catch-22 sometimes with reading selections. I tried something new this semester and let my students have a say in the fiction selections from the textbook. It’s been fairly successful, but it’s also opened my eyes to newer stories that I’ve easily overlooked because it’s so hard to ignore the classics. I started three books last June. Two were modern and the other was _For Whom the Bell Tolls_. I finished the thriller in two days, the drama in about a week, and I finally finished Hemingway’s classic in November.
I like that you’re offering the students selections! Too often as teachers, we don’t take the students interests into consideration. Letting them take the lead will allow them to facilitate their own learning in ways you probably never would have imagined. Students of all ages will tell us what they need from us as teachers, if we take the time to observe and interact with them. Glad you are doing it, it cheers my teacher’s soul 🙂
My English degree put me off reading anything literary forever. Twenty years on I still shy away. I guess I felt that a lot of the books we analysed were popular books – Austen, Dickens, Christie – and that we were analysing them way beyond the author’s intentions. I feel like it’s only in the twentieth century that writers have consciously tried to be literary, a trait that I also can’t stand. So I love popular books. Grisham, Child, Keyes, King. They’re popular because they’re good quality, good storytelling. For me, that’s the end. If it works, it’s good. I’ve had to put down various literary works – booker prize winners and so forth – because the storytelling was (in my opinion) horrendous. I now won’t pollute myself with stuff that’s unrewarding. So I still read constantly but am tremendously picky about which authors, because thanks to 3 years of picking at stuff the authors never meant us to pick at, I can’t bear anything with a subtext.
Yay for Eng Lit recovery!
Sounds like a great idea! I’ll give it a try.
Awesome. Best of luck, Christine.
I read about half of The Maze Runner in one night and then the rest of it the next morning. 😉 I’ve also learned that listening to one of the Harry Potter books on CD at night helps me to fall asleep.
How can you fall asleep listening to Harry Potter books? I stayed up all night to read them!
Same, Giulia. Came dangerously close to being late for work a few times, too.
I LOVE those books.
I’ve read them so many times over I’ve memorized what’s going to happen. 😉 Jim Dale is awesome.
So I quote it at you and you’d know exactly which scene and which book? Awesomeness.
Hmmm . . . Probably. Want to try? 😉
Love to! But we probably shouldn’t 😉
I know what you mean, MV. I used to do that with movies I’d seen dozens of times.
I love Harry Potter. But, actually, the writing’s pretty pedestrian. It’s the plot and atmosphere that save J.K. Rowing.
I don’t know, I found her style pretty clean and polished. She’s witty too. Plus, it’s children lit. For me, it was the themes in the series that inspired me more than the overall plot.
I can agree with you a little bit. The writing was not as great as it could’ve been for the first couple of books, but they were also written for 11 and 12-year-olds. The writing got even better as the series progressed.
Yes, the writing matures as the audience matures for sure. My cousin started reading that when it was first out (he was a kid at time) and when the last book came out, he was still completely addicted to the series and he was 17 by that time. So Rowling kept her original audience hooked from beginning to end that way.
I was seven when the last book came out. I was (by far) one of the youngest people at the midnight release, besides my brother who was four.
I preordered and picked it up the next day. I was a lot older than you.
Okay, I finished an entire 200-page book last night! I thought I would only read a little bit, but I just had to finish it! I also ended up reading half of another book after that book.
I’m in. I finished Elizabeth Berg’s Open House last night started reading the Paris Review selected short stories just after. I may have a slight reading addiction.
Nice, Marla. That sounds like fun. 🙂
As a writer or a reader, who doesn’t have a reading addiction. I have a powerful addiction, to fantasy, action, and adventure. Give me a book, I’ll finish it in a hour. Give me a different genre than in a day.
Great post, Joe. You really can’t emphasize enough how important reading is for writers. As Stephen King said (and what I’m guessing you were referring to at the beginning of your post), “If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.”
Thanks Ava. Yep. I like that quote.
Great idea! I don’t read 100 a year but I always have one next to me. I’m a slow reader because I read and reread favorite passages, phrases and wording. (I also read to school children once a week which is fascinating!) Good writing is such an inspiration. Wherever possible I try to respond to a blog because feedback is so important to a writer.
Slow reading is probably better than fast reading, Eva. Good for you.
Eva, great thought about children. I still love Charlotte’s Web and Are You My Mother? They may be children’s books but they’re hitting on eternal truths.
My mom loved Are You My Mother?
This is a great and very honest post. Reading and writing are an inseparable partnership. Ian McEwan reads for as many hours as he writes each day.
I like that.
I’m in. I’m reading the Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy right now
Ooh, going for the old stuff. Tell me what you think of it when you’re done. I haven’t read it yet.
I’m In!!!
Great! Thanks Boda.
I’m in. Let’s see so far this year I’ve read… 2 books. But in my defense, Stephen King’s “Desperation” is well over 600 pages and a lot of time has also been dedicated to reading short stories! I just finished “The Langoliers” and I am about 10 pages into “Secret Window, Secret Garden.” They’re both in a book called “Four Past Midnight” which has 4 of King’s stories.
The thing is, Four Past Midnight is almost 800 pages while Secret Window, Secret Garden is about 150 of those pages. Do I count SWSG as a book, or do I read 266 pages as a third of the entire 800? Hmm. Either way I guess I better get to it.
Great post Joe
It’s a little harder to measure like that, isn’t it. It sounds to me like you’re doing just fine, though.
Well, since most books are about 200-300 pages, you’re really doing 2 or 3 books in one go according to the “average” measure.
I´m in! 😀 i actually made a challenge on goodreads!
I’m on Goodreads, too Xaviera. http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/940-2013-reading-challenge
Everyone has a challenge on Goodreads 😀
Thanks for a great post, Joe. I just joined this site and am loving it. What a relief to know I don’t have to choose between the two things I love most-reading AND writing. Too long ago, I bought into some BS piece of advice that reading while writing would keep me from “finding my voice”. Currently working my way through C.S. Forester’s, Hornblower and the Hotspur and Robert K. Massie’s biography of Catherine the Great.
I think there is a bit of truth in that, but I would only worry about it if you’re noticing it affecting your writing in a negative way. For me, the affects of reading are all but positive, so it’s worth the risk. Also, all writers are a combination of the voices of other writers. As Cormac McCarthy said, “The hard truth is that books are made from books.”
Also, I love the Hornblower series!
Recently reading Nikos Kazantzakis’ memoir, “Report to Greco”, I am filled with his spirit of urgency and passion for life. Reading Kazantzakis is like being infused with a passion that is like a memory of being younger and wilder, and I want to dive into my own writing with that same gusto. Reading unearths realms that lie dormant within me. I just returned from the used book store with a small heap of novels and travel books by Kazantzakis. I challenge anyone to read Zorba the Greek and not feel more alive.
I love this, PJ.
I’m In! At the beginning of 2013, I decided to challenge myself to read at least 4 books per month and to complete a Read Through The Bible In A Year plan. So far, I’m on track. As far as writing goes, I am considering starting a book review blog…but first I need start writing more consistently on the blog that I started last summer. I’ve been lacking self-discipline in the writing area!
(Sorry for my goofy post above…I was editing my Disqus profile and I accidentally posted my comment before the profile updating finished and it posted me as “Guest” with an additional photo.)
Don’t worry about it. 🙂
I have been reading Siri Hustvedt “The shaking woman or a history of my nerves” – fascinating! She spends some time exploring language, and reading. One of the things she says about reading is that it is the closest we get to living inside another person’s head. Living their ideas, experience and their point of view. I think this is why I find it so difficult to write realistic characters. To experience different points of view I need to read more! And not just the sort of writing that I like, that I am comfortable with but the stuff that challenges me.
I know what you mean, Juliana. It’s fun to read outside of your comfort zones.
This sounds interesting. I’ll put it in my to-do list. You might find The Kitchen Daughter another interesting read. It’s about a woman with Asperger’s who conjures the ghosts of her loved ones when she cooks from recipes they’ve handwritten.
I have started this year with a challenge to myself to read a book every week, that will be 52 books and I have fallen short of that challenge already by about 2 books. I understand the connection between reading and writing but when working full time, running a business and a household takes over, there is very little time to express creativity in the remaining time by writing a blog and painting, so the intention is there but I have to find a way to squeeze in the reading. I did give myself a challenge of cutting down TV completely ( I don’t watch much as it is) but that is not actively implemented at the moment. I will get back to that challenge starting today and use that time to read…Thank you for the challenge, may be I can reach the goal of 52 if not 100.
Regards
Padma
http://www.areyouchanging.org
That’s a great compromise, Padma. Good for you.
I haven’t read a book in so long. Ever since I got the idea for my story last year, it’s been hard for me, but I’m in! I think I’ll start The Great Gatsby.
The Great Gatsby is great (no pun intended.) It’s short too, so it won’t take you long. It’s a deep as well, so it’s good for critical reading.
I’m reading that for a book club. It’ll be my 3rd time!
Do it.
That’s such a nice read Madison. You won’t be sorry you started. And the prose… so seductive.
I’m in. I used to read constantly, but I’ve just started Year 11, and the workload’s picking up, so since the start of Year 10 I haven’t been reading so much. This is just the push I need. I want to read like I used to. I’ve read three books so far this year, so I’ve got some catching up to do.
Three books is still really god, Antonia.
good post
Thanks Ankit.
I spend an hour or two a day reading, but I mostly read classic novels which tend to be long, so it can take me a while to get through it. I would estimate I read about 25-30 books a year. Right now I am reading “The Fault in Our Stars,” and I am half way through after one day. I can’t decide if that is because the plot is gripping, or the book is shorter than what I am used to.
I’ve heard such good things about that.
I started reading The Fault in Our Stars one day and finished it late that night. I LOVED it!
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson is a fantastic little book that is quick to read but has amazing depth and language that just pulls you into the story. It was the fastest read so far for me this year. Now I am reading the Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal which is luxurious and dreamy. It’s taking me a bit longer. I tend to like books with depth, history, rich language and even richer imagery. I don’t know if I will make it to 100 books this year, but I am going to shoot for 75. So far I have read 5. I definitely feel that I am a better writer because I am a reader.
I read that last year. It was brilliant. I like how you describe your interests. I have similar tastes.
I read Hare last year Jay. It was slow going but sooo interesting. Well worth it in the end, and I really learnt a lot about continental early 20th century Jewish families.
My goal is no where near 100 books. Normally I read between 15 to 20 books per year. The constant investment of words helps me with writing ideas and helps me enhance my own style. I have worked in the tech field for many years so my writing tends to be very short and too the point. Reading great books helps me add a little more complexity and creativity to my own writing.
Yes Joe! Reading is one of the basic 3’s to becoming a writer, then a good writer and hopefully a great one. The other 2 are writing and listening/watchin. Listening/watching to ourselves and our world is how we get our stories. Writing is a basic, otherwise the stories don’t get told. And reading, well that’s polishing our craft.
I read about 3 hours everyday but that’s work – lots of economics, statistics, accounting and legal/regulatory mumbo jumbo.
I read about 2 hours every night from blogs, literary journals and a big book. I really recommend Longreads and Longform Fiction on Flipboard for anyone who wants to dip into something well written that’s less than 5000 words.
Recently I’ve been reading thrillers and mysteries because I’m trying to write one. Also doing reviews for Story Cartel. I manage about 4 books a month, slow for the course, I know.
Just re-read Ursula Le Guin’ 4 Ways to Forgiveness (wonderful sci-fi recreation of the aftermath of a other-planet slave society) and PD. James – The lighthouse (classic British whodunit). Have also devoured Philipppa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl. I’m in the middle of The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. It’s curiously written in a 3rd person plural omniscient! But it works.
I’m in… slowly though. Not at 2 books a week.
I’m in! And this post has encouraged me to finish “On Writing” today.
I wasn’t aware we needed reasons to read. 🙂
Just wrote a whole post that seemed to have disappeared.
I think that we read because we love the written word, don’t you think? I remember after learning to read, being blown away by the ability of a good book to whisk me off to far away worlds and experiences.
Up until recently, I would read 2-3 books a week, but since starting researching my novel, I’ve been reading more in Hebrew, my second language, in which I’m fluent but slower. Located in Jerusalem, that’s what I have greater access to. Last month I read 4 memoirs and research books in Hebrew, half a novel (excellent, but not translated into English yet) and only 2.5 books in English (1 research and 1.5 Story cartel novels). So I’m way ahead of my yearly average for reading in Hebrew, and behind my monthly average in numbers of books read in total. But hey, who knows, maybe it will pick up, so I’m game.
I’m in! I think you gave me the excuse I need to take more time to read. I always feel a bit guilty and indulgent. But this is an assignment, it’s work!!! Thanks
Hi Joe
Thanks for the post, a timely reminder.
I’d love to join you, but 100 is perhaps a little beyond me time wise. Having said that, I spent a couple of days in bed last week ill and got some serious reading done, so maybe a few more sick days might be in order 🙂
I thought your second point was particularly important. I’ve always read, but only recently taken to dissecting and enjoying what particular authors do in a conscious way.
cheers
Mike
Thanks Mike. Isn’t dissecting fun? I’ve learned more about writing that way. I hope you’re feeling better!
I’m in. Thank you for the challenge. This will help me set goals and improve my writing.
I’m in! I’m on goodreads.com and I am trying to read 150 books this year!
Wow. That’s a lot Bailey! Good luck. 🙂
I’m in! I’m starting off with 11/22/63. It “only” has 849 pages! =)
Whoa, my all time favourite Pride and Prejudice at the romance section.
Yup, I do agree with writing for rebellion part. The reason I started to write it’s because of my personal dislike about E.*. J***s books and at the fact of how could such a worst romance story ever (IMO of course) hitting a worldwide record instead of the great Jane Austen’s ? What’s wrong with peoples nowadays ? LOL.
And yeah, I do agreed that writers must try to spent few hours to read. I like to read books and true, it helping me a lot to built my story eventhough it’s not easy. Thanks for the must read book in the romance section Joe. I’ll definetely hunt the others and read them all.
When I went graduate school in 2009 to study script and screenwriting, my writing sucked. I couldn’t understand it. One day, out of curiosity, I rented the first Twilight film (Blockbuster still existed). I enjoyed the film so much I read the book. I finished it in a week, maybe less, and spent many a night reading into the wee hours of the morning. My next writing assignment, I noticed my expression of ideas and use of language much improved. Plus, I’d rediscovered the joy of reading. Now, I challenge myself to read new genres. However, I have a question: Does listening to a book still count as “reading” it?
I’m in!
I’m in! Reading Anna Kraennina
I’m in ..” And then there were none ” by Agatha Christie
Read all the books on your list but two (and a thousand others!). All great!! Because of that “practice” (of reading) I can be one/two paragraphs into a book and know if the writing is good. The more you read, the more it becomes an inner, natural barometer of the quality of writing you are engaged with. As with spoken language, the ear can innately hear poor grammar when it happens?
Appreciate your suggestions Joe… reading matters, it’s like nourishment for your thoughts…thanks…
I’m in!
I am in the middle of writing my first chapter for my book and realised that many other books provide inspiration for my book especially how a character feels and the emotion they show.
I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone today.
“I’m in!”
I’m in! I am currently reading the “One flew over the cuckoo’s nest” by Ken Kesey. The list of the books that you recommended is very interesting. I have read some of them and, of course, I will make sure that I will read the rest of them!
I’m in! That was awesome!
So, definitely, in. I’m a voracious reader, and I could already tell that it contributed greatly to my writing endeavors. As I write, I find myself thinking “Hmm. That sentence isn’t inspiring the emotion I want it to. What sentences stick in my mind from my favorite authors that evoke a certain feeling? What did they do?”
I’m in. I just finished reading a pulp sci-fi novel from the 70s called “Blood Music” by Greg Bear. It falls more into the category of books that challenge me to write something that I would prefer to read, although there are some enjoyable concepts and themes in there. I’ve moved onto George RR Martin’s first novel “Dying of the Light”, his only solo sci-fi novel.
Thanks for the reading list, I am going to read Ready Player One next.
I’m in! I’m a voracious reader – generally a book a day at least. I’ve read most of the books on your list (only missing two). I agree with Atira’s comment about a section or sentence not inspiring the emotion I want to convey and how reading can “help” with digging deeper and seeing how other authors overcame the block. My main challenge seems to involve getting “stuck” when I write a section or chapter that is not up to my standards or doesn’t seem to flow correctly. Anyone else running into that? And Joe, Thanks for offering this class!:)
Thanks for the post. I’m in. Just need to decide which of the 3 books that I have on the go I am going to pick up tonight 🙂
That’s a great challenge, because I have exactly one chapter I need to read from a book today. I’m in! 🙂
I’m in! ^ ^
I am in
I’m in!!!
I’m in! Gonna go back to Middle Earth with “The Hobbit”
I’m in
I’m in! I just finished The Baron In The Trees by Italo Calvino and I just started Frank Herbert’s Dune.
I AM IN FOR IT. THANKS SIR.
I’m in! I am an English Ed student at MO State, and fortunately, I get to read…A LOT!!!
I’m in
This is the best thnks
I’m in
I’m in
I’m in! I’m reading Clive Cussler’s Atlantic Drift at the moment.
Is it too late to join
I am in
A secret I found when I was a kid…great advice…
I’m in…. Although I already read quite a lot I have not read any of the books in your list. I find it “easier” to read books from Authors that I know. But, starting today, I will get the books on the list and read them. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I’m in.
Hi
This is something I am just discovering big time – I am challenging myself to read genres that I am unfamiliar or uncomfortable with so I can work out why I have that sort of response. Equally I am beginning to work out why I like certain styles of writing more than others and picking up techniques which I hadn’t considered before. I belong to the U3A (university of the Third Age) and have just been accepted into the Book Club – how awesome is that! The challenge of reading the same book as 11 other people and then discussing it together is going to be great fun as well as of benefit to my writing life which is in it’s infancy.
I’m in
I’m in! I actually read the hobbit before
I’m in. Definitely!
I read 60 hours in 3 and a half weeks. I really like reading, if you can’t tell. And I have quite a bit of free time, that helps.
OK, I’m in… I read quite a bit, but not much fiction – except in the newspaper
I’m in
I’m in! Reading a chapter in Ramona the Brave to my girls, read a chapter from the book of Exodus, and reading a few chapters of non-fiction on building womens ministries. Need to take more time to read each day.
I love good stories. Stories connect people through time and space. So I am definitely in for more reading!
Funny how I just finished reading the Alchemist with my class. It was a great book but I was upset on how the ending happened.
Hi.. Im in
I’m in
I am in. And just for the record I read more than I write. Even if I have some or no free-time i still, miraculously have the time to read and not write. But now I have the time to do both.
I like to read novels. However I feel that my writing has not yet improved.
How are things now?
I’m in! Jumping all in …
I’m in, but I’ve been in. I never planned on being a writer but when I discovered I had a story to tell the first thing I did was begin reading everything I could get my hands on. I promise you that many Amazon authors are very happy about that!
I am a reader, telling me to read ONE chapter is placeing limits in me lol. I read anything that catches my eye. Probably why I have three or four going at once.
I’m in. A chapter? Why not a whole book!
I don’t the author is going to read this or not, but — Yes, I’m going to read atleast one chapter. Thanks! For wonderful post.
I’m in
I’m in!
Thanks. I am into reading, though your list may be different. Started writing a story. Hope it shapes well.
I’m in!
I am in, Joe. Thanks for advice.
i’m in, i’m reading wuthering heights for the third time and trying to compare it with the movie filmed in 2011 to practice my writing skill too , believe me you won’t find a similar love story
I’m in
I’m in. I started Pride and Prejudice, and The book thief. My goal is to finish these two book this month no matter what.
I’m in
I’m in. I’m an absolute beginner. I really look forward to this.
I’m in!
Love to read and yes at times it is put on the sideburner with little snips here and there. Commit to reading a chapter a day in fiction.
I’m in! I have read a chapter of Shutter Island by Dennis Leanne 🙂
I’m in and agree wholeheartedly. As I start down this path that I hope leads me to who knows where and who knows when, I will continue to read. Thanks.
I’m in! Actually right now I’m reading Oliver Twist. I know reading books written by the greatest is really enriching and wonderfully useful, but I don’t really understand how it works. As a writer, when can I feel a difference? Does reading books really change something in my way of writing or even vocabulary? I really don’t know…
I’m in. Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordan. Ok only a segment. It’s suppose to be rich in word choice.
I’m in! I do read every night before going to bed. My husband gave me a Kindle for Christmas one year which did not please me at the time because I much rather hold a book but I have been downloading a variety of books written by authors I normally would not have read from my local library. I recently fell in love with books by Emilie Richards, her characters really draw me in; I would love to be able to have readers love my characters too.
I was thrilled my exercise for the evening was reading. I’m committed to doing the exercises but I recently started “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman and I am just loving his writing. Reading it is like working on a jigsaw puzzle with someone. Every time he puts a piece in place it reveals a little more of the big picture and informs what might be coming next.
I am an obsessive reader. I read every day. I have read almost everything on the list, I have to say – Hobbit – I just could not get into that book. Too slow for my liking
Joe: To lose oneself in a book is to feel the pulse of that author. I love to read, for all the reasons you mention. Reading is entertaining; inspiring, motivating, educational, and relaxing all wrapped up in a gift from the author. When I pick up a book or read an article, I am thankful for the time and effort the composer put into each word. Power to the writer who reads!
Joe I posted under Learn to Read like a General Contractor. That piqued my interest and I read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and posted my thoughts on 5 sentences.
Good practice! Thank you.
“I” m in !
i religiously believe in : A good reader becomes a better writer and the best orator subsequently.
I am in !
I am in! I love reading but I will be learning to read in a new way now. How exciting!
I’m in!
I’m in. I am currently reading Kevin Hearne’s Hounded. Once I have finished with that I might start on some of the books on tour list that I haven’t read. This group may be the kick in the pants I need to really get my writing started. thanks
I’m in. Just got my copy of Dan Browns Origin. Can’t wait to start reading. I try to read at least an hour a day. It’s part of my work-life-balance, just like sport. I wish you all a happy reading- day.
im in
I’m in.
I’m in!
I have been reading Niel Gaiman’s “American Gods”. Love the book, as well as the Starz TV series.
You are right, reading is important to the new writer, this is where one get idea, structure and encouragement that I can also do why him.
I’m in. I have already read four of the books on your list. I love reading, I have done since the age of five. I will definitely read your other recommendations.
I’m in! I’ve read The Name of The Wind and all the Harry Potter books. I’m currently reading Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas 🙂
I’m in!
I’m in! I didn’t realise it was so important to read. I love reading but haven’t had the time lately and thought writing was more important. So back to the books it is 🙂
Im in! Alexander McCall Smith excites me. I connect with his African based stories – so typical of that continent.
i’m in. i’ll start with for whom the bell tolls.
There’s a plate resting at the empty chair again. A full glass, and silverware too. Mom smiles and carries on her conversation with dad like everything is normal. You can see the creases of worry lining dads brow. He just smiles and nods, a lost look in his glazed eyes. “You’re not eating again” mom scolds the empty chair. Dad squeezed her hand and assures her that’s everything is ok. He knows he’s lying, but what can he do? He helps her clear the table, throwing away the food on the extra plate, before she notices. Mom washes the dishes and asks about school. Dad painfully watches her hum the tune she had created. Nothing is the same anymore. Nothing will ever be the same again. Mom, don’t you understand? Don’t you realize that you won’t get an answer? It’s ok to let go. I won’t blame you. She puts all the dishes away and heads for the couch, “How about a movie, Honey?” Dad knows that she isn’t speaking to him, yet he follows anyway. Maybe he thinks it will help. It won’t. Nothing will help. Mom doesn’t understand, Dad. She never will. She will always think that things are completely normal. Why can’t she just see it? Why can’t she see the way that she is slowly draining the life out of you? They say that going into shock can kill a person, but it doesn’t just kill one person. It’s like the domino effect. It knocks one down, and takes everyone else with it. It changes you. It makes you destructive. Mom looks at the empty chair and talks to me. Mom, don’t you realize? Can’t you see? You lost your daughter a long time ago.
Thank you Joe, for coming in at the right time;I am just learning to write, also I`m working on a novel, Titled: Painting with blood; as I type this comment, and I don`t read much. I used to read a lot when I was in my younger years; but now, after reading the comments they have shared; I am inspired to read more often. I always needed an excuse to get out of the box I was in; but now, I can pick up my favorite book, of Sherlock Holmes. by Conan Doyle. Please stay true to the readers. I am in.
i’m in
I love reading! One of the main reasons I feel I can be a successful writer is because I am thinking about another direction, or spin on the current book I’m enjoying. how can I put my own experiences into something similar?
I’m in!
I’m in(The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien)! I read almost every day and I hope it will help me write. I really enjoyed the article, it was one of your successful ones!
I’m in!!! I just started following you, because I want to write short stories, I want to be a writer, a good one. I’m reading your book ¨Let´s write a short story”, so I hope it will be useful 😉
I’m in.
I’m in! Currently reading BAOT (Basketball and Other Things) by Shea Serrano.
I am in
I’m in. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
I’m in! Reading Outlander currently. Gabaldon makes me want to write.
Me too – I have lived in the Scottish Highlands and although I am now in Spain, reading Outlander takes me back every time.
i am in. I am currently reading the amazing adventures of kavalier and clay. what a chore!
I’m in. I’m reading Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay. I’ll start on the recommended books tomorrow.
I’m on, I like to read novels and can finish it in one seating.=)
I am in! I will commence my journey through the depths of literature.
I read all of the time. Any chance I get….I carry a book with me, and my Kindle with me. If I have to wait for an appointment, I read. If I have to wait for my daughter at a lesson, I read. When I should be sleeping at night, I read. I just started “On Writing” by Stephen King. I’m also reading “Under the Influence” by Joyce Maynard. “Finish” by Jon Acuff. A number of other non-fiction books. I have a stack of library books to read, and several books on my Kindle waiting for me. I also pre-ordered Elizabeth Berg’s new book I read a variety of genres and authors. I wish I could quit my job, so I could read. 😉
I’m in
I’m in Fantasy Contemporary: Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I’m in!
So the first lesson is to read a book or a chapter? I can do that! Because I already do that!
I’m in. Just don’t know what book to read…
I’m in!
I’m in. Reading A moveable feast by hemingway
I’m in. Before I Fall
I’m in.
i’m in
I’m in. Wired for Story.
I’m in. I will look at my book shelf and see what books I have to make a start at reigniting my passion for reading
i’m in
I’m in. I finished a book today called Valentine’s Day. Just had one chapter to go.
im in.. And Then there were none!
I’m in. Not a star by Nick Hornby. I read the first chapter and it seems really interesting.
I’m in
I’m in !!
Thanks Joe. I’m in ….reading Dick Francis ‘Reflex.
I’m in!
I’m in !
I’m in
I’m in. “A Feast For Crows” is the book I’m currently reading… Truth be told I could definitely read more often than I do now
I’m in!
I’m in!
ok I agree reading is writing , ” I’m in ”
that first assignment , I wrote on my word pad because there was no editor/word prosessor availible
In a fifteen minute exercise I did well in establishing the main charactor as a canabul and fetishist on a spirit quest
do you still want that first assignment ?
Joe your reading list needs attention, I haven’t read much but I have from the masters,
Chekhov, Cervantes, Bradbury, we will continue this later, now that I “see” your old point
vast writers have said the this and you all are right, to read is to write
I’m in Joe
I am in. Mohammad Ashraf wani
I’m in
I’m in. Currently reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
I’m in.prem, India
i’m in
I’m in! I think reading more than writing makes sense. I’m Reading The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by S.K. himself. My husband and I love his books but I haven’t read in years so I thought this might be a good one to start off with:)
I’m in!
I’m in.
I’m in.
I’m in. Picked up the book Agatha Christie’s book “And then there were none!”
I’m in. The Book Of Dust by Philip Pullman
I’m in and I’m reading The 3rd book in the John Mathrson Series by William R. Forstchen.
In. Reading “Shogun” by James Clavell and “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau.
I’m in.
I love to read. It’s a win win that reading can help improve my writing skills.
I’m in, when I do not write, I read. My days are full to the rim. From doing my chores to reading and writing, I always keep busy. Books define me and I love it!
I’m in. I really enjoyed reading when I was in school but now it seems I can hardly find the time for it. With this lesson I will make some time everyday to read something. Thanks for this lesson. But where can I get those ten books online?
THE POWER OF SELF IDENTIFICATION
How do we see ourselves? As GOOD or BAD.?
These are the only two options we have. Either we can say Good of ourselves or Bad of ourselves. When we say good of ourselves- we feel it is nice, encouraging, and a pat always inspires you to get another on and another one for which we keep on encouraging ourselves always. This encouragement cycle is a vicious cycle we encourage for one thing we accomplish it, then we look for another engagement and we stick to it wholeheartedly. So this ADMIRATION, PAT, ENCOURAGEMENT is the MOTIVATIONAL part in fulfilling our dream goals. But unfortunately, we discourage, criticize and find faults only and try to correct by force which only ruins. How many of us sit and analyse our positive assets and negative assets of our own self.
PRACTICALLY NONE. WE ONLY PONDER OUR FAILURES AND OUR NEGATIVE NATURE WHICH FINALLY OVERSHADOW OUR POSITIVE SELF. If the moment our thoughts are occluded with negative thoughts we should stop there and then and say to our own self- yes this is true I have this ill thing in myself but how can I make it beneficial for myself? Even opioids are used as anesthetic drugs. Even the stale foods can be a part of forming good manure in the soil. Even hunger is necessary for us to feed. SO, WHY NOT MY BAD PART SERVE ME TO CARVE OUT A BETTER ME OUT OF MY OWN DRAWBACKS.For example I am weak in mathematics. OK I am weak in mathematics, but mathematics has many parts algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics etc. Am I weak in all, probably no. So, we need to find out where all we are good may be trigonometry and geometry. So we begin from trigonometry and geometry and master it. When we do so we are actually encouraging ourselves, patting ourselves, and saying ourselves “you are awesome good”-We are encouraging ourselves I am good in mathematics. Once you have gained confidence in yourself for mathematics now touch those parts where you are so-so. In this part, in the starting you will get mixed responses. When you are able to solve the problem you feel good and when you are stuck up you gets demotivated and leave. It is good to take a break but not to give up. Keep pondering why my this answer has not come? Where have I gone wrong? These questions are actually helping you to find your own faults and seeking ways to reach those hidden mistakes. Reviewing actually helps in self correction. Thus, you finally reach to correct answer, if not you will try to find out your mistakes with other’s help which is sometimes necessary. So, finally you have overcome one hurdle. This is true for every problem solving in our lives. We need to keep ourselves motivated all the times, failures comes to break us but winners always find a hole of victory in their failure.
I’m in
I read every day for around 2 hours or until my eyes need a rest. It is hard to find the time to read and write but since going back to reading, my writing has improved immensely and I actually want to write more because of the reading.