Following on from my post last Tuesday where I discussed how to engage children with reading, I stumbled upon this extremely short YouTube video on the importance of writers reading. It was a perfectly timed find so I thought, as I do, that I would share it with you.
I love to read and I read daily. It helps that I take to my bed early in the evening. That is my time to read. I read in the genre I am writing in so that I am aware of what is out there and because I love the genre. I read outside the genre because I love other books as well. I read for enjoyment. But, with writing, you can’t help but take notice of how the writer is structuring their sentences, or their scenes, or plots. Reading does have a different nuance to it when writing.
If you write, do you give yourself time to read as well? Do you find it encourages you and in what ways?
writerdsnelson says
‘…harness the envy..’ Brilliant! Thanks for sharing Rebecca.
writerdsnelson says
PS I always try to find time to read. Simon Brett started his masterclass by saying you must read.
Rebecca Bradley says
I know, me too. I don’t understand writers who say they don’t read!
writerdsnelson says
Absolutely, would you work in a hospital and not learn from your more experienced colleagues? It’s odd.
thenovelprojectchronicles says
Thanks for the post. I think this clip is a small part of a larger initiative by the national emerging writer program. (linky here http://www.writing.ie/resources/the-national-emerging-writer-programme-overview/ ).
I tend to read anywhere and everywhere I can find the time but, like you, I relish that hour before sleep where I can take to my bed and shut out everything else.
Rebecca Bradley says
I love that as well, going to bed for the peace and quiet π
I found the video while watching the larger list and just thought it fitted what I was discussing last week π
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I read some during the day, but I always read right before going to sleep.
Rebecca Bradley says
Night time just perfect for reading isn’t it. How can anyone say they don’t have time then? π
Margot Kinberg says
Thanks for sharing this, Rebecca. I think reading – a lot – is crucial for developing one’s writing. Seeing what else is out there helps the writer to develop. Reading all sorts of different books also helps inspire the writer, and that’s important too. I’m a big fan of reading and of encouraging other writers to do so.
Rebecca Bradley says
It surprises me when writers say they don’t read. I know a balance needs to be made but I couldn’t give up the books. I’m obsessed!
Jacqui Murray says
Good video. I absolutely couldn’t write if I didn’t read. In fact, when I get writer’s block (in my case, more of a malaise), I read in my genre and come away inspired.
Rebecca Bradley says
It really surprises me when writers say they don’t read. How can they not?