How Daily Reading Can Make You a Better Writer
Reading comprehension is one of the most important tools in the writer’s toolbox.
Reading has always been considered an essential part of the creative process, but more so for writers. Reading exposes you to different writing styles and new ideas. Only by reading can you stay on top of the latest things happening in your industry. This article will look at how daily reading can improve your writing.
“Read, read, read. Read everything — trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”
–William Faulkner
“Read to make yourself smarter! Less judgmental. More apt to understand your friends’ insane behavior, or better yet, your own.”
―John Waters
Unsurprisingly, authors are vested in encouraging us to read. After all, that is what they sell and how they make a living! But the advantages of reading are supported by sound scientific research.
Here we will look at the benefits of reading and how it helps improve the quality of our writing.
Helps to Overcome Writer’s Block
The creative slump writers experience when they are stuck for ideas or don’t know what to write is known as writer’s block. It can prevent you from writing for days, weeks, or even months if you do not address it.
It affects writers at all stages of their careers. There are different ways to get past this obstacle, and it’s up to writers to figure out what works best for them.
However, reading is one of the trusted and effective ways to beat this creative block. It does not have to be a book related to the story you are writing. It could be a poem, blog post, article, or landing page.
The point is reading can spark new ideas or images in our minds. This will lead to a better and more seamless writing session.
Reading Improves Vocabulary
Improving your vocabulary is an easy way to learn new things and increase your overall knowledge. There is no doubt that reading helps you to become a better writer, speaker, and thinker.
Reading helps you find your voice and express yourself clearly and concisely.
One way to improve your vocabulary is to find the definitions of words you do not know. Keep a dictionary or go to a website such as Vocabulary to find out what the definition of the word is. You can also use the words in your sentences.
Also, you can learn how to use words similar to the word you want to learn. For example, if you want to learn the word “complicated” you can learn words like “confused” or “mix up”.
Reading Helps With Concentration
Reading can get pretty boring after a while. It gets even more boring when you have to read something that you’re not interested in.
Reading more improves concentration because you’re forcing yourself to concentrate on the book and learn about the topic you’re reading about. This can improve your concentration especially if you’re reading this article.
Reading helps us focus on our writing project and gives us the chance to practice our concentration every day.
Helps to Cultivate Critical Thinking Abilities
The main reason why reading helps to cultivate critical thinking skills is that reading involves a lot of thinking.
You have to interpret the author’s words, imagine the setting, and interpret the characters’ motives. But that same thinking can be applied to your daily life and the tasks you do.
Whether it’s reading the manual, going over your work schedule, or even reading a recipe, thinking critically will help you avoid making mistakes and help you reach your goals faster.
This critical thinking skill can be put to good use when writing.
Reading Increases Our Knowledge of the World
Actively reading helps to increase our knowledge of the world. Reading articles, books and textbooks help us to learn more about our surroundings. We can gain more knowledge and improve ourselves by reading daily.
Reading can also be a fun activity to do with others, such as with your family or friends, or on your own.
Reading expands our knowledge of the world and allows us to write sensitively about various cultures for a larger audience.
Enhances Understanding of Writing Structure
Reading articles and books is a great way to improve your writing because it helps you to understand the structure and consider ways to engage your readers.
Often it helps to read an article or book that you wouldn’t normally read because doing so will help you understand different styles and formats used across different types of writing.
Whether you are writing a novel, or a web article, reading a lot of works in a similar format can help you become more familiar with the fundamental structure for that specific type of writing.
Look at that. You’ve come this far. Great work!!
We have discussed the benefits you get from reading as a writer. But there’s more.
I hope to make your reading journey as effective as mine, and the only way to do that is to mention a couple of books that have helped me get better as a writer, and improved my thinking ability in general.
I’m sure you will find them interesting and useful too:
- The Alchemist — by Paulo Coelho
Despite being written in 1988, the book still resonates today as a timeless tale about pursuing your dreams, even when it means making trade-offs.
- The Power of Full Engagement — by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwarz
The book takes a comprehensive approach to explore how you can manage your energy rather than just your time.
- Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams — by Matthew Walker
The best work hack is to increase the quality of your sleep.
- The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller — by John Truby
The anatomy of a story, how to become a master storyteller, and how to get past your obstacles are all covered in this book.
In addition to all that, take a look at some of the most popular books of all time. These should give you an idea of what book to pick up next time you’re at a library, in a bookstore, or ordering your next read online.
Final Thoughts
With just the turn of a page, reading can transport you anywhere in the world, foster critical thinking, and increase human empathy. You can reap numerous benefits from spending just 30 minutes per day reading a book.
What do you think? Are we on the same page about reading as a writer?
Give me a clap if we are, and also share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanks for reading.
