How I Constantly Improve as a Writer
Writing well requires more than just writing.
When I meet new people and they ask, “So what do you do?” I always respond with “I’m a writer.”
This leads to the usual bevy of questions about writing, publishing, blogging, and the like. Often, too, people will ask me for recommendations to improve as a writer — people assume I’ll talk about my daily word counts, what time of day I write at, and other writing habits.
I’m happy to discuss these too, though none of them are anywhere close to the single biggest writing tip of mine.
After navigating all the writing talks, I drive the conversation towards reading.
Writers must read. No question about it.
For nearly six years now, I’ve eclipsed the 50-book-per-year mark. I’ve averaged 70 books per year for these past two years. Reading is, without a doubt, the single biggest reason I’m a writer.
The books I’ve read are what have given me the ability to write the way I write.
The craft of writing is ancient. There have always been storytellers and writers, and some have been truly exceptional. Though I haven’t asked each and every writer in history about their reading habits, I’d bet my house that they were all voracious readers.
The writers that we all know the names of — Hemingway, Shakespeare, Bronte, Rowling, King — they too would agree with this sentiment.
Writing well requires reading well. Period.
What else can we do, as writers, other than “stand on the shoulders of giants” by reading?
The worlds and words we craft today stem from the books and stories we’ve read of yesterday. To better arm yourself as a writer, it helps to digest as many words and books as possible. Studying the time-tested works of successful writers at least puts us on the right path.
For a writer to skimp on reading, to ignore the writers who moved mountains, is almost criminal. To really develop as a writer, it takes deep study and practice. A great deal of this “deep study and practice” is reading. Plain and simple reading.
Read as much as you can, as widely as you can. Read fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, science, romance — it’s all beneficial. Word recognition, character development, world-building — these pieces are littered throughout books across time. Find more pieces by reading more books.
For me, devouring books is a way I can constantly learn and perpetually grow as a writer. I learn new techniques, ideas, and perspectives through reading. These contribute to continual, never-ending growth as a writer.
As writers, our toolbox grows with each successive book we complete. We may not realize it, day by day, but if you look back on a year of reading, the answer is obvious.
The books we read impact what — and how well — we write.
If you are unsure of what to read or where to find books, my Essential Reading List is a good place to start.
Phil is a travel writer, columnist, and editor. If you liked this article, you can see more of his ideas on his travel blog and Instagram.
