Ask any writer for writing advice and most often you’ll get one of two words of advice. First, show, don’t tell. There are hundreds if not thousands of books and blog articles dedicated to this sage adage. The second piece of advice, however, often gets taken with that proverbial grain of salt – if you want to be a good writer, you need to read!
Got it. Good writers read. But, what does that mean? With everyone gathering up their summer reading lists for their staycations or destination getaways, now is the ideal time to take a closer look at what it means to read a book from the perspective of a writer.
The first thing you need is a writing utensil and notebook, or whatever means you prefer to jot down notes with. When reading for leisure, you want to get lost in the world the author has created for us. When reading as a professional writer, you want to analyze and critique how the author made that world and how the author is keeping you hooked as the reader. If you want to write like the pros, you need to study them.
In short, you want to understand the dynamics between plot, pacing, and character development while analyzing craft and style. Here are some suggestions to help get you started:
- How did the author start and end each chapter/scene? What kept you turning the pages?
- When and how did the author first hook you into the story? How effective was this hook?
- Did you learn anything new about a character in this scene? Why was it important to learn this (i.e., character development, create conflict, etc.)?
- When the characters spoke, did the dialogue serve a purpose in advancing the plot, creating tension, and/or character development?
- How was this scene used to advance the plot? What was the purpose of this scene relative to the overall plot?
- What method(s) did the author use to describe the setting of each scene? What senses were evoked and how?
- Were there any parts where the story seemed to drag? Why did the plot slow down here? Was it necessary for pacing or should it have been removed/revised?
- How does the author balance Show, Don’t Tell? Identify passages of telling versus showing.
- How did the author make you root for the protagonist? What was the protagonist’s arc (i.e., how did the character change and develop throughout the story?).
- Were there any parts of the story where you were pulled out of it, where the author failed to keep you fully immersed? If so, what was it that made you lose the immersion?
Even if you personally did not like the book, you should still be able to analyze it and figure out why people, in general, do love the book. Jot everything down, summarize your findings, and implement them in your writing. Only by studying the masters can we hope to become masters ourselves. Good luck and happy writing!
Erwin Wunderlich
Nice list!
Judy Lindquist
Love this! I am always amazed by the people I meet who say they are a writer but do not have time to read!
WILLIAM CLAPPER
Excellent thought piece. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wanted to slam a book shut and throw it across the room because the writing was, well, terrible. Your final line, Only by studying the masters can we hope to become masters ourselves, says it all. Thanks for the nudge.
Jack Rudloe
When I was first learning to write, I modeled my writings after Rachel Carson, John Steinbeck and others, learning how the introduced subjects, made them come alive, etc. and eventually internalized their styles, creating one of my own, which has proved successful for me, and enabled me to publish books and articles in major magazines.
Daniel de Lill
I’m glad this post has resonated with so many of you! I just stared a new book a few days ago and I’ve already taken quite a few notes. Happy reading and happy writing! 🙂
Lee Bigelow Davis
Thank you for this Dan. To actually read a book was the best advice I got when I started writing. I was more of an art house movie goer than a reader before. No problem rattling off the names of the directors and cinematographers but never the writers. Now it is my go to on IMDB. Who wrote the story? Is it original? Adapted from a book or article? Watching interviews of my favorite authors (Tom Wolfe) I learn who HIS favorite authors are. (Philip Roth, Honore de Balzac) And it’s back to the library I go.
Wendy Perez
I really frustrated since I have written various children’s’ books, over 80 poems, an autobiography of my husband who has made great strides in life despite his dark and humbly beginnings. A wonderful history showcasing that beyond all odds you can make you mark and will leave behind a legacy worth sharing with the world. Most importantly, I have spent nearly two decades documenting my memoir about my desperate journey to save my youngest child from a world of sexual abuse, drug addition, and mental illness. He attempted many suicides and I left my happy marriage of twenty five years to care for him after one of his suicide attempts that left him in a comma for fourteen days. I even left my educational profession, retired and relocated to Florida. However, I still live in constant fear since he refused to eat, or ever leave the house. Our journey is far from over and many parents, caregivers, educators, medical and law enforcement can actually learn from our multiple mistakes. They can all learn to focus on how we all to see the signs that could have saved my son. Every child matters! We are both still caged in an evil and vicious and lonely circle that has nearly taken both of our lives. If anyone is interested in giving me some advise or even emotional support please email me at wperez3272@gmail.com. Thank you! I also will like to find a publisher or maybe even publish myself please feel free to contact me and God bless you for your willingness.