“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
Reading and writing are two worlds that are intertwined. All readers understand the power a well-written story has. Words have the ability to send us into hysterics or jettison us into a wave of sorrow, all with from a simple brush of a pen or a tap on a keyboard. And yet, mastering this skill is no small feat. For any aspiring author, improving your writing skills should always be something you’re sinking a hefty chunk of your time into. Inspiration is infectious, so studying what other writers are doing can be a useful way of making sure your writing skills are as honed as possible. With that in mind, join us at What We Reading as we examine how reading helps improve your writing skills!
How Does Reading Improve Writing Ability?
It may sound obvious, but good writing requires good reading. How else are you supposed to measure the quality of your writing unless you’ve seen what it looks like in the flesh? Reading more and immersing yourself in different types of books will only grow your knowledge and understanding of how language can be used.
There are also the possibilities of incorporating new sayings, words and grammar constructions which you can then start utilising in your own works. In short, reading absolutely makes you a better writer.
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A Natural Skill?
For many, writing is a natural skill. You either have it or you don’t. But, research has actually shown that reading more has a direct correlation with a person’s writing skills. One particular study by the US Department of Education showcased how students who read for pleasure had far superior writing skills compared to those who didn’t.
Furthermore, another study found that students who read more complex language scored higher on assessments of writing quality. What we can take from this is that reading more exposes you to a greater variety of styles, as well as demonstrates how effective communication through wording is achieved.
Another benefit of reading more about your writing skills comes from the impact it can have on your creativity. Not only does it broaden your horizons on how other writers use language to create effects, but also reading books from your favourite genres can incorporate particular elements to tell a good story.
Sharing is caring in the world of writing, and you’ll be amazed by the number of habits and strategies you find yourself naturally picking up by just being exposed to different styles. If you’re looking to improve your creative writing skills, make sure you’re carving out time for reading your favourite genres for fun.
What Books Should You Be Reading?
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you by now that reading for pleasure is a great way of improving your writing skills. But, what books should you be reading to be a better writer? Is there a particular genre that provides more inspiration or skills than others?
In short, this discussion can be split into two camps: those who say that focusing on one genre is better because it allows you to hone all of its conventions, and those who say splitting your focus is better as it allows you to absorb more variety in styles.
Ultimately, like most discussions in the reading world, there is no definitive answer. The best option is always the one that feels the most natural to you, and which gives you the most amount of enjoyment. What we would say to those who are looking to become professional writers, honing your focus on the industry you’re wanting to break into is going to certainly pay dividends in the long run.
Immersing yourself in a genre will give aspiring authors the insights they need into the structures, formations and conventions of those already in this world, widening the likelihood of their work being accepted by other readers.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
