Writing can be lonely and disheartening, and I’m thankful for our monthly support group to lift up writers everywhere. Alex Cavanaugh started the group and has a great admin team to keep it going.
Thank you to these intrepid co-hosts:
This month’s question:
It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
I’ve only heard about how much reading can help writing, and I’ve experienced those benefits myself, so I disagree with the notion that reading may interfere with originality in writing. Our imaginations are infinite–even if we read an idea that inspires our own work, we will produce a much different take on the story than any other writer.
It is true that particular genres sometimes flood the market (like paranormal romance around the time of my debut novel in 2010), but this phenomenon is probably more about following trends than about too much reading.
How has voracious reading made your writing better? Here’s how it has helped me:
1) Familiarity with the genre helps me improve my story’s structure (including pacing, voice, length, characterization).
2) Reading increases my vocabulary and clarity. Occasionally, I jot down words or phrases that resonate with me, like in the murder mystery Defending Jacob that I just finished reading. The author described a TV news van barnacled with satellite dishes and antennae–a cool description, I thought.
3) Reading absolutely stimulates my writing! When I read an amazing book, I can’t wait to get back to my manuscript and try to create a teensy bit of magic myself.
Jennifer Lane Books 
Reading definitely stimulates my writing as well! Even if I'm reading something that's totally different from my work, it makes me want to get back to writing right away.
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I think reading has made my writing better when it comes to finding my own voice. Over the years, I've read many genres, but there are certain ones I keep coming back to. They are therefore the ones I prefer to write in. Without reading, I may never have known that otherwise.
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YES to that last point especially! I always find that as I reach the end of reading a great book, I'm itching to get back to writing my own. Great post!
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Hi, I so agree and especially with this statement: Our imaginations are infinite–even if we read an idea that inspires our own work, we will produce a much different take on the story than any other writer.That is my opinion also. I enjoyed reading this. Shalom aleichem,Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
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Exactly! Our spin on a story will always be different from someone else's.
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Love that barnacled description! I find reading to really help inspire me to get back to my own writing too.Cheers – Ellen
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I think you've really hit on the benefits of reading as a writer. Plus it is incredibly enjoyable.
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Amen to everything you said. Although I admit sometimes when I read something I really love I start thinking \”wow this is so good I could never write like this\” so I guess that is the one problem with reading for me.
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I especially agree with point 3! Happy IWSG day :-)Ronel visiting and on co-hosting IWSG day Co-hosting, Flagship Content and Interesting Developments
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I get inspired when I read as well. 🙂 Anna from elements of emaginette
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Reading can most certainly increase one's vocabulary. Of course, it helps to look the words up so we know what they mean.
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Good post, Jennifer. I do the same thing. When I read a great word or love a certain line on TV, I also jot it down for future reference. I believe writing inspires all writer's.
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