“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
― Stephen King
I first read this quote several years ago when I only had the dream of writing a novel. I had started several stories - but never finished them. Real life or substandard concepts or mediocre characters got in my way. Those ideas still sit in a filing cabinet - waiting for a day when maybe the muse will strike. Then again, maybe it won't.
But as I revisited this quote, I think I finally get it. It is as simple as that...however it took me a while to get it. How can I expect to become a better writer if I exist only within my limits. By reading others, I can experience their craft on multiple levels.
First, I read as a reader. I read as a person who loves to read. I get immersed in the story. I laugh and cry with the characters and, in some cases, I'm not afraid to admit it, weep when I hit the end knowing there isn't another page to turn.
Then I read as a writer. I look at the way they create plot, build characters, raise conflict and draw the reader in. I look at those crucial opening pages. I look at where they break chapters and if I'm reading a series, I look at how they try to hook me into reading the next, or how they fail.
Finally, I read as a critic. I wonder what would I do to change this story? How could I have written the character differently? Did I like the setting? Did I even get the setting? Did I get a full picture of the characters or just a marble outline...
I never try to make it "better" because I know how it feels when someone is messing with my babies - my novels - but the critic in me needs to see what I could do to change the story - and in so doing, I get to see how I can change my own story.
So it all starts with reading. And speaking of which, I have a book calling my name.
Until next time
