Read Like a Writer: Enhance Your Fiction and Writing Practice

Are you looking for ways to become a better writer? If so, look no further than your bookshelf! That's right, reading is the key— and one of the best ways to improve your skills. But, before you cozy up with just any paperback, let's talk about how to read like a pro! We'll share the secrets to reading books with a critical eye, and how to apply this knowledge for your own benefit. Keep reading as we explore the best way to read to achieve your writing potential.

Why should you learn to read like a writer?

As a writer, you may already be an avid reader. However, reading for enjoyment is a different experience from studying a story at the paragraph or sentence level (as anyone who's ever been required to read a book for school may know). As a novelist, you can learn a lot from examining a piece of writing and picking out the plot points, sentence structure, and characterization another author has weaved into their work. Once you understand why something works in another book, you can apply it to your own writing!

Choose the right novels

When learning to read like a writer, choosing the right book matters. You'll be spending some quality time with these books, so you want to make sure you're learning from the best.

Start by studying the bestselling books within your genre, so you can gain a deeper understanding of the conventions and expectations of your ideal reader. Look for books in your genre on the New York Times or USA Today bestseller lists, and those at the top of the charts with the online retailers. Studying books that are commercially successful will help you pinpoint what readers enjoy.

But don't be afraid to read outside of your genre, as literature is full of stories that can inspire and teach you new skills to apply to your writing. For example, if you are a science fiction fan, try branching out to read thrillers, mysteries, or romance novels –anything that will expose you to different storytelling styles. Reading a broad range of genres and styles can give you a different perspective, and inspire you with interesting and unique ways to subvert your readers' expectations, in a good way.

Also, try to include books that are considered classics, have won awards or received critical acclaim. Look for winners of the Pulitzer Prize, International Booker Prize, or National Book Award as they have demonstrated exceptional writing that you can learn from. Also look for genre-specific prizes, like the Hugo Award for science fiction or fantasy, or the Edgar Award for mystery. Reading great books by prize-winning, established authors can help you master voice, structure, and pacing. For instance, mysteries like those by Agatha Christie can teach you how to engage your reader from the first page and maintain the suspense until the end.

Read fiction like a critic

While reading for fun is great, that alone won't be enough to get you where you want to be as a writer. You need to dig deeper and learn how to read like a critic to understand what makes a book truly great. To do this, you'll have to break down the books to understand what works, what doesn't, and why.

Start by keeping track of the book's plot. Note all major events that occurred, and when they appeared in the novel. You might find it helpful to use a plot structure like the Hero's Journey or Save the Cat to guide you on what to look for. Once you become proficient in the storytelling methods, you'll be able to predict what might happen next and see how the author handles each plot point.

Another technique to improve your critical eye is examining how authors use language to create characters, setting, and mood. For example, with Andrew Joseph White's Hell Followed With Us, you can study how White uses language to craft the unsettling and post-apocalyptic setting, and learn how to create a similar feeling and an immersive atmosphere in your writing.

Another essential element to look out for is foreshadowing. By analyzing foreshadowing techniques, you can learn how to carefully craft your story and create a meaningful impact. Symbolism –which can evoke emotions and add depth to your stories–is another element to study as you read. Understanding how an author uses symbolism in their work can spark ideas for how you can incorporate it into your own stories as well. For example, in Tiffany D. Jackson's The Weight of Blood, Maddie's hair is a symbol of the shame and rejection she experiences from others' treatment of her–including her father–due to her biracial identity. Jackson skillfully uses symbolism in the story to highlight the town’s racism, which is a significant theme.

Additionally, you'll also want to keep an eye out for subtext and themes. Consider Grady Hendrix's The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. Through studying the subtext, you can see that the novel is about women and their fight against the patriarchal system that has kept them oppressed and the impact of that oppression–especially for those from the black community. By examining how the author communicates this theme through various literary devices, such as symbolism and satire, you can gain insight and learn to apply these elements to your stories.

Take notes

Taking notes while reading a novel is an effective way to understand a writer's style and key elements within a story. It’ll help you spot the intricate details that make a captivating narrative. A great way to get started is by highlighting or underlining passages that stand out to you and taking note of the author's language, character development, and structure. As you read more books, you will begin to spot patterns in storytelling and understand what makes a compelling narrative. Remember to read from a wide range of authors. By doing this, you'll begin to identify unique narrative structures, literary devices, and storylines that can inspire and inform your own storytelling.

Another helpful technique is jotting your thoughts and reactions as you read. This can help you identify what resonates with you as a reader and what doesn't. Make sure to note why it does or doesn't resonate as well. Is it using a particular trope that you don't like? Do you care about the characters and what's happening to them? Does the author use imagery and descriptions that pull you further into the story and the world? It's also helpful to keep track of any questions while reading, as these can lead to deeper insights into the story. You can interpret the text more effectively by having a record of your observations and ideas. Taking notes while reading is valuable for anyone looking to improve their writing craft.

Analyze the author's choices

When reading a novel, pay attention to the author's choices and try to understand why they made them–as those choices contribute significantly to the story's impact. Perhaps the author begins with a particular scene or character to set the tone or introduce certain themes. Or maybe specific details are deliberately included or omitted to encourage certain interpretations. Even chapter headings can provide valuable insight into an author's choices.

In Roseanne A. Brown's middle grade novel, Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting, each chapter begins with "How to..." giving readers the feeling of reading a true guidebook. Understanding techniques and patterns can help you learn from them and gain insight into your own writing processes.

If you struggle with a particular element in writing your stories, such as dialogue or character arcs, find books with strong writing in those areas and study what the author has done. Dive into their methods and note how the characters speak and how their arcs are developed. You may even want to try writing like that author. This doesn't mean copying their voice or style–though for new writers that are just getting started, it’s normal to imitate the voice and style of writers you admire as you’re still finding yours–but, rather than imitate other writers, try using their techniques as inspiration to find and develop your voice and style. By practicing different techniques, you’ll get a feel for what works and doesn’t. This will go a long way in helping you improve your own writing.

Practice what you've learned

Now that you've sharpened your critical thinking and note-taking skills, it's time to put what you've learned to the test. Pick an element or device to incorporate into your writing and experiment with the newfound techniques that you've discovered. Remember, when practicing your writing skills, you want to focus on one element at a time. Doing this will help you master that element without getting overwhelmed by all there is to learn from each element.

Whether you're crafting vivid settings, developing dynamic characters, or weaving in powerful symbolism, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and try a new technique. Get feedback from others such as critique partners, beta readers , or editors, and revise as necessary. Remember, the more you flex your writing muscles, the better you'll become.

You’re ready to read like a writer!

Reading novels is an invaluable tool for any writer looking to improve their craft. Choosing the right books, reading with a critical lens, taking notes, analyzing the writer's choices, and applying what you've learned to your writing are all essential steps. Improving your writing is a journey; every book you read is an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. Now, all there’s left to decide what’s next on your TBR list!