As a writer it is always important that you read: books in your
genre, books in other genres and books in your target age group. Reading helps
you know what’s out there. It inspires you to write and to write better. But it
is not enough for you to just read, to let the words flow to one eye and out
the other. You have to take an active role in it if you are to learn and apply.
So when you read, here are five areas you can focus on that will help you
become a better writer:
1. Analyze Character
A novel without characters is a novel that will never connect
with anyone. We are relational beings and when we pick up a book we want
someone we can relate with, sympathize over and connect with on an emotional
level. We want to find friends on the page, characters that make us laugh and
cry and who are fun to spend time with. So when you pick up a new book ask
yourself: What makes this character interesting? What do I connect with? If the
character has nothing you can connect with figure out why. It is just as
important to read books you hate as the books you love, because the books
you hate will teach you what not to do.
2. Analyze Plot
A novel without plot is a novel that is boring. Nothing happens.
This is not quite as easy to notice as character, but it is just as important
because a plot will keep your reader interested. In an age where everyone’s
attention span is short, plot is extremely important to hone as a writing tool.
As you are reading think: What is the main plot? How many subplots are there?
Which plots do I find more interesting? If a book is not holding your interest,
try to figure out why so that you will never do that yourself.
3. Analyze Setting
A novel without setting has no anchor in reality or power to
make readers feel like they are there. It is done best when you don’t even
realize it is happening and this can make it hard to catch. It’s like
invisibility ink meant to pull you in and engage your imagination so you don’t
realize it’s there. It takes great strength to shut down your imagination and
see it for what it is, but do this you must if you are to learn its secrets.
Ask: Why is this setting engaging my imagination? What is memorable about this
setting? If the setting stands out all too clear, ask why it isn’t pulling you
in? What would make it better?
4. Analyze Sentence Structure,
Grammar and Word Usage
Structure a that no sentence is. Yeah. That was pretty
self-explanatory. But beyond that there is a tendency as a writer to use the
same sentence structure or words over and over and over. Over all, reading
other writers and analyzing the way they write will help you to become a better
writer yourself. Look at the words used and how they were used. Pause at
punctuation. Why did they write the sentence that way? If you really want to go
the extra mile, handwrite (handwriting takes longer and gives you more time to
think about what you are writing then typing does, but typing could work too) a
page or two and then see if you can keep writing in that style.
5. Enjoyment
Last of all read because you enjoy it! Find the books you love
and read them again to ascertain what it is about them that makes your heart
swoon. Write down your discoveries. There are so many reasons we love books and
the reasons we love a book we’ve read will be the same reasons we love a book
we’re writing. But when you understand why you love a book, then you will be
able to make your book that much deeper.
Reading makes you a better writer. It may take a few tries
before you can analyze while you read, but if you keep it up you will be able
to evaluate even when you aren’t aware you are doing it. Just keep reading and
writing!
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