Self-Devpt. Nuggets™

A writer who does not read is not one to be taken seriously. My experiences convince me s/he would be boring to “read” …or converse with. Just like most people who don’t read.

As a result, unless s/he is gifted with talent never before seen on this plane, s/he is highly unlikely to make noteworthy impact anywhere.

This article reviews experience based advice from accomplished writers, on the importance of reading.

For the writer seeking notable success, it is an activity that simply cannot be neglected!

Successful Writers Strongly Recommend Reading, for Writers with Ambition

1. Chimamanda Adichie:

I once read a newspaper interview granted by this award winning Nigerian author of Purple Hibiscus and other internationally celebrated works.

She narrated that an aspiring author once asked her for tips on how to become a better writer.

When she asked what books he had read, he replied that he did not have time to read.

That he was too busy writing to do any reading!

She of course pointed out how wrong that mindset was…

How do you expect to be a good writer, if you do not read good writers to LEARN HOW to write better!

2. Zadie Smith:

I never knew her name, until I read on brainpickings.org that she was asked by Guardian in 2010 as one of today’s most celebrated authors, to share her 10 rules on writing.

The first rule on her list challenges the aspiring writer, to “read a lot”, right from childhood. And she advises investing more time in doing that, “than anything else”.

3. Other Great Writers Recommend The Same Thing…Read!

Ernest Hemmingway, David Ogilvy, and many other accomplished writers have also pointed out the need to read in order to write better.

And it’s not reading YOUR own writing…

Instead, read those acknowledged to be competent. Those celebrated as being exceptional.

In other words, just like in any other field or vocation, study the masters.

Those are writers who have reached the peak of achievement in the art of writing.

Emulate their style – varying it where necessary, and adopt what you end up with, to develop what may become your unique style. Something recognizable as yours by your audience.

Two (2) Useful Benefits You Stand to Reap from Reading

1. Wisdom & Insights

Experience-based wisdom and insights from writers who felt they knew enough to write a book(s).

As writers, reading allows us access to insights that would probably elude us otherwise.

Using those insights, we are able to create new volumes of written works that build on what we have read, to deliver even greater insights.

Good writers that we read, often offer tried and tested ideas to get things done, sometimes with less trial and error.  What we learn from such writers, can also help us deal better – for example, psychologically speaking – with challenges we face in life…such as tough times.

Someone once wrote that “Reading strengthens the mind” (James R. Cook – Author of the New York Times Bestseller – The Startup Entrepreneur).

I agree with him.

2. New Knowledge & Education

Some people originate new knowledge and ideas for the rest of us to feed on. They help us take quantum leaps in our thinking, and about what we know.

In reality however, especially today, many who innovate and create, often use what they read (written by others) as “raw materials” for inspiration.

Today, most of us create new works (including our writing) by reflecting on what has been written (in books, on the web etc).

But we do this from new or different perspectives. What we learn in the process then equips us to proceed more intelligently in further exploring a subject or area of interest.

I believe the above is why Dr. Samuel Johnson once wrote as follows:

“A man will turn over half a library in order to make one book” – Samuel Johnson, as in “Boswell’s ‘Life of Johnson’”.

Final Words

Without a healthy reading habit, a writer will gradually find that writing becomes drudgery. As humans, our minds need fodder that can be harvested by reading, to fuel our efforts to write.

So, to write better, read more…and often.

And do as much of it as possible. Otherwise, writing success will elude you.

The following two quotes further underscore the point I’ve made in this article:

“Reading usually precedes writing and the impulse to write is almost always fired by reading. Reading, the love of reading, is what makes you dream of becoming a writer.” – Susan Sontag

“Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body” – Sir Richard Steele in “The Tatter”