For writers especially, reading isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s a powerful tool for us to refine our craft. But how do you do this? When you read like a writer, you should delve deeper into the mechanics of storytelling, character development, and language use. Here’s some tips people have shared with me, on how to harness the art of reading for your writing journey:
Analyzing Techniques: As you read, pay attention to how authors structure their plots, develop characters, and evoke emotions. Analyze their use of dialogue, description, and pacing. Notice how they create tension or build suspense.
Examining Language: Scrutinize the language choices of writers. Note the vocabulary, sentence structures, and figurative language they employ. Consider how these elements contribute to the tone and mood of the narrative.
Absorbing Styles: Reading widely exposes you to different writing styles and voices. Study how authors craft their unique styles and adapt their techniques to enrich your own writing voice.
Learning from Mistakes: Not all writing is flawless. Identify aspects of writing that don’t resonate with you and analyze why. This helps you understand what works and what doesn’t in crafting compelling narratives.
Staying Curious: Approach reading with curiosity and a critical eye. Explore genres outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in diverse perspectives. Every book offers lessons and inspiration, even if it’s learning what you might avoid in your own writing.
Reading like a writer isn’t just about consuming stories; it’s about dissecting them to uncover the secrets of effective storytelling and honing your own skills. By observing, analyzing, and learning from the masters of the craft, you’ll enrich your writing and deepen your appreciation for the art of storytelling.
How do you learn from your reading? As always, thoughts and suggestions welcome in the comments below!
Gideon P. Smith 
For me, this is always much easier with stories that aren’t so good. Easier to be objective that way. Other stories though have been so good that I just get sucked in and pulled along for the ride, any thought of analyzing going right out the window.
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Jeanne Cavelos of Odyssey Workshop said in her Readercon talk, the first time you read a story you are always just a reader, but if you really want to learn from a story, you have to read it like 10 times,
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I once wrote a story that kind-of mirrored the events of one of my favourite flash fictions. It felt like a good learning exercise, enabling me to get closer to the story I read.
My story is 1,400 words vs <1,000 for the story I used for inspiration, so I didn’t manage that same conciseness!
That was years ago, and it’s something I’ve been meaning to try again.
If the story ever sells, I’ll share my inspiration along with my story.
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