As a Writer How Much Should I Read? Tips for Expanding Your Literary Influences
Writers and reading are integrally intertwined with one another. If you want to be a truly complete writer, you should be as well-read as possible. This is because the more you read, the more concepts you will be able to write about. This is why you should read as much as possible. Don’t limit your reading to just one genre, expand your horizons and open yourself to new literary influences. But the main question here is how much should a writer read? What should a writer read? Here are some tips for expanding your literary influences as a writer.
1. Start a “to read” pile
If you want to expand your literary influences, it is important that you constantly ingest new influences. The best way to do this, is to start a “to read pile”. A “to read pile” is technically a pile of books that you constantly add to. By having a pile of books that you mean to read, you are compelled to find new books to read. The “to read” pile should never actually run out. It symbolizes your constant need to read something new.
2. Read articles on current events
Yet another way you can expand your literary influences is to read articles on current events. Don’t limit your reading to just novels. You should also make it a habit to read newspapers and articles on a daily basis. Daily events are a rich source of inspiration for your writing, and they can be used to add subtle layers to your stories. Remember that today’s daily events will become tomorrow’s history, so make it a habit to read them.
3. Revisit the classics
The classics are called classics for a reason. They are literary works that have made their mark on history. They have withstood the test of time, and have stayed relevant for centuries. So if you want your work to have the same longevity, it pays to read them as much as possible. Take the time to read Shakespeare, Austen, Dumas, Fitzgerald, Dickens, and Carroll to name just a few. You could also read the epics such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, and Beowulf. By reading classic literary works, you’ll gain a healthy respect for literature and how it developed through the ages.
4. List down your favorite writers
Aside from reading as many books as possible, it always pays to have writers that you consider your favorites. These writers are the ones who influenced your work in the most profound way possible. They should be the reason why you want to be a writer, and their work should be the standard that you constantly compare your work to. Your favorite authors don’t need to be immensely famous or this does not mean that you should copy their work or just write fan fiction as an homage to them. Instead, they should be the paragons of literary excellence that you strive to reach.
5. Reach out to more experienced writers
If you want to expand your literary influences, one of the best ways to do this is to reach out to more experienced writers. You may learn the technicalities of writing by yourself, but if you want to learn how to truly thrive as a writer it is best to reach out to professionals. Befriend writers who have actually published a book of their own. They don’t need to be extremely successful writers, of course. They just have to be honest with you about your work, and give you key advice on how to thrive in your writing career
Conclusion
Starting out as a writer can be quite a challenge. You would usually not know where to begin. This is especially true if you want to write a book of your very own. But if you expand your literary influences, you will have a fount of writing knowledge to draw from throughout your writing career.
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