The Writing Biz
Why I Spend as Much (or More) Time on Reading as I Do Writing
And a case for why you should as well
Advice on great writers also being great readers has been well documented, yet it’s rather surprising how many writers still do not follow this simple nugget of wisdom.
Perhaps it’s not all that simple after all?
Would it surprise you to know that I spend as much or more time on Medium reading as I do on writing? Though I’ve never really kept track of the exact specific time I spend on each, here are a couple of more or less fluid rules I personally follow:
If I spend a full day on Medium writing and publishing, I will spend the next day on reading, clapping and commenting on stories only.
Or, more frequently:
Or, if I spend the morning on writing and publishing, I will spend the afternoon on reading.
I really can’t recommend or stress the importance of this enough. Adopting a similar method for yourself can have many benefits, including the following:
- Reading helps us learn about other people and what they are up to. Arguably, we writers don’t talk nearly enough about a keen interest in other people as essential to being a writer, but how much sense does that make? Makes a lot of sense to me.
- Reading helps us understand what other people actually want to read. Is there a gap in what people read and what you think they want to read? This is an easy way to find out. Look at claps, comments and followers of successful writers.
- Reading comments on stories can teach us all about what people take the time to respond to as well. After all, there are a zillion stories on Medium to choose from when it comes to reading. Why did that particular writer choose that particular article? Find out in the comments.
- Reading can aid us in more abundantly grasping the world around us. I’m continually amazed at what I learn from other people on this platform! What a bunch of smarties! At the same time, when I read a story from a writer who clearly doesn’t understand what they are talking about, I think “has this person even bothered to read anything on the subject they are discussing?”
- Reading helps us find our own writing voice.
- Reading critically can provide us with dos and don’ts to incorporate into our own writing as far as wording, phrasing, structuring, tone, etc.
- Reading can provide us with plenty of our own writing material, and I don’t mean copying. I find it sort of odd how many people will write a lengthy argument in someone’s comment. A far better alternative is to transform that comment into your own story.
- Supporting other writers in the community is just something writers do. People who drop stories on Medium and then scram often earn a bad reputation for such things.
- Making connections with people… it just happens… and this is really the best part! Are you so opposed to making new writing friends?
- Of course, there is the desire for reciprocal engagement, and this is indeed an awesome thing. However, this shouldn’t be your only aim… even though it’s an awesome benefit for sure!
“We read to know that we are not alone.” — William Nicholson
“Reading is the way out of ignorance, and the road to achievement.” — Ben Carson, Reading — Wikiquote
What about you? Do you think reading is just as important as writing, especially here on Medium? If so, why?
Since this is my very first story to be published here at Reciprocal, would love to first thank Sahil Patel for accepting me into this writing community. Also, a big shout-out to Dr. Preeti Singh and Yana Bostongirl, two writers who I know and respect immensely here on Medium.
Additionally, here are three writers who, if you haven’t yet, you really need to check out… and if they haven’t yet, would love to invite them to join this writing community here at Reciprocal:
Casandra Reid writes many beautiful stories, like this one about her home country:
Check out this lovely story about Egypt by Stephanie Tolk, traveler and advocate of worldschooling:
Allisonn Church is a writer, poet and awesome photographer that you really need to check out as well:
More food for thought:
Subscribe. Not a Medium member? Join an awesome community of readers and writers! Join Medium with my referral link — JoAnn Ryan.
