As Ray
Bradbury said, “You’ve got to love libraries. You’ve got to love books. You’ve got to
love poetry. You’ve got to love everything about literature. Then, you can pick
the one thing you love most and write about it.”
This quote speaks volumes about what writers should make time for as part
of their daily writing routine.
Another Bradbury quote that speaks volumes is, “You must write
every single day of your life… You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks
like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your
crazy heads… may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of
that love, remake a world.”
Many say write what you know, How about writing what you want to know?
This is another opportunity to read diverse books and diverse subjects.
By reading various genres, writers might chose to add some literary
techniques into their present project. Writers might also try opposite gender
writing.
I had such an experience while taking an online writing course. I
crafted a piece where two women thought a female wrote it. I’m not female.
I’ve heard from numerous sources that there is a touch of poetry in my
prose. I’ve been an avid reader of all genres for over 50-years.
It is up to writers to read books from various authors, so they can become
better writers.
Robert Medak
Freelance Writer, Blogger, Editor, Proofreader, Reviewer, Marketer
9 comments:
I have a stack of books, various genres, various subjects, that I need to read. Good points!
So do I, Debbie, plus many reference books.
Good comment about reading to become better writers. There is another advantage to perusing various genres. It helps us find our own voice/style/rhythm and keep from slipping into another's voice. Helen
PS - don't even mention the reference books on writing. My bookcases sigh with relief when I take one off the shelf, then groan when new ones are added.
Helen Henderson, Tour Guide to the stars, the Old West, and Worlds of Imagination. First stop Dragon Destiny at http://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/
My wife won't let me near a bookstore, Helen.
I find reading and writing soothing and keeps me sane.
I agree with you Bob. All writers build on the ladders of the books they've read.
Thank you, Magdalena. One can never read enough.
LOL, I'm a hopeless book junky. I suffer withdrawal symptoms if I don't have a stack of books to read. Nice to have an excuse to bury my nose in a book -- not that I need one. Thanks for the post.
Looks like we have lots of book junkies here - I'm one too. I have way to many books, but I still keep buying, especially reference books on writing and marketing.
I think I have more book cases than furniture!
Guilty on all counts.
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