A Writer's Life: Be a Reader, Too!
Reading While you Write
There's a wonderful way to jump start your mind and get your creativity flowing, even on those days when you feel like you can't get a single chapter written. And do you know what it is? Reading! Simply alternating between days of reading and writing can boost your word count and speed up your writing time. Here's a few reasons why:
1. Reading helps with Vocabulary
Let's face it, sometimes we just can't find that one right word. And that's ok, it happens! But after a few hours of reading your favorite trilogy, you may recall a word used here or there that would just work perfectly.
2. Getting Connected with Other Characters Helps your Dialogue
Reading interactions between other characters in other books can help you flesh out your own scenes. The more you read the more the dialogue comes innately to you, and before you know it your characters are writing themselves.
3. Stepping out of your Story for a While Clears your Mind
And it's true! Sometimes you need a day to just clear your mind and take a break from your characters, because they can be exhausting. That doesn't mean you have to write off fiction, though. By reading another book, you not only get a break from your writing, but you keep up the conversation in your head in a different way. Writing is like any sport- practice makes you stronger.
4. And Finally, Reading Gives you Ideas
Not that you're going to copy them straight out of another book, but the actions and personalities of different characters can help you get to know your own. You find yourself wondering how your protagonist would react to the setting, people, and lifestyle of this other book. It's extremely beneficial, and when you're done reading you have contemplated your writing as well!
So don't hesitate! Go write for a few hours and when you're finished, take a break and pick up a new read. It will be more than helpful and even a little fun. To get you started, here are a few links to some new YA reads that would be great for just that!
* 40 Top YA Reads: http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/17/living/fall-young-adult-book-releases/
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