Chapter 2 – Writer’s Read

It’s a nice day for a good read!

How many books do you read a month? A year?

I once met someone who wanted to write a book. I asked, “What story are you telling?” “What authors are on your shelf?” Questions I always ask fellow writers, which leads into long conversations about books on our shelves. From Baldwin, to Angelou to King and Sparks. From Morrison to Dickey to Grishom and Patterson. From Alers to Steel to Roberts and Hill. I could fill this page.

Except, the response I received was, “I don’t read. I don’t have time.” I didn’t hear anything that was said after that. Tell me, have you ever met a writer who didn’t read?

Writers read and they read a lot. Part of learning what good writing is, and how to write well, is studying other authors. What kinds of stories are they telling? How are they bringing their stories to life?

I advise any writer to study their favorite author’s work and spend a lot of time reading the genre they’re most interested in writing about. Since I am a publisher, I am well read. I try to get my hands on as many different stories as I can.

If you do not have time to read, you don’t have time to write. You will see that studying your craft is part of becoming an author.