At the turn of the new year, someone asked me how she could become a better writer. Were there any online resources that could make her a better writer? What tips did I have to offer this would-be wordsmith?
At the turn of the new year, this same person posted on Facebook that, in 2013, she was setting the goal to read four books. Four. Books. Not per month. Not even per quarter. Four book over the course of the year.
I understand that not everyone likes to read. It’s not easy for everyone, and it takes time and effort that some people don’t think they have available. Nonetheless, I believe that one of the keys to becoming a better writer is to read. A lot. Everything. All the time. I don’t think I read nearly enough—my goal this year is to read 30 books and I also read dozens of magazines and long form pieces over the course of any given month—but to read only four books in a year? I was not only surprised but saddened to hear that someone who wants to make her living as a writer reads so infrequently.
Now, this person was talking about writing for magazines, newspapers and in other public spaces, not letter writing like I talk about on this blog. And certainly, to write handwritten, personal letters to others doesn’t require studying storytelling tactics or strong sentence mechanics. Nonetheless, I’ve been chewing on the relationship between reading and writing for awhile now, and I would be willing to bet that people who love letter writing also read a lot. People who love to learn about other people through letters are possibly interested in reading stories. Letter writers also know to set aside time for something they love to do, and, for many people, reading is a hobby that gets pushed to the side. Understanding the importance of making time for a passion is something snail mail enthusiasts understand. And maybe it’s just that creative, innovative side of us letter writers that leads me to believe they also like to read.
So, I’m curious, are you a letter writer and a reader? Do you think the two are connected in any way?
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I am a letter writer and I do love to read, but I’m sorry to say that I don’t spend as much time reading as I used to — unless reading articles and such online counts. I have many books downloaded in my Kindle app on my Nexus tablet, but it’s so easy to get distracted by Facebook, checking the weather, you name it, that sometimes I honestly forget there are books on there. I have several hardback books on my bookshelf waiting to be read. The thing is, I don’t really have an explanation for why I don’t read more. I love a good story, I can lose myself in a book. So, yes, I think there is a connection and I need to revisit that connection.
Thanks for your thoughts, Jackie. I agree, I can be so easily distracted as well, though I’m working really hard to make sure I spend more time reading and enjoying quiet past times instead of being overrun with social media.
I love to write letters and I love to read even more, I average 60 books a year. Plus what I read on line and magazines. I have never thought about the connection between the two but your comment about wanting to get to know people and reading stories about people makes sense to me.
Wow! 60 books! What a dream!
As an avid reader, I feel there is a definite connection between love of reading and an interest in writing. Not that you have to actually be a “writer”.…it is more being entranced by the use of words. There are certain passages in books that I could (and do) read over and over again just to enjoy the sheer beauty of the language used. I simply cannot imagine someone being a true writer and not having a love of language and reading. You might be competent in the mechanics of writing, but your heart will never be part of what you share in the writing.
I love this comment! I love what you’ve said about how there might be words, but those words might be missing heart. I think you can tell when something “has heart.”
Beautifully said Jill
Very cool blog. I’m only sorry I found this so late. I love this idea. I just started a blog about 30 years of journal writing. I also have all my old letters saved. Boxes and boxes of them. It would be cool to do an old letter feature and have people send in pictures. It would be neat to see different years and how things change…just a thought. But I’m a new follower now.
I think it is a great connection between reading an writing. I am an avid reader. I never count the books I read, but it must be 50–60 every year. I read (or I try) to read in five/six languages (in Arabic I’m still reading books for children). Besides that, I read a lot of newspapers and articles on line. I could say I’m ALWAYS reading, as I read even when I brush my teeth. Really. And when I’m not reading probably I’m writing.
I thing writing letters is a kind of writing stories, and it’s a good writing practice. For me, also a good foreign language practice.
I can’t understand people who wish to be a good writer/journalist/translator without reading. I consider it is impossible. I attended once a course on translation. One of the assignments consisted on reading a book about the subject and then writing a review. One of the students raised her hand and asked: “Should we read THE WHOLE book?”.
Yes, you should read the WHOLE book! It seems to me that a lot of younger people aren’t as interested in reading (and I don’t think I’m that old). It’s so sad!