Why Reading is Important for Writers

Hello Fellow Readers and Writers–

Sorry it’s been so long between posts, but I’ve been doing craft fairs, and not a lot of writing.

But I HAVE been reading quite a bit.  Why is reading important for writers.  Well, as Stephen King would say, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” (from Stephen King On Writing)

Now I realize there are some pretty terrible books out there, and you may find yourself saying, “I can’t believe they got an agent and a publisher.  My books are better.”  Believe me, I’ve said that myself, more than once!  And don’t get me started on who’s “editing” the books I read.  Jeeze!

But you’ll find that you learn from the bad books, as well as the good ones.  For those of you who like cozy mysteries, here are a few of the books that I’ve enjoyed–the good books, as opposed to the bad ones.

Paige Shelton’s Cooking School Mysteries are an interesting combination of ghosts from the old west and mysteries that need solving to appease them.   Elizabeth Lee’s Nut House Mysteries are filled with wonderful knowledge about pecan trees.  Nancy Haddock’s Silver Six Crafting Mysteries are a combination of senior citizens and a sleuthing niece, with a crafting hint or two.  Daryl Wood Gerber’s Cookbook Nook Mysteries are a combination of an aunt with spiritual “feelings,” and her niece, who own an interesting bookstore in Crystal Cove, California.  And the best thing is that these ALL have wonderful recipes!

But how does reading these help you as a writer?  Well, take Ms. Gerber’s Final Sentence the first book in her Cookbook Nook Series.  As I was reading it, I got a thought about a plot for a book.  I just took some of the things she was saying about her character, her late husband, etc., and wham!  I have a heck of a good idea for a story.  It doesn’t really have anything to do with Ms. Gerber’s book, but the thought came out of it.

So, READ, READ, READ, and WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!  It’s all good!

Happy Reading and Writing to you all,

Jill-Ayn
 
 

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