If You Want to Write, You Have to Read

So, you want to be a writer?

Not everyone answers yes to this question, but the majority who do have one thing in common:

They read, A LOT.

Reading is the best way to experience all of the different styles of writing, sort of a way to finding your own. The more books you read, the more educated a writer can be! Here, let me explain...

By constantly reading, a writer has 24/7 access to different authors, journalists, poets, etc. A writer can look to these people for guidance in their writing, whether it be in regard to plot, vocabulary, grammar, you name it. Avid readers can learn how to mimic the styles of their favorite authors, strictly in a non-plagiaristic way, of course. After all, individualism is based on influence (personal opinion, so please don't judge).

Now here's the catch, because many of you might mistake what I am saying for a command, in that you must always listen to your teachers, your authors, and your editors. Yes, influence is always great, and you can never have too much of it. However, you never want your influences to dominate your perspective, your style, or your own voice. Bottom line, it always comes down to you. You are the general, and your words are your soldiers. You are the sole commander in chief of your writing — the boss, the king, the queen.

Here are some quick tips on how to rule over your writing:

1). Express your ideas willingly.

Don't be afraid of being "too political" or "too honest" with your readers. If you want to write for a specific crowd, go for it. If you want to reach a general audience, feel free.

2). Explore, explore, explore.

Don't be afraid to take risks with your writing. Try different techniques each time you bring forth a new story or idea to your readers. But don't push yourself. If you find that exploration is straining, or maybe a technique is uncomfortable for you, then stick to what you know.

3). Say you want to be a poet, or strictly a fiction writer, or maybe even a compositional essay writer. It helps to read books or articles that focus on a specific genre of literature.

Sure, reading all genres is a great way to understand the variety, but it could leave you questioning the tactics needed for just one. If you want to be a poet, then read more poetry. If you want to write fiction, then read more fiction novels or short stories. If you want to be a compositional essay writer, (kudos to you) then read essays by the dozen. Sometimes focusing on one genre at a time can even eliminate the ones you don't want to write about. You may find poetry too personal, or fiction too imaginative for your taste. Find one that works for you.

4). Critique work aside from your own.

If there is one thing I always find myself doing when reading, it is critiquing an author's writing. I do it mainly for myself, whether it be finding grammar mistakes, rearranging sentences, or changing words with a thesaurus. At times, it helps to notice the mistakes of others. By becoming aware of an author's mistakes, it makes you more of an avid reader of your own mistakes.

And finally:

5) Understand that time is meant to be a friend.

I can tell you first hand that it is hard to find time to just sit down and read a few chapters of a book. You might have work, or you're a full-time student with lots of homework, or maybe you're just too tired to focus. Don't worry, that's completely natural. Don't force time into your day if your day doesn't allow for it. All that does is stress you out and make it difficult to focus.

The beauty of books is that there is at least one out there that will interest you. Once you find a book that is intriguing, the journey becomes a lot smoother and enjoyable. So, read, read, read.

And don't forget to enjoy every word.