Tuesday Tip: Read More, Listen Purposely, Write Better

Since I was little, I’ve been told that if I want to be a good writer, I have to be a consistent reader. Throughout my life, I’ve done just that. I devour stories. I truly believe that reading does make my writing stronger.

Naturally, I was thrilled to have time this summer to read whatever I wanted (non-school books, I mean). In my reading this summer, I’ve learned more than what makes a good plot, characters or voice. I’ve learned much about the creative process, specifically from the words of the authors themselves.

(1) Read More 

After finishing each book, I read or listened to interviews with the authors. I learned their personal stories, styles, tips and book inspirations. Here are just a few, paraphrased in my own words based on what I took away from the author’s meaning.

1. Markus Zusak, The Book Thief 

   1. While reading The Book Thief, I was blown away by the imagery and colorful writing of Zusak. When I finished the book, I read the Q&A section with Zusak in the final pages.

      1. What stuck with me? Zusak was adamant that if you don’t have the right image at the right time, skip it and come back to it. This taught me to never force an image, but rather be patient, and come back to it later.

2. Katherine Stockett, The Help 

   1. I loved the authenticity and realness of Stockett’s three leading ladies in The Help. Each voice was executed flawlessly and genuinely. At the conclusion of the book, I read the her section on her personal story.

      1. What stuck with me? Stockett grew up with maid whom she loved and adored. She had questions she wished she’d asked her beloved maid but never got the chance. She was inspired to write the book to express her gratitude and love for her maid and as a way to ask the questions she was never able to ask. This taught me the genuine power of writing what you know.

3. Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen 

   1. This book felt a lot like The Hunger Games meets The Selection. I loved having that flashback to one of my favorite series of all time (HG).

      1. What stuck with me? While Aveyard’s book had many similarities to other books, the twist at the end of the book was unlike any other. Red Queen taught me to create complex and surprising characters.

(2) Listen Purposely 

This summer I found several other ways to expand my knowledge and understanding of writing well. One of which was the power of videos.

1. Ted Talks

   1. There are countless Ted Talks on writing, storytelling and creativity. Some of my favorite finds this summer include:

      1. Write Your Story, Change History – Brad Meltzer

      2. The Clues to a Great Story – Andrew Stanson

      3. Your Elusive Creative Genius – Elizabeth Gilbert

      4. The Power of Story – Susan Conley

2. YouTube Videos/Interviews

   1. I also found some awesome documentaries on JK Rowling:

      1. “JK Rowling – Harry Potter and Me” (2001)

      2. “JK Rowling – A Year in the Life” (2007)

         1. Biggest take away from both videos? The magic of a fictional world (fantasy or not) is found in the creativity and complexity of the details, along with the author seeming to be all knowing of the story’s universe.

3. Audiobooks

   1. We all have constant to-do lists of chores. When is there time to sit down and read? Problem solved:

      1. Look for (free) audiobooks on YouTube

         1. Listen to books on your phone or laptop while doing dishes, cooking, laundry, etc. Some argue that this doesn’t count as reading, but as you can tell, I’m not in the category.

(3) Write Better 

Use your time wisely. Think deliberately. Plot effectively. Apply what you’ve learned, and you’ll find that you have a stronger voice and confidence without even (hardly) trying.