Read to Write

Many authors have written excellent manuals on writing well – several of which I have begun to read but I’ll admit I’ve never finished, simply because I’d rather be reading or writing than reading about writing! So I’ll keep this short. I’m no Shakespeare or C.S. Lewis, however I’m a reader and a writer, and I have received positive feedback on my first published book, so I will share simple advice I’ve learned along the way.

My first two suggestions for anyone desiring to share their writing is this: Read frequently and write abundantly.

Read frequently. I’m thankful for parents who encouraged me to love reading when I was a young child. I read my way through the children’s section of the library in elementary school and I haven’t stopped since then! Several years ago I began using the website (and app) called Goodreads, where I track the books I read. Keeping track of what I’m reading and what I want to read motivates me to read more. I read a variety of fiction and non, of best-sellers and poorly edited self-published works, of juvenile fiction and books on the topic of which I was writing – and each of these things has helped me to become a better writer.

Through reading I subconsciously understand the flow of how a book should go, I also take note of the layout, and by reading I became a better writer. Using a Kindle I am able to read while on the go. I use it to read while exercising on a treadmill or elliptical machine at the gym. With my Kindle, I borrow digital audio books from the library and listen to them while I drive, clean, or exercise.

Write abundantly. My completed book manuscript held over 40,000 words, although many words were written that did not make it into the final copy of the book. I’ve been regularly blogging for several years, however only about half of what I write actually makes it onto the blog. Some words are still sitting in the computer document or bouncing around in my head, waiting for the right time to be shared. Some words I’m not sure I want to make public. And some posts simply need to be rewritten to become good enough to hit the web.

By writing above and beyond what you actually share with others, you will be able to share only the very best of your work. Also, to make your writing the best it can be, I highly encourage you to edit your work several times, and invite others to do so. My husband is an excellent editor so he helps me out by reading through my blog posts to catch grammatical errors. While writing my book I shared the manuscript with around 20 people for proofreading, in order to receive their input on my content, tone, grammar, and spelling. (It bothers me to see published posts or books with obvious grammar or spelling mistakes, so I’m in favor of editing thoroughly!) Using a program such as Microsoft Word will help you to catch your spelling errors. Read a lot of good writing to develop an eye for excellent grammar and word usage.

Although I’m not the greatest literary expert, I read daily, write nearly every day, and hope to encourage others in their own journeys with words. Just as a child who is first learning to read will become a better speller and writer as a result of practicing reading, spending time with books will help an adult become a better writer as well.

 

 

Hi, I’m Betsy, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband, Mike. We have been married since 2008. We enjoy exploring new cities together on foot, eating at our favorite Italian restaurants, and doing life as a team. I published my first book Embracing Hope During Infertility in January 2015. You can learn more about me here. I invite you to connect with me by following my Hope During Infertility Facebook page or my Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page. Thanks so much for reading my posts!