Why Writers Should Read
Writing isn’t just about creating words. Pacing, technique, and rhythm are all elements of good writing. Reading is a great way to develop all of these and see how authors use them in their work. So, what are some other reasons to read as a writer? Our Marketing & PR Intern Shelly Yang explores this in our latest blog!
Improving your Craft
Writing regularly can improve your craft, but reading widely also gives you a sense of what works and what doesn’t. As Stephen King famously said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” Reading allows writers to see how pacing, dialogue and structure work on the page, helping craft develop naturally over time. Personally, I find it a great way to learn subconsciously while having fun.
Developing Taste
Reading can help you develop taste. Over time, you start to understand what you enjoy and why. You can then apply this to your own written work to help explore a voice that you like. Seeing how different authors write can help you see there’s no single “right” way to write, helping you develop your writing style without constraining it to a single “norm”.
One Way to Maintain a Reading Habit
Reading a wide range of books is a good way to see what readers like and don’t. Hearing how other readers interpret the same book is a great way to learn what resonates, excites, and confuses others. If you write but struggle to read consistently, a book club can be a low-pressure way to stay reading regularly. Here are five Sheffield-based book clubs for you to check out.
Juno Reads
Juno Reads reads a wide range of fiction-based genres, with books like The Shadow King by Daisy Hildyard and Alison by Lizzie Stewart. They also have a variety of other book clubs: Juno Reads Horror, SheffFood Book Club, Sex Ed Book Club, and Queer Book Club.
Novel Sheffield
Novel’s Book Club is a chill, welcoming club to discuss questions about a selected book. Previous selections include Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and The Mushroom Fan Club by Elise Gravel. The ticket price for each event includes the purchase of the book from them, and there’s no pressure to commit to every month.
Vox Book Club
Vox Book Club is a relaxed, informal book club to meet and discuss a chosen book each month. Upcoming books include Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and Still Life by Sarah Winman. Periodically, they have a Film Club, Pub Club, and a Big Book Club to read bigger books.
Sheffield Feminist Book Club
Sheffield Feminist Book Club meets monthly to discuss books by women for women. They also host author events and opportunities to chat about books and socialise. In addition to Sheffield, they have locations in London, Bristol, and Guildford.
Kelham Island Book Club
Kelham Island Book Club in Sheffield have read books such as The Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzie and The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan. Their sessions and what book to read are advertised on their Instagram page.
Reading as Part of Writing
Reading regularly can be just as valuable to writers as writing itself. It helps develop taste, improve your craft, and gain inspiration for your own work. Book clubs can be a simple way to stay connected to books, ideas, and other readers. What have you learned recently from a book that changed how you write?
