It’s a commonly held belief that extensive reading improves writing. I’m not sure that’s always true. Mostly when I read, I suspend my disbelief and enter the world of the book. I ride along with the main character and just enjoy the experience. Reading is fun, and rewarding, and fabulous!
I’m not sure that kind of reading makes me a better writer, but I love it.
Now, when I buckle down and read critically (looking at structure, tone, character arc, plot development, etc.), reading probably improves my writing. I ask questions. How did this author build tension? What is the main character’s goal? How does the author establish that goal and build conflict? I watch to see if the beginning leads naturally to the next part, and to the next. Are there big leaps that leave me behind? Are the character’s actions consistent their personality?
Even though it’s fiction, is the world credible? Are the characters believable? Do they fit into the world?
(A little rant here. I struggle when I’m reading a historical romance and the heroine is–let’s be honest–a 21st century girl. Unless it’s a time travel novel. That regency, or Victorian lady may be forward thinking. She may be a maverick, but she still has to live with the mores and expectations of her time. Lizzie Bennett challenged and pushed against traditional feminine expectations, but she knew her world. She was an early 19th century woman).
Back now to critical reading. Are you a critical reader? Do you mentally “fix” the novels that you read? Do you have books you just cannot finish because of these kind of weaknesses.
If you are a critical reader, I really want to meet you. I want your input on my writing. I’m building a beta-reading team. If this is something that interests you , email me.