Unlock the secret to enhancing your writing skills with a twist - it's not just about writing more, but reading better. Discover five unconventional methods that intertwine the art of reading with writing, transforming you into a more proficient writer.
If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.
Two things that writers recommend to improve: more writing and reading
- More writing: exposes us to other styles and voices
- Reading: opens up universe of humor, adventure, romance, climbing the highest mountain, diving in the deepest sea
Read things you hadn’t thought about reading
It’s easy to get into a habit of doing the same things over and over again, and it’s too easy to keep reading those same things
- Try pushing yourself to try a new genre or writing style now and then
Walk Away and Take Notes
Take regular breaks to make notes. This helps you test your comprehension and give your brain a chance to assimilate information before you continue reading.
Skip sections
Skip sections if they’re not relevant to you
- One of the benefits of skipping over sections is that you’re not overloading your brain with irrelevant information
- All the information we have available only increases our stress levels and diminishes available time
- We have to make sure we consume the things that truly matter to us, but only so we have time to create something that matters to someone else
Fight back
If what you read makes you angry, sad, or frustrated, or whatever-use that.
- Whether you want to write a review or summary, share some lessons you learned, or simply explore some of the ideas it brought up for you, this can be a highly beneficial exercise.
Quit altogether
Reading is meant to be a fun activity. Your brain doesn’t want to slog through something it finds boring
- If we really respect our time, let’s spend it on things we enjoy and reading that has long-term benefits for us
- Henry Miller
- Quit if continuing on doesn’t have enough benefits
