Reading to Become a Better Writer

There’s been a lot said lately about the importance of reading for aspiring and published novelists. Quite a few writers claim they don’t read while they’re writing a book or they don’t read in their genre. Some say that they don’t have time to read anymore because of their writing schedule. I understand their arguments, but I think they’re making a mistake. Of course reading doesn’t replace the necessity of writing, but I believe reading judiciously can make you a better writer.

I learn a lot just when I read for enjoyment. Many times I’m suffering through the black moment along with the hero and heroine. I’m wondering how the author is going to pull it off (hoping that her definition of a happy-ever-after is the same as mine) only to be dazzled by the believable plot twist or character development that offers a satisfying ending. I have also found that reading an author’s extensive booklist from the debut to the current release allows me to see how a talented writer develops. An established author can sweep me away from the first page because they have honed their storytelling skills and the craft of writing. It’s in every novelist best interest to find out how the masters do it.

So in the past month, have you�

Read a new release from the line or publishing house you’re targeting?

It doesn’t have to be a release that month, but in the same calendar year would be best. A lot of people suggest reading something from a debut or relatively new author. I agree with this from a marketing standpoint so you know what the editors are looking for in a first book. However, there is something to be said about reading a book from an established writer. These authors show confidence in their writing. They can break the rules because they know how to execute the characterization or you-shouldn’t-try-this-at-home plot point to make it work.

Read a book that hit the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, or New York Times bestseller list?

I would suggest reading a bestseller in your sub-genre, but any romance that hit a list can be helpful. When reading the book, pay close attention to the author’s craft. Also look at the big picture. What did she do to tap into the reader’s wish fulfillment or how did she hook them in, making this book a must read?

Read something outside your sub-genre?

Romantic suspense offers the reader a tight plot. For paranormals, it’s world-building. Each sub-genre has reader expectations and a writer can get inspiration for their story without having to delve into genre-blending.

To give you an example of how this helps, I’ll show you some of what I read this month, and how I think it’s going to help me in my writing.

In the line I’m writing/targeting:

I write for erotic romance for Signet Eclipse and I’m always interested in seeing what my fellow authors are doing. This month I read DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE by Renee Luke. The way she mixed the sweet, tender moments with hot passion was impressive. While reading this book, I also could tell that she had a different editor than I do. That gave me some insight in the publisher’s erotic romance trade program and I’ve been there for a couple years!

A bestselling book:

I chose to read Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s MATCH ME IF YOU CAN. The paperback edition hit the USA Today and the New York Times extended lists. I’ve enjoyed her books in the past, and one of the reasons I chose to read this book is because my work often falls into the light-hearted fun or romantic comedy category. I know I can learn a lot about romantic comedy by reading this author.

Right away I could tell why Phillips is a bestseller. It’s more than the way she creates unique, relatable characters. It’s the way she tells the story. She sets a scene for high-impact humor. Her word usage is designed to make you smile. However, she never sacrifices the romance or the story for a one-liner. She knows when to pull back, and she is such an expert at it that the reader never feels her manipulating behind the scenes. That is why Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a master at romantic comedy.

Outside my sub-genre:

This month I read AND THEN HE KISSED HER by Laura Lee Guhrke. This is outside my sub-genre, it’s a different sensuality level than what I usually read, and it’s also a new author for me. Despite all of this, the premise of a good girl/bad boy is familiar because it’s very popular in my sub-genre.

A Victorian good girl and bad boy follows a very different code of conduct than what we deal with today, but Guhrke was able to keep these characters true to their era and at the same time show the reader what is at stake and make us care. Reading this wonderful story that had amazing character development gave me a new perspective on the tried-and-true premise.

So� what books did you read in the past month? Was one of them for the line you’re targeting, one a bestseller and one outside your preferred sub-genre?