{"id":4229,"date":"2025-12-12T04:39:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T04:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/?p=4229"},"modified":"2025-12-12T04:39:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T04:39:37","slug":"4-reading-tips-that-will-make-you-a-better-writer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/4-reading-tips-that-will-make-you-a-better-writer\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reading Tips That Will Make You A Better Writer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Writing is a skill that takes practice, but there is more to being a great writer than simply putting words on a page. Reading is an essential skill for every author, no matter what stage of the writing journey you\u2019re on. There\u2019s so much to learn from the work of others that you can incorporate or build on in your own. Here are four reading tips that will make you a better writer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spend time in your genre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The more familiar you are with your genre, the easier it will be to write well within it. Whether it\u2019s historical fiction, romance<\/a>, horror<\/a>, or sci-fi<\/a>, reading widely within your chosen genre gives you a firm foundation on which you can build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s not to say you should only <\/em>read from the genre you write in. Supplementing your reading with other books is also a valid way to read, and of course, there\u2019s nothing wrong with reading simply for pleasure. But when it comes to your writing, whether you\u2019re a single or multi-genre author, getting to know the genre that you write is the best start you can give yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intimate knowledge of your genre through extensive reading will give you a feel for common tropes and audience expectations, and give you the tools for subverting those expectations when needed. A writer who has spent time deeply exploring their chosen sphere is far better positioned for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taking notes is the best way to keep your reading focused and intentional. It means that you approach the act of reading differently than when you\u2019re reading for pleasure. Reading for fun means you can immerse yourself in the story and let it carry you on the waves of your imagination, but when you take notes, you\u2019re more likely to look at a story\u2019s details and really pay attention to the nuance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some writers can get very granular, with colour-coded notes or extensive lists of questions for each chapter that they compile as they go along. Others prefer to keep it free-form, noting things like favourite phrases or moments that pack an emotional punch. Either way, you\u2019ll pay more attention to the details and notice what works (and what doesn\u2019t) in other people\u2019s writing if you\u2019re writing things down as you go along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no right way to take notes, but here are some ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n