Can Reading Make You a Better Author?
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your craft of writing.
To become an author is to write.
The best way to become a better author is to read.
How is reading going to help me write?
How do you get better at anything?
You practice.
How do you get to know concepts you might not be familiar with?
You study.
Reading for an author is just practicing and studying your craft.
Not only is reading itself great for the mind, but it’s also the best way to learn about what you want to do. You’re able to expand so many things, from your imagination to your vocabulary.
By reading we’re studying patterns and sentence structures naturally and entertainingly. The brain is taking in the breaks and the flow of the words without even realizing it.
This is GREAT practice for when you write your own story. Not that you’ll be coping exactly what another author had done, but you’ll have a better understanding of the way it was done.
Most books don’t have entire blocked pages with no break or indentation in them and by reading, that voice in your head can help you know where these breaks should go.
Should I be reading only in the genre I want to write?
Heck to the No!
Yes, reading what you want to write is an amazing thing you should already be doing. Otherwise, why are you writing in the genre unless you enjoy reading similar things?
BUT
You don’t have to.
What should I be reading?
Everything.
Everything.
Everything.
There are no such things as a bad book to read.
Well… I don’t mean to say reading the back of a cereal box or the user manual to your hand sanitizer, is going to help you write the next best horror story, but there is no real wrong answer.
If you like to write horror fiction, but you found a book on Christian practices? Great use that as inspiration when the family tries to pray away a demon.
If you like to write about cowboys, but you want to read about aliens? Guess what? That’s an amazing duo if you want to write them together.
BUT
You don’t have to just read for inspiration.
Read because you enjoy it.
Read to support fellow authors.
Read to keep from checking Facebook for the 100th time.
It can’t hurt you to keep your brain going and escape reality for a little while. It can be thrilling and exciting even if your reading of pleasure is instruction manuals.
I mainly write slash horror stories that don’t hold back on the blood, guts, and gore, but guess what? My favorite book and the one I’ve read over a dozen times is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Do I use this as inspiration? No. I read it because I like it.
If you like to write I really hope you like to read! You’re going to be doing it… a lot.
Even if you don’t like to read (I’m confused by your choice of profession, but glad you’re here reading this)
You’re. Going. To. Always. Be. Reading
Reading what you wrote, again, and again, and again and RESEARCH!
If you can sit write down and write an entire story without ever going to a search engine to look something up… I’ll give you a round of applause because I can’t and almost every author I’ve spoken to within my circle sure can’t either.
If you’re writing a love story about a woman in the 1500s… unless you are an absolute genius on the subject you’re going to have to look things up.
Even though it’s fiction it needs to be accurate or else your reader.. may not like what you’ve written.
Historical Fiction especially has to be believable.
Did a cannonball knock the nose off the Sphinx in your story? Are you writing about Pirates somehow being involved? No, you just guessed? Some light reading and a little bit of research will help with that.
Should I run to the bookstore and stock up?
I would love to do that more than anything right now. but no.
If you’re not one to usually go and pick up a book, start small.
- Read more articles.
- Read FanFiction.
- Download free E-Books.
It’s okay to work yourself up to reading a book especially if you haven’t done so since High School.
Start small, you’ll get there. I hope you enjoy your journey.
Keep Writing and Keep Reading
It won’t hurt your writing in any way, all it can do is give you knowledge and experience you can use to better your work.
Best of luck!
Happy reading!
B.King
About the Creator
Elise L. Blake
Elise is a full-time writing coach and novelist. She is a recent college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her BA in Creative Writing.
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Fetty Wap
Fetty Wap’s rise to fame is one of the most memorable success stories in modern hip-hop. Bursting onto the scene with an unmistakable melodic style and raw authenticity, he quickly became a household name. Yet, behind the hit records and sold-out shows lies a complex journey—one that includes legal troubles, personal setbacks, and a period that reshaped his life forever. Understanding Fetty Wap today means looking at both his musical legacy and the chapter that unfolded during his time in jail. The Early Rise of Fetty Wap Born Willie Junior Maxwell II in Paterson, New Jersey, Fetty Wap grew up surrounded by challenges that later influenced his music. His breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of “Trap Queen,” a song that blended hip-hop with melodic hooks and emotional storytelling. The track became a cultural phenomenon, dominating radio waves and charting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Soon after, Fetty Wap followed up with successful singles like “679” and “My Way,” cementing his place in the industry. His debut album showcased his unique sound and earned widespread recognition. For a moment, it seemed like his ascent was unstoppable. Fame, Pressure, and Legal Trouble As fame intensified, so did the pressures surrounding Fetty Wap’s life. The music industry often magnifies personal struggles, and for him, legal issues became increasingly difficult to avoid. In 2021, federal authorities arrested Fetty Wap on serious drug-related charges. The news shocked fans who had watched his meteoric rise years earlier. The phrase “Fetty Wap jail” quickly became a trending topic online, sparking debates about fame, responsibility, and the cost of poor decisions. While many expressed disappointment, others showed empathy, recognizing how quickly success can collide with real-world consequences. How Long Was Fetty Wap in Jail? One of the most frequently asked questions since his sentencing has been: how long was Fetty Wap in jail? Following his arrest, Fetty Wap pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In 2023, he was sentenced to six years in federal prison. Although the sentence was significant, it was also seen by some legal analysts as a moment for accountability rather than an end to his career. During this time, Fetty Wap largely disappeared from the public eye, focusing instead on self-reflection and personal growth away from the spotlight. Life Behind Bars and Personal Reflection Incarceration often forces individuals to confront realities they previously avoided. For Fetty Wap, jail became a place of introspection. Reports suggested that he used the time to reconnect with his faith, reflect on his responsibilities as a father, and reconsider the choices that led him there. Unlike many celebrity cases filled with constant updates, Fetty Wap’s silence during this period was noticeable. That absence, however, allowed fans to shift focus from scandal to accountability. It also reminded many that behind the fame is a human being capable of growth and change. Fetty Wap Release Date and Public Reaction When news of Fetty Wap’s release date surfaced, it reignited interest in his story. He was released earlier than expected due to good behavior and sentence adjustments, marking a new beginning rather than a return to old habits. Fans responded with mixed emotions—relief, curiosity, and cautious optimism. Social media flooded with messages welcoming him back while urging him to stay focused and positive. The hip-hop community, known for offering second chances, largely embraced the idea of redemption. Can Fetty Wap Reclaim His Place in Music? The question now isn’t whether Fetty Wap still has talent—it’s whether he can successfully navigate a changed industry. Hip-hop evolves rapidly, and extended absences can make comebacks challenging. Still, Fetty Wap’s sound remains distinctive, and nostalgia continues to play a powerful role in music consumption. Many artists have returned stronger after setbacks, using their experiences as creative fuel. If Fetty Wap chooses to channel his journey into his art, his story could resonate more deeply than ever before. Authenticity has always been his strength, and real-life lessons could add new depth to his music. A Story of Accountability and Redemption Fetty Wap’s journey is a reminder that success does not erase consequences. His time in jail reshaped his public image, transforming him from a chart-topping star into a cautionary tale—and potentially, a redemption story. For fans and observers alike, his experience highlights the importance of accountability, resilience, and growth. Whether Fetty Wap’s future includes another major musical comeback or a quieter, more grounded path, his story remains impactful. Final Thoughts Fetty Wap’s life reflects both the highs and lows of fame. From dominating the charts to confronting life behind bars, his journey is complex and deeply human. The questions surrounding how long Fetty Wap was in jail, his release date, and what comes next continue to spark conversation—but ultimately, his future depends on the lessons he carries forward. As he steps into this new chapter, Fetty Wap stands at a crossroads—one where experience, accountability, and creativity could redefine his legacy in ways fans never expected.
By Saboor Brohi 4 days ago in Journal
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