I’m obsessed with the craft of writing. I write every day, I read about the craft often, and in my spare time I like to unwind by… watching interviews where authors talk about their writing process. It’s a sickness. Help me.
One of the key things I’ve learned is this: there’s no real blueprint. I say this to aspiring writers in my workshops, and those I mentor. There’s no one way – every writer will have a different path to creation. Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be listening to other authors, not at all – it’s a great way to help you think about the creative process – but it does mean nothing is holy writ.
Except the one golden rule*. One rule that is true, no matter the writer. One rule, that if youdon’tfollow, means you shouldn’t be writing in the first place.
Here it is:Read as much as you can. Read widely and well.
I would’ve thought the necessity of reading in this profession obvious. But I’ve noticed a worrying trend lately:aspiring writers who don’t read.
Whenever I give a workshop, or an occasional creative writing lecture at uni, or mentor an individual, I always ask the following questions:who are your favourite authors?And,what are you reading now?I do this as a short cut to finding out their interests, and how therefore I might frame my advice.
But over the past few years, more and more the answer will be: I’m too busy to read. Or: I haven’t read a book in a while (whereafter they rack their brains and tell me they might’ve read Fourth Wing a year back).
To which I say this:fuck you, you’re not too busy.
Joking. I would never say that. But I certainly fucking think it. Now, to be clear – I’m not dissing the Fourth Wing here. On the contrary: if Fourth Wing is a gateway drug to getting someone back into reading, then anyone who loves books should be thankful to Rebecca Yarros.
But I am saying this: go look at your phone, and tell me what your average screen time is per day. Two hours? Five? Seven? If so – shut up: you’ve time to read.
I write full-time, currently work three gig jobs on the side, and am engaged with lives of my two children. I read every night. It’s not hard: instead of staring at my phone, or streaming, I read. This is not a boast, nor is it special. This is my job as a writer.
You want to be a writer? Thenshut up and read.