By Gaye Swan

I’ll be honest. I love to read and will take any excuse I can to drop everything and pick up a book. Luckily, as a professional writer I have the perfect reason: reading helps me become better at my job. While I’m outwardly enjoying a masterpiece of comedy, drama, romance, thrills, or education, my brain is absorbing many important aspects of the craft. For example:

• Reading exposes you to words and phrases that you won’t necessarily encounter in your daily life. Extensive reading is an easy and pleasant way to expand your vocabulary, giving you access to a diverse set of words to express yourself.

• You’ll develop a stronger grasp of grammar and sentence structure. As you observe how skilled authors construct sentences, use punctuation, and use grammar rules effectively, you can apply the patterns to your own work.

• Successful authors have unique writing styles, and reading a variety of literature exposes you to different techniques and approaches. You can learn how to craft engaging introductions, develop well-structured paragraphs, and create vivid descriptions by observing and analyzing the techniques employed by experienced writers.

• Reading helps you understand how to create a coherent flow of words. By examining how authors transition between ideas, paragraphs, and sections, you can learn to connect your thoughts seamlessly and ensure logical progression in your writing.

• Like me, you might be addicted to mysteries, but sampling other genres exposes you to different narrative structures, tones, and conventions, so give that autobiography a try! Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or academic writing, each category has its own expectations and norms. By immersing yourself in different genres, you can understand how to adapt your writing style to suit specific contexts.

• Reading encourages critical thinking and analysis. As you engage with different books, you can evaluate the author's arguments, identify persuasive techniques, and assess the effectiveness of their writing. This critical perspective can improve your own writing, giving you the confidence to present well-reasoned ideas and persuasive content.

• Last but not least, let’s not discount the power of imagination! There is nothing like a good book to stimulate your creative impulses and expand your perspective. As you explore different narratives and genres, you can find inspiration for your own writing. You might discover new storytelling techniques, unique plot ideas, or innovative ways to present information, which can spark your creativity and enhance your writing style.

Just a caution, however, to remember that reading alone is not enough to become a skilled writer. (No matter how much I wish it were otherwise!) Practice is equally important. By combining extensive reading with regular writing, you can apply the skills you gain from reading to refine your writing. So pick up that book without any guilt, as you can enjoy yourself and work on professional development at the same time! And if you want to talk books, please connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. I would love to hear what you are reading and how it has helped you with your writing.