To Become a Better Writer, Read as Much as You Can

By T.R. Napper | Originally published 20/08/2026

I possess a deep-seated obsession with the art of writing. My life revolves around it: I write daily, study the mechanics of the craft constantly, and even spend my leisure time watching interviews with authors discussing their creative workflows.

Through this immersion, I've discovered a fundamental truth: there is no universal blueprint.

Whether I am leading a workshop or mentoring an individual, I emphasize that there is no single "correct" way to create. Every author carves their own unique path. While listening to the experiences of other writers is an excellent way to stimulate your own creative thinking, remember that no one's process is holy writ.

The Absolute Mandate

Despite the lack of a blueprint, there is one Golden Rule. If you ignore this rule, you simply shouldn't be writing.

$\text{Writing Ability} \propto \int (\text{Reading Volume} \times \text{Critical Analysis}) \, dt$

While it seems obvious that a writer should read, I have noticed a disturbing trend among aspiring authors. In my university lectures and mentorship sessions, I always ask: "Who are your favorite authors?" I use this as a diagnostic tool to understand their interests and tailor my guidance.

Lately, the responses have become alarming:

• "I'm just too busy to read."
• "I haven't picked up a book in ages" (followed by a struggle to remember a title, like Fourth Wing from a year ago).

To be clear, if Fourth Wing acts as a "gateway drug" that brings people back to literature, we should all be grateful to Rebecca Yarros. However, the "too busy" excuse is a fallacy.

The Reality Check: Check your phone's average daily screen time.

I write full-time, juggle three side-gigs, and raise two children. I find time to read because I choose books over mindless streaming or scrolling.

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Why Reading is Non-Negotiable

1. Reading is a Masterclass in Craft

Every book serves as an education. The stories you consumed in your youth and adulthood have imprinted patterns onto your subconscious. You habituate your brain to specific tropes, settings, character archetypes, and structures.

When developing your voice—the unique expression of your individuality in art—it is perfectly acceptable to emulate styles that resonate with you.

Case in Point: Early in my career, beta readers noted that I used a classic three-act structure. At the time, I had never taken a formal class on structure; my "writing brain" had simply internalized the pattern through a lifetime of reading.

While I eventually taught classes on three- and five-act structures, I believe such formal education is often overrated. Until recently, "Creative Writing" wasn't even a degree. Such courses are peripheral; reading is central.

2. The Power of Cross-Pollination

The most innovative ideas often come from outside your primary genre.

Even a poorly written book is valuable, as it teaches you exactly how not to write.

3. Rewiring the Brain

I recall a scene from the sitcom Everyone Loves Raymond that perfectly illustrates a modern delusion.

Wife: "Why don't you write the great American novel?" Raymond: "Write it?"

The joke is that Raymond has no interest in literature, making the idea of him writing a novel absurd. Yet, this mirrors the mentality of many today. Why spend emotional and intellectual energy on a medium you aren't invested in? Why attempt to write if you aren't steeped in the wonder of storytelling?

Consider great film directors: their knowledge of cinema is encyclopedic. Their vision is a result of a lifelong commitment to the form. Similarly, the best writers are those whose passion for the written word infuses their entire existence.

Final Thoughts

Those who don't read aren't just lazy; they are uninterested in literature. They don't love art; they love the idea of being an artist.

I have no interest in discussing those "losers." This guide is for you—the true aspiring writer (or the published author) who understands that the pen cannot move without the eye.

Your Growth Checklist

• Read a book outside your favorite genre this month.
• Analyze the structure of a story you love.
• Replace 30 minutes of screen time with a book.
• Study a piece of poetry for its economy of language.

def writer_growth(reading_hours, writing_hours):
    if reading_hours == 0:
        return "Stagnation: You are just mimicking the idea of art."
    else:
        return f"Growth: Your craft is expanding by {reading_hours * 1.5} units."

print(writer_growth(reading_hours=10, writing_hours=10))