Self Help Books V's General Reading

I've found craft books (Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, The First Five Pages, etc.) and reading widely have helped me the most. Self-help writing books haven't helped me all that much (and I find some downright annoying), but they're nice when I need a shot of inspiration.

I would recommend reading as many books as possible. I write primarily women's fiction but I certainly don't limit my reading to that genre. I'll read almost anything I can get my hands on.

I found a good book by Jenna Glatzer on freelance writing... it really helped me visualize what editor's wanted and how to format my queries...

At the same time, reading a lot of good books is what really helped me learn how to write, and write well.

I think a mix of both is good.

But it's not just "general reading" (which is how I voted)--it's active reading. Not just having the experience of reading, but understanding what in the writing gave you that experience.

Every reader wants the experience. It's our jobs as writers to figure out how to do that.

DeleyanLee said:

But it's not just "general reading" it's active reading. Not just having the experience of reading, but understanding what in the writing gave you that experience.

Every reader wants the experience. It's our jobs as writers to figure out how to do that.

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Well said Deleyanlee. I could not have said it better. I as well voted for reading it is what I find helps me the most. I read, and read, then read some more.

Welcome!