How to Read Like a Writer & Become a Powerful Storyteller
TRANSCRIPT:
I often poll my community on this topic: What’s your #1 question about starting & finishing a piece of writing?
Here are a few of the responses I got from my last poll:
What should I do to make sure I write a bestseller and create a heart-moving story?
How do you balance telling vs. showing?
How do you structure a chapter and decide when it ends?
How do you intrigue the reader and make your story stand out?
Really, these are all versions of the same question:
How can I make my writing stand out and leave readers speechless?
How can I become a great writer?
First, and most obvious answer is to write. When you practice your craft consciously and get feedback from mentors and peers, you’ll continue to get better and better.
I have tons of articles and videos on the blog on how to create a consistent writing routine, so you’re welcome to dive into those after this quick training.
But today, I want to talk to you about a critical skill that gets overlooked by most aspiring writers. And if you’re not doing this regularly, it doesn’t really matter how much you write.
If you don’t cultivate this skill, your writing will most likely stagnate, and no matter how many words and hours and years you put into your story, you may never hook readers or catch the attention of agents or editors.
And if publishing or wow-ing your readers isn’t your goal, that’s great too! If you write for the sheer pleasure of creation, this skill will still help you access more pleasure in your practice.
And sure, maybe 1% of 1% of writers can bypass this skill and still write incredible work. There are exceptions to every rule, and I don’t believe in absolutes. At the same time, if your writing isn’t resonating with readers, I encourage you to trust me on this one and try it before you deny it.
So what’s the skill you want to master to become an incredible writer who leaves readers moved and evangelizing your story to everyone they know?
You want to master the skill of Reading Like a Writer.
What does this look like?
First, when I say “Read like a writer,” I mean study stories like a writer. So that includes watching, listening, and reading stories to study how the writer tells the story.
Reading like a writer looks like approaching any story you encounter like a scientist. Approaching stories with a curious, open, beginner’s mind by asking smart questions and making pointed observations.
It looks like reading your favorite book and asking, “How did this writer keep me reading until 2 am when I promised myself I’d go to sleep after one chapter?”
It looks like binge-watching your favorite Shonda Rhimes series and asking, “Why do I love Christina Yang SO freakin’ much!?”
It looks like making margin notes, highlighting, and noticing how and why a writer makes certain craft moves. Like this:
Here’s how Jane Austen foreshadows Lydia’s betrayal with Wickham!
Here’s why Shonda Rhimes made us all sob when Burke left Christina at the altar and Meredith had to cut her out of her wedding dress!
It looks like having conversations with friends who love stories about why you love certain stories. And also why certain stories bore, disgust, or piss you off.
So let’s go back to one of the original questions I shared at the beginning.
Question: What should I do to make sure I write a bestseller and create a heart-moving story?
Think of a bestselling or blockbuster story that you love. Why did it move you? What feelings did it bring up in you: sadness, gratitude, awe, joy, anger? What craft moves did the writer use to evoke those emotions in you?
There’s no one way to read like a writer. Have fun with this skill and make it your own. Maybe you’re the type of reader who likes to go paragraph by paragraph and mark up each sentence with notes. I like to call this “mouse view.”
Maybe you’re more of a big picture type, and you like to sit back and enjoy the story, and once you’ve fully absorbed it, you have a deep, insightful conversation with writerly friends. I call this “eagle view.”
Maybe both styles work for you or maybe you’ll come up with your own unique style of “reading like a writer.”
What’s most important is that you stay curious, ask powerful questions, and study the stories of other creatives so you can continue to grow and reach your full potential as a writer.
Another powerful tool in your writer’s toolbelt is to have a mentor read YOUR work as a writer.
As writers, we all have blind spots. We all need someone––preferably someone with expertise in storytelling––to bring fresh eyes to our writing and give helpful and constructive feedback.
As a writing coach, that’s exactly what I do for my students.
I’d love to work with YOU on your story in a free, 40-minute, private
Make It Shine Assessment.
We’ll review your story manuscript or idea together on a Zoom call. I’ll share the specific next steps to revise and edit your story. And you’ll learn what’s working well and identify areas of weakness so you can make it solid, make it shine, and make it ready for publication.
Here’s what my student Colleen had to say about working with me on her story:
“Renee’s feedback was sooo constructive. Positive and enthusiastic conversation totally makes me feel like I can really do this. I felt the enthusiasm Renee had, not just for my story but everyone's story. Her feedback was so helpful and definitely helped make me a better writer.”
This assessment also functions as a “test drive” to see if we’d be a good fit to work together in my group program, The Joyful Writers Workshop: Find Your Flow, Finish Your Writing Projects, & Free the Creative Writer Inside.
Don’t worry, there’s no pushy pitch –– it’s just a chat to see if the workshop can help you reach your highest writing goals. And remember, all writers need outside feedback to make sure their work is resonating with readers.
Book your Make It Shine Assessment today by clicking the button below:
I can’t wait to see you there!
That’s all from me today. Thanks so much for reading, and write on!