If you’re a writer, it’s pretty much a given that you read as well. Whether you’re reading for fun or actively looking for inspiration and ways to improve your own writing, I encourage you to be aware as you read and take notice of your reactions. I’m talking about your likes and dislikes: what does the author do that you like and want to try in your own work? What does the author do you that you don’t like and never want to use? Here are a few examples of what I’m referring to.
When I read any form of the verb “to card” as in “she carded her fingers through his hair,” I feel incredibly uncomfortable. I mean no offense to anyone who does like to use that verb, but personally, it’s not for me. So, I’m never going to use it in my work.
Similarly, I’m not a big fan of lengthy descriptions of a character’s clothing/jewelry/bags. If that description is essential in illustrating their personality, then sure, I don’t mind, but there is a point when it becomes too much, so I always try to keep mine short.
I go nuts whenever a zeugma is used. According to Oxford Languages, a zeugma is “a figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., John and his license expired last week ) or to two others of which it semantically suits only one (e.g., with weeping eyes and hearts ).” I love to see these, and I’m always looking for places in my own work to use them.
Even if you’re just reading for enjoyment, you might as well keep an open mind while you read. Maybe you’ll learn something new about yourself that can help you become an even better writer.
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