“Fuel for the Writer’s Mind: The Importance of Reading”
When I think of the relationship between reading and writing, the first thing that pops into my head is the ‘80s and ‘90s sitcom, Married…with Children. Actually, it’s the theme song from the opening credits. Water fountain. Grant Park. Chicago. That’s right, Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra. It’s a song based on the principles of commitment, hard work, and respect, and although the premise of Al and Peggy Bundy’s marriage is more of a parody than it is a classic example of those values, the two of them did stick together for 26 years which, let’s face it, is no small accomplishment.
Reading is essential to writing, and the ultimate source of renewable energy.
Writing is a constant cycle of invention and reinvention. Like a heartbeat, the formulation of ideas, the search for inspiration, and the desire for understanding never stop. There are times when I’ll get so focused on my writing that it becomes hard for me to switch gears. I’ll put off reading out of concern that I don’t have time. Once I finally do get around to reading, I’ll discover how much more efficient I become with my writing, which ironically will leave me wishing I would’ve had the foresight to do it sooner.
Within every writer is a dedicated reader.
One of the most fundamental reasons why writers read is to expand their vocabularies. Words are like dots we chase through a PAC-MAN maze. The ghosts are our distractions, always trying to stop us. The writing process is hard work. It’s rewarding, but it can also consume you. If you commit to the challenge, you’re going to get a little beat up along the way. The true test isn’t about learning to avoid the punches, so much as finding out how many, and how hard of ones you can take. You’re going to need to prepare yourself by building up your stamina from the inside. Reading is your warm-up lap before the race. Your practice routine before the game. Your sparring session before the fight. Your dress rehearsal before the featured production. It’s your lifeline to helping bring your writing goals to fruition.
Integrate both reading and writing into your daily routine. You’ll never regret it.
Our reader’s and writer’s voices are interconnected. Like Al and Peggy, they share the same home. They get along for the most part, but can still have their disagreements. Each can be needy. They try to talk over one another. Both like to feel important, which means that if you pay too much attention to one, you’re likely going to hear about it from the other. The key to making their relationship work is simple: creating balance. Deep down, our reader’s and writer’s voices have each other’s back. When one is happy, odds are the other will be too. Think of it like music. You need lyrics and a beat to make a song. Better yet, think of it like Frank’s song. Close your eyes, concentrate, and I bet you’ll remember the words. Everything you need to know is right there. Be good to both voices. Make each feel special and they’ll reward you in kind.
You don’t need to be a writer to enjoy reading.
People read for any number of reasons. Great books can make us forget about the pressures and busyness of the world. They bring mindfulness to our lives by slowing us down, and remind us of the simple joys that can be experienced in the present. They allow us to embrace worlds of discovery and rediscovery within ourselves, and let our emotions roam free in whatever capacity our imaginations see fit. I feel content when I find time to read. It’s like I’ve given myself a reward. Am I happy because I’ve carved out some spare time in my life, or am I happy because of how I’ve chosen to fill my time? I think I know the answer.
We don’t read to reach the end.
Reading is a great reminder about the importance of the journey. Most of us read because we want to learn something, whether it’s in relation to other people, the world around us, or intrinsic about ourselves. The possibilities are limitless. By choosing to read, we’re opening our minds so that something can be explained to us in greater detail. We’re making the conscious decision to be present in our learning, which will translate into a deeper level of understanding. Life is too short to accept everything at face value. I think Albert Einstein put it best: “The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.” The world is a big place and the answers are out there. If you’re up for the challenge, then go find them.
Thanks for checking in and for your support! Your feedback is always welcomed!
- Todd
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