Why Do Writers Need To Be A Reader

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The eternal tale of becoming an accomplished writer; dream haunting thousands of aspirants who work hard to fulfill it. However, in one's initial quest towards the goal, it's not uncommon to stumble on a glaring lack of skill or knowledge of the craft. In many instances, this happens due to the lack of a reading habit. It is, therefore, pertinent to discuss and assess the importance of reading for a writer.

Do Writers need to be Readers?

A question mark hovering over many heads; however, this is a loaded question. Mainly because it is difficult to actually deny that it is possible to become an accomplished writer without being a skilled reader. One can only discredit such affirmation. It is, however, easy to justify why writers Should be readers.

Skilled and practiced reading is vital to a writer just like a good ear is vital to a musician. There's no way to know if our craft is good or bad without the contrast of a previously known standard or reference. By reading the works of other accomplished writers, we don't just set up a standard, we effectively enhance our writing skills, for we widen our grasp of the language by assimilating theirs. Imagination is critical, but our own aesthetic sensibility and knowledge are important anchors when we craft something new and creative. For a writer, reading …show more content…

This applies to everything we do and writing is no exception. A writer's self-awareness comes with strong reading skills and knowledge acquired through reading. That's not to say that it would be impossible for an illiterate person to become an accomplished writer; with hard work anything is possible. What's certain is that someone who reads little, will need to go through substantially more hard work and frustration than a person who reads plenty. It comes down to the fact that a well-read a person has an easier time putting ideas into words and playing with

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