The last tip for writers that I want to discuss is the importance of reading. Reading a wide variety of sources, genres, and subjects is important for any writer. I can think of several reasons for this. Charles Spurgeon, 19^th century evangelist, was a prolific reader and writer in his own right. Spurgeon once wrote, “Read good authors, that you may know what English is, you will find it to be a language very rarely written nowadays….” (Sword & Trowel, August 1871).¹ Spurgeon’s statement gets to the heart of the first benefit that reading has for a writer. To write well, in a compelling manner, it is important for the writer to have mastered the basics of whatever language he or she is writing in. Reading a variety of material exposes us to a wide range of language use and broadens our appreciation for its variety of application.

Another benefit of reading for the writer is learning. Reading exposes me to a variety of experiences, emotions, and information that I may otherwise not encounter on my own.  This enriches me intellectually and emotionally. As a result, my desire for further learning drives my curiosity to seek new experiences. This has the affect of broadening my mind and improving my mental faculties. The result is that I can craft my message in a more compelling way as I am able to appreciate the subject more clearly and holistically.

A third benefit of reading is that it connects me to the human condition. It allows me to become more understanding of the challenges and the triumphs experienced by my neighbor. I become more empathetic to the obstacles they face and more appreciative of their successes. It is similar to the previous benefit, learning, in that my writing is more considerate of alternate viewpoints and, therefore, more compelling.

The last benefit of reading that I want to consider is that it cultivates the mind. Reading, like a farmer sowing his field, plants ideas in my mind. Consequently, these new ideas connect with other ideas. The “root system” that results helps me retain ideas and information, kind of like trees and vegetation mitigates erosion. Additionally, like a cultivated field brings about a bountiful harvest, the strong connection of ideas I created inspires me in my writing.

So, four benefits of reading for the writer: mastery of the writer’s chosen language, learning, connecting to humanity, and cultivating the mind. All of these, individually or taken together, help the writer be more compelling in their work. Can you think of any other benefits of reading for the writer? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave you ideas in the comments section.

¹lucidbooks, “7 Writing Tips from Charles Spurgeon,” 2/22/2016. Retrieved from https://lucidbookspublishing.com/7-writing-tips-from-charles-spurgeon/?fbclid=IwAR3uUmjb2jOP8MyZ7AQEvU_MIYHI5QYC-lDrBTfVOZNvSGQUosJxqeLrZNg on 1/4/2020