One of the basic tools in life is learning. From the beginning, humans develop by observing and mimicking behaviour. The process isn’t always pleasant. Much is gained by not repeating actions found to be painful and non-productive. similarly, emerging writers should employ this technique to improve their craft. I had a writing instructor who stated in first class that we must read, read, read, so that we see how others convey ideas, emotions and situations. Critical examination reveals effective prose or just as importantly, how not to do it. It was also implied that once we completed the course we would never read fiction in the same way again. The unabashed joy of reading, without a critical voice whispering in our subconscious, would be lost. I can’t say this occurred for me but, I admit to viewing fiction differently than prior to tackling writing as a hobby.
Seize upon this phenomenon as an opportunity to learn and improve . How did the author manage to unload a ‘info dump’ without losing readers? Was the pacing effective or could it be improved? OOPS now that was awkward…won’t forget that faux pas.
So, neophyte writers, in the words once heard from a skilled and proven word crafter….read, read, read.
I saw this and had to comment… Reading is the most important thing a writer can do… and sometimes the hardest. I miss reading–I mean really reading. I miss being able to lose myself in a story and enjoying the plot and characters without picking them apart. I still love it, but it takes an effort that makes me a bit sad.