this might be weird to ask, but how do I critically look at another person's writing and implement what I like in their writing in my own writing? I've been having trouble improving in my writing, and frankly Im not sure how to go about doing that, even. It's easy to see what I like about another person's writing, but hard to pinpoint exactly why...
THIS IS NOT WEIRD TO ASK. It is, in fact, the most important question EVER.
Re-read. If you get halfway into a chapter and think, Wow this chapter is super creepy–I wonder how they did that. Or get to the end of a book and think, I feel the poignancy of the fragility of human life in an inherently volatile economic system–I wonder how the writer made me feel that way… Go back and re-read that shit.
Read slowly. When you read like a reader, you read pretty fast. When you go in for your second, or third, or fourth re-read of a passage, chapter, or book that you want to know more about, read it slowly. Really. Slowly.
Read for technique, not content. Readers read for content (”In this paragraph, Damien gave Harold a classified envelope.”). Writers read for technique. (”In this paragraph, the writer made me feel curious about the contents of the envelope by giving sensory details about its appearance and weight.”)
Ask the right questions. They usually start with HOW: How did the writer make me feel? How did they accomplish that?
Read small. Did a chapter make you feel sad? Find out WHERE EXACTLY. What paragraph, sentence, or WORD did it for you? Was it a physical detail? A line of dialogue? A well-placed piece of punctuation? Stories are made of words and sentences. Narrow it down.
Practice. Reading like a writer is a skill that takes time to develop. Over time, you’ll get better at it!
How about y’all? Anything to add to this list? I made it off the top of my head so I’m sure I’m forgetting something. What have been your experiences with learning to read like a writer?
Hope this helps!
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The Literary Architect is a writing advice blog run by me, Bucket Siler. For more writing help, check out my Free Resource Library or get The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. xoxo
🤣🤣🤣 oh my God! That was hilarious
-aka the initial Release Month and Day-
Hyrule - Feb. 21 (’86); Aquarius/Pisces Cusp
-Born on the Cusp of Sensitivity, they can feel the weight of the world -- which is both a blessing and a curse!
Chinese Zodiac; Tiger - These are powerful individuals: authoritative, brave, and self assured with a strong moral compass and belief system. They enjoy competition, or even fighting for a cause, but can sometimes struggle with their emotional and sensitive natures that allow them to be so passionate.
Legend - Nov. 21 (’91); Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp
-Born under the Cusp of Revolution. These people have incredible strength and energy. They are passionate, ready to stand up and fight for what they feel is right.
Chinese Zodiac; Goat - They’re calm and collected, and like to have time alone with their thoughts. Sometimes their sense of composure can make them seem unassuming, but these individuals have strength and compassion in equal measure, with consideration and empathy for those around them.
Time - Nov. 21 (’98); Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp
-Born under the Cusp of Revolution. These people have incredible strength and energy. They are passionate, ready to stand up and fight for what they feel is right.
Chinese Zodiac; Tiger - These are powerful individuals: authoritative, brave, and self assured with a strong moral compass and belief system. They enjoy competition, or even fighting for a cause, but can sometimes struggle with their emotional and sensitive natures that allow them to be so passionate.
Wind - Dec. 13 (2002); Sagittarius
-They see risks as signposts to challenges. They have enormous confidence yet can admit when they are wrong. When it comes to leadership ability, they are second to none, though that role seldom appeals to their sense of fun.
Chinese Zodiac; Horse - They’re energetic, spirited, and athletic in mind and/or body. While that might sound like these individuals are sporty, it’s more about a restless spirit that leads the way, helping them prioritize what matters most to them above everything else, like traveling and tight-knit relationships.
Four - Nov. 4 (2004); Scorpio
-They create controversy and it puts forth their will in every aspect of their lives. Quick-witted and talkative, they tell the truth without fearing its consequences. Eccentric behavior is the norm with them.
Chinese Zodiac; Monkey - They’re clever, creative, humorous, playful, and fun-loving. Their wit serves them well, helping them move adeptly through life in how they interact with others and the paths they choose. They like to keep active with new projects and activities, thriving on personal challenges.
Twilight - Nov. 19 (2006); Scorpio
-They are likely to keep their own counsel. These self-controlled, taciturn individuals make good leaders yet do not mix well with others. One of their greatest talents is to make others feel good about themselves.
Chinese Zodiac; Dog - These individuals are honest, loyal, and friendly. They go above and beyond for the people they care about, bringing a prudent and diligent approach that helps them go to great lengths to support others.
Sky - Nove. 18 (2011); Scorpio
-They possess amazing determination and an unbeatable will. They have a need to put their personal stamp on existence. These vibrant, energetic people have a physical nature. They can be aggressive, even pugnacious, at times.
Chinese Zodiac; Rabbit - They’re friendly and inoffensive, with a polite sensibility that makes for a versatile disposition. They can thrive in a variety of settings and general ability to get along with others.
Warriors - Aug. 14 (2014); Leo
-They are perplexing, infuriating, and different. These folks manage to keep their true selves carefully hidden from even their closest friends. This is a subtle defense mechanism that allows them to retain their autonomy without sacrificing the illusions held by others. Their charm attracts people effortlessly.
Chinese Zodiac; Horse - They’re energetic, spirited, and athletic in mind and/or body. While that might sound like these individuals are sporty, it’s more about a restless spirit that leads the way, helping them prioritize what matters most to them above everything else, like traveling and tight-knit relationships.
Wild - March. 3 (2017); Pisces
-They are aggressive and opinionated. Professional goals are a priority, and success is an important goal in their lives. Despite these, they are also tuned in to life's spiritual aspects. They may possess extreme psychic sensitivity. They approach life from a dreamer's perspective.
Chinese Zodiac; Rooster - These are self-confident individuals, with clear ambitions for the future and the dedication and honesty to see them through.
Bonus: Based on the original Japanese Release date of the Manga
First - Dec. 21 (2011); Sagittarius/Capricorn Cusp
-Born on the Cusp of Prophecy. They have a strong will and great determination that will always take them to success.
Chinese Zodiac; Rabbit - They’re friendly and inoffensive, with a polite sensibility that makes for a versatile disposition. They can thrive in a variety of settings and general ability to get along with others.
Dragon talk
cycles
The man turned and offered a small smile, like Shishou never did.
Read here!
Happy birthday, Chrissy. And a biiig thank you to you and @kikaiz for makin this crazy story. i’m love it very much.
I promise that the ending always stays the same :(
Inktober Day 16
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Part 1 of 2
a little messy… But I will drop it here and go have a cup of tea
like to charge, reblog to cast <3