For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been an avid reader. While I did go through a few years where TV became more important, I’m now firmly back on the book bandwagon. So much so that I decided to participate in the GoodReads 2025 Reading Challenge! So, as I’ve been plowing my way through book after book, it got me thinking about the relationship between reading and writing. Here are my thoughts on this widely discussed topic!

Reading fortifies your writing

I recently read a wonderful article on why reading makes you a better writer, so that got me thinking about how I see reading in my own life as a freelance writer. Let’s go!

• You don’t need to read what you write: For some reason, I had the assumption that writing nonfiction or business content meant I had to read exclusively nonfiction and business content. But that’s not the case! While it’s a great idea to read popular examples in those niches, you can read whatever inspires you to keep absorbing tips and know-how.
• Fiction is not the enemy: This is another “rule” I thought I had to follow. I’ve always been a hardcore lover of fiction. Can a professional business content writer read fiction and still be considered legit? Yup! I’ve learned so much from reading the fiction that takes up 90% of my library checkouts and use it regularly in writing professional content!
• Read in a way that works for you: I have always been a fan of reading both traditional paper books and eBooks. I feel that learning how an author uses the page is as important as the content on that page. However, recently I haven’t had the opportunity to sit down and actually read for more than a few minutes at a time. So, I adjusted to audiobooks! I still get the same education in writing, but I’m no longer limited by my own schedule to read.

Reading is all about getting experience

In the article linked above, there is one part that I keep thinking about over and over again. It goes:

This carries all the way down to nitty-gritty things, like writing styles, sentence structures, grammar interpretations, and dialogue punctuation. How do your favorite authors do it? Do you like the way they do it, and if so, why?

From “Why Reading Makes You a Better Writer” by E. G. Bella

This is so true! This is partially why, in my opinion, it doesn’t matter what you read, as long as you are reading something. There is a learning opportunity waiting for you in every book; you just need to find it!

Books are a writer’s best friend

There is a good reason why you hear so many professional authors talk about the importance of being a bookworm if you want to be a strong writer. The more you learn about how others use words, the more you can fortify your own writing. One of the things I love most is that you also learn that there are no formal rules to writing. Guidelines and recommendations, sure. But the best writers find a way to break them and entertain the reader while they’re at it!

What do you all think? What other benefits of reading are there for writers?

I also wanted to note that I have an exciting guest post coming soon from cheriecouchbasedbiz that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. So, keep an eye out for that!