How to Read Like a Writer

Рет қаралды 12,813

3 жыл бұрын

You’re a writer, so you write. But do you read? Of course you do. But HOW do you read? Do you read like a writer? Stephen King said in his memoir On Writing, "Reading is the creative center of a writer’s life." You can learn multiple ways to approach reading so that it becomes YOUR creative center. Let's walk through them together in this video, because you'll grow as a writer when you read like a writer!
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Пікірлер: 63

@donnacompton7742 Жыл бұрын

I have a few books by an author I knew personally - he gave me several of his books because they weren't selling and he just knew I could use what he wrote to develop the book that was in me to write...he passed away before I could begin - I am so privileged to have his books.They are exactly what I needed to inspire me on mine.

@annkroekerwritingcoach Жыл бұрын

What a story! I’m glad to hear you followed through. That mentoring heart of the writer seems like a passing of the torch.

@nerdmommy7114 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great video! Thank you for this. I’m reading Stephen King’s On Writing, and I’ve come to understand the being a wide reader is very crucial to being a writer. He talked about that whenever he writes, he has the image of his Ideal Reader, asking himself, will she love this, will she laugh at this part? I realized that to come up with the image of that ideal reader, we have to look at ourselves first. What do we like reading? What will make us snort? What will make us feel emotions? There’s an unpopular opinion that reading is not a pre requisite to writing, that there are writers who do not read or like reading at all. Instead, they’d rather consume stories in other mediums. It’s not “wrong” though. But since we are writing, and the people who read consume words, we should also know how to construct stories using the language. best way to do that is to read. Deliberate reading, as Ben Franklin did it.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking time to watch and share your experience as a writer-reader. I love "What will make us snort?" as a question to ponder as we look ourselves and come up with our ideal reader!

@jackjohnhameld6401 2 жыл бұрын

Francine Prose wrote a much-needed book *How To Read Like A Writer*. We need vlogs like yours, Ann. I am not a writer, but I agree with Clive James, who said he was interested in all the arts, but in the end it always came back to reading. My interest in opera and symphonic music is enhanced through reading books by music critics, as is my interest in theatre, film, painting, sculpture and architecture.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes! I actually quote from Francine Prose's book at about the 2:09 mark, and again at the 8:00 marks, if you want to see what I pulled to highlight. Reading is foundational for so much learning. Thanks for sharing your experience as a creative in the arts.

@user-beboldbebrave 11 ай бұрын

Hello, and thank you for your instructional videos. My life is a story. I’m 83 years of age very active and many people tell me to write my story. In fact, when I was in college, my English professor said she would help me write the book but I was too busy then. A single mother I needed to make money now. So now I’m ready and I have made several starts and I know I need some help so thank you for putting out helper videos.

@Mogg_king 4 ай бұрын

I hope it goes well for you! Keep everyone updated!!!

@user-uz7dm6qn3y Жыл бұрын

This is a real eye-opener for me-"a now I know what to do today and not next week," type of advice. Working on a memoir for a few years already, I've read Angela's Ashes, Wild and Educated, all on Kindle; at first the free sample and then the purchase. The latter two I also bought second hand in order to annotate like you said. A couple of weeks ago, I down loaded the sample of Dani Shapiro's Family History and was hooked. That she begins writing in present tense, is what put me in the story. She also weaves descriptions and forebodings effortlessly-building suspense. Thank you for this. I am now subscribed.

@annkroekerwritingcoach Жыл бұрын

Your plan to study these memoirs and how they are structured will prepare you well to complete your own.

@alkashukla8291 4 ай бұрын

That not writing in the books is deep ingrained in some cultures and families, even I grew up in similar atmosphere. Thankyou Ann, your video actually helped clear my inner hesitations.

@eugenetswong 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for this. Just before watching, I had pretty much given up, and decided to just copy other writers until I felt good enough to try again on my own. This makes so much sense. I appreciate you "giving us permission".

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

We all learn from excellent model texts if we go back in time to childhood. We forget that we can learn this way as adults, too. Enjoy! I hope you learn tons and gain lots of inspiration and confience!

@JournalBreeze 3 жыл бұрын

I love this teaching Ann. I've been getting your newsletter for years, congrats on taking it to YT. I have written in books to dialogue with the author for years. I often date what I write in spiritual books to show myself where I was when I first read it because I very well could read it again, and again. Sometimes I have dated paragraphs twice with a different understanding. I love that I can write in my books and mark them to fit me. The book I want to do as you talked about today is by Tina Welling called Writing Wild. I love the book for its content and her tone. I am writing again now, and look forward to learning more from you. TY, Kimberly Wulfert

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Kimberly, what a treat to meet you here and learn about your fruitful habit of writing in the margins of your books. I'm especially struck by the idea of dating your notes so you can return to a book and see how you've changed over time-I'm going to start doing that. Also, the author and title you mentioned is new to me. I just did a search and look forward to adding Writing Wild to my to-read list. I'd love to hear more about your writing. I invite you to reach out via Instagram DM or annkroeker.com/contact (or simply reply to one of my newsletters) and tell me more.

@arzumardalieva3874 5 ай бұрын

Useful information! I never write in my books, because I thought it would spoil the book… I’m so grateful! 🙏🏻

@annkroekerwritingcoach 4 ай бұрын

It too me so long to get over that sense of ruining the pages. You could ease yourself into it by starting with sticky notes and the moving to pencils. :)

@arzumardalieva3874 4 ай бұрын

@@annkroekerwritingcoach thank you 😊 good idea, I’ll give it a try!

@Eidolon1andOnly 9 ай бұрын

Thank you. Now all I've to is find the motivation to continue writing.

@sabrycarb26 2 жыл бұрын

I love this video! Currently annotating Sally Rooney’s Conversations With Friends !

@annkroekerwritingcoach 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your current read! Any discoveries or inspiration? I don’t know that book but I’ll be checking it out. Keep reading, keep writing!

@iyenjohn6633 Жыл бұрын

Love this

@ronniemiller53 3 ай бұрын

I have listened to the podcast for years and was looking on youtube for a reading like a writer episode and stumbled on your video. Im just starting and am starting on short stories. The writers I am reading to learn from are Louis Lamour, Hemingway, Guy de Maupassant, Poe, Doyle, Joyce, Fitzgerald, O. Henry, and Mark Twain. For a start, at least.

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

I love this list of writers, Ronnie. Thanks for sharing your plan. I've been developing a list like this myself, focusing first on those that are available for free online and then working toward short story collections in books. Have fun marking them up!

@indigo_rash1122 3 жыл бұрын

You're an amazing teacher :)

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@indescribable9664 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, this is extremely helpful!

@annkroekerwritingcoach Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking time to watch. Michelle’s input was helpful to me, too!

@cristian9vieti 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent tips! Thank you!

@annkroekerwritingcoach 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@DrMotaghy 3 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing video. Thank you Ann for this insightful video.

@DrMotaghy 3 жыл бұрын

I am writing a book about human growth, psychology and Mindfulness. Its a great book. I love it, but I'm more of a free non-linear thinker and having a hard time organizing the material. Also, I think as soon as I became aware of the fact that I wasn't following the outline I created, I moved away from writing because of my passion to inform, educate and train people to having to keep up and finish. That is important, but it's become an obstacle, a fear that I might write so much without organizing that it would be even more difficult to finish. I'm sure these are just mental obstacles. Would love to chat and see how you can help me.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for your comment! I don't know how I missed your notes. I apologize for the belated response. It sounds like you're someone who writes by discovery; that is, most of your thinking about the ideas happens in the act of writing (many people write this way and several famous authors are quoted as saying writing is thinking, and they don't what they think until they write it down). Eventually, our discovery writing needs to be shaped into a structure that both the writer and reader can follow to comprehend and apply the ideas throughout the course of the book. You may find that after producing several thousand words, a shape is suggesting itself and you can begin to write into a structure or form for each chapter. You may want to watch my video about structure: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a7qfrMmCydmVYaM.html And you're welcome to reach out to me for 1:1 coaching. Learn more here: annkroeker.com/writing-coach/

@donnaharper4621 3 жыл бұрын

Oh Ann, I too was taught to never deface a book. You’re so brave, annotating you own books, but I really don’t know if I can do that. I do so love a clean book. I’m 60 now. When will I become brave?

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Donna, I still love a clean book. But what if you get a used "reading copy" of a book you feel okay about marking in, and buy a second "pristine copy" that remains untouched?

@johnmango77 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for your advice. I will write now with more intention in my chosen books. A good friend told me once not to write in books. I asked him why, books are full of writing. Oh yes, he mused, then he changed his mind.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 4 ай бұрын

"Books are full of writing." I love that snappy comeback!

@Jinx_ss Жыл бұрын

😍😍Amazing video! Thank you!

@annkroekerwritingcoach Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching - glad it was useful!

@arvymidlifecrisis 3 ай бұрын

Great guidance, thank you. Still hesitating to write in my books though! 😂

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

You're not alone...I have to talk myself into it every time.

@jasminmoon100 16 күн бұрын

Very useful

@donnaharper4621 3 жыл бұрын

I so wish I had the funds to hire you Ann. I love the way you think, teach and talk. One day - one day. Ps love your hair - mine’s fine, fly-away and blonde.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Donna, I'd love to work with you, too. Maybe look at YourPlatformMatters.com to join us there? That's an affordable way to work with me in a group setting. As for the hair, well...yeah. Nothing fancy over here.

@aborigenGTS 3 жыл бұрын

THIS ONE'S VERY DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT! Like you, I grew up with a sacredness about books. I do keep a full library of my two favorite authors (Vonnegut and Gene Wolfe) to reference whenever I have a question about how writing goes, but the thought of marring them with my incidentals feels like an affront, rather than a gesture of respect. I think I'd have to buy a second copy of my favorite books to feel better about treating them as interactive textbooks. But this is an experience I know nothing about, so I have to give it a try before I can decide. Listening to your journey in the process was perhaps the most persuasive argument.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and considering a new approach. Taking baby steps sounds like a wise choice for you, so if you have the means to pick up a used copy of a book that you purchase with the sole purpose of reading and marking, you can have freedom to experiment. You likely take notes, though, don't you? Is that how you've kept track of favorite quotes or sections? If it really doesn't suit you to make a single mark in a book, perhaps you could describe your note-taking system? I could do a video about that, because I've seen so many approaches and tried a lot on my own. Again, thank you for taking time to interact with me about this. I have a set of books I inherited from my parents when they downsized-the very books I wasn't allowed to mark up. They are lovely books that slide into cardboard sleeves. I would not mark in those. But the scrappy paperback copy of Angela's Ashes I picked up a library sale? Yes, I might pull out the pen and highlighter for that one.

@aborigenGTS 3 жыл бұрын

@@annkroekerwritingcoach Well, perhaps that's what I'm missing in my repertoire. I don't really take notes, I'm not in the habit of it. I'm learning so many of these writer-organizational concepts with each year, but I kinda wish I could've taken a course on how to arm myself at the beginning. When I find passages I like, I'll take a photo of them to share on Twitter, or I'll type them out for the same, but now that you mention it I bet I would benefit from something like a writer's journal, where I keep track of interesting techniques and appealing quotes. And gods know I have enough blank books lying around that have been waiting for something special like this.

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

@@aborigenGTS You sound like you're comfortable with a combination of analog and digital note-taking options (thinking of the Twitter snapshots of excerpts you like for digital; your journal for digital). If you grab a blank book and start taking notes, be sure to search for "commonplace books" online to see how this practice has a long history (and you'll see you're in good company with famous people who have kept them over the years).

@jaikishansmspl39 3 ай бұрын

Thank you

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

Glad to help!

@godstenrules 3 ай бұрын

I'm doing something interesting. I have a book list in notion I'm also writing my first book, which I later plan to make into a series. I gave ChatGPT my story's premise and asked for books that could help and inspire me . In another ChatGPT conversation, i take the description of the book, and then I put my story's premise and how each book can help and inspire me for my series Can I go to the book in my notion book and find the book in my list or add it to my list Then I take the description from Amazon put the description in the book The under that I put my story's premise Then under that I take the notes that ChatGPT gave me and put them in each book I have in my notion book list. So when I read from now, I'll find a book in my notion list and check to see if I have any notes for that particular book.

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

What an interesting use of AI. Thanks for sharing your process in such detail!

@mikefinley4367 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Maybe you can be of help? Seeking to read like a writer also at the same time deconstruct a novel like index card storyboarding. Any known video or writer who has touched on this idea?

@annkroekerwritingcoach 2 жыл бұрын

Ron Friedman, author of Decoding Greatness, recommends "reverse engineering" books to discover anything you want to know about the structure, style, technique, etc. I interviewed him for my podcast. You can watch that as a video, and you could also read his book to learn more. He doesn't walk through the exact method you described, but the book has ideas, even a few visuals, that are similar. If you know how to build/outline/develop a novel using index card storyboarding, you'd just reverse that and map an existing novel's beats to the Hero's Journey of Save the Cat or whatever, one card per beat (down to more detailed scenes between the beats and obligatory scenes). Read and note the the scenes as you read, placing them where you think they belong in the outline. Here's the interview with Ron: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l81zp7SSuLfKiKs.html

@phy_totum4184 3 ай бұрын

Please cover how to write like a reader 😅

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

Ha! Love it! Do you follow Modern Mrs. Darcy/What Should I Read Next? She writes about what she reads.

@murtazabashir7870 3 жыл бұрын

Is it possible for anyone to become a writer?

@annkroekerwritingcoach 3 жыл бұрын

I think so, especially in one's native tongue. In fact, if you watch my interview with Ron Friedman, his approach to studying models of writing you admire, you can reverse-outline and "templatize" those examples to learn how they pulled off great work. You can also try copywork (Ron talks about that), take classes, read books about writing, join writing groups, or hire a writing coach (but that's the most expensive option). Here's the interview with Ron: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l81zp7SSuLfKiKs.html

@totadol 2 ай бұрын

very very very low volume though the content is good please fix the mic

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

Thanks for letting me know. I played it and it seems okay. I'll continue to tweak.

@rockyyan5938 3 ай бұрын

Can you read a book for us? Even a few chapters will help.

@annkroekerwritingcoach Ай бұрын

Are you saying you'd like me to mark up a book and show you my thought process as I annotate?

@rockyyan5938 Ай бұрын

@@annkroekerwritingcoach Yes, take a page from Ulysses, The Wave, Storm of Swords, The Final Empire, and keep going. I guess a lot people can learn a lot from how you read them.