How to Read Like a Writer (to become a better writer)

Introduction

Reading fiction is a crucial practice for any aspiring writer, but it's not just about enjoying the story. To truly enhance your writing skills, you need to learn how to read like a writer. This tutorial outlines five essential tips to help you analyze fiction critically, allowing you to extract valuable lessons that will inform and improve your own writing craft.

Chapter 1: Read as a Reader First

1. Read for Enjoyment

   • Start by reading the book as a regular reader. Allow yourself to be entertained and surprised by the plot twists.
   • Engage emotionally with the story to fully experience the writer's intent.

2. Revisit the Book

   • After finishing, go back to the beginning and read it again, this time with a writer's perspective.

Chapter 2: Try to Identify the Beats

1. Understand Story Structure

   • Identify the five foundation beats of the story: Catalyst, Break into Two, Midpoint, All Is Lost, and Break into Three.
   • These beats are crucial turning points in the narrative and help you grasp the overall structure.

2. Craft a Beat Sheet

   • Create an informal outline or beat sheet for your reference. Bullet points for each beat can be sufficient.
   • Analyze how the author uses these turning points to pivot the plot.

3. Ask Insightful Questions

   • What does the catalyst do to the status quo?
   • How does the midpoint alter the stakes of the story?

Chapter 3: Identify the Before and After Character

1. Character Transformation

   • Make a list of the main character's flaws or problems at the beginning of the story.
   • Compare this with how these issues are resolved or transformed by the end.

2. Macro-Level Analysis

   • Look at character changes on a larger scale rather than scene by scene to better understand their development.

Chapter 4: Label the Backstory

1. Implementing Backstory

   • Notice how the author reveals backstory gradually. Well-done backstories leave readers wanting to know more, while poorly executed ones lead to skimming.

2. Mark Key Sections

   • Highlight or use sticky notes to denote where backstory is revealed. This will help you analyze how it contributes to character development.

3. Spreadsheet Analysis

   • Consider creating a spreadsheet to track backstory revelations chapter by chapter, noting the impact of each on the character's journey.

Chapter 5: Identify Goals in Key Scenes

1. Scene Goals

   • Determine the goal of each scene, especially the pivotal ones. This helps you understand the narrative's purpose and flow.

2. Link Goals to Conflict

   • Identify the conflict that makes achieving these goals challenging. This adds depth to your analysis and understanding of the story dynamics.

3. Use a Spreadsheet

   • Document scene goals and conflicts in a spreadsheet for a comprehensive overview of how they interconnect and drive the plot.

Conclusion

By adopting these five strategies, you will deepen your understanding of fiction and enhance your skills as a writer. You’ll learn not just to appreciate stories but to dissect them for valuable insights. As you read more critically, you'll begin to recognize patterns and techniques that can elevate your own writing. Happy writing and happy reading!