SUMMARY:

Have you ever wondered if or how a writer reads differently than a reader? Join us on this episode as we discuss passive versus active reading. What are writers paying attention to when they read as compared to what most readers don’t even notice? Learn how you can use reading as a school for writers.

SHOW NOTES:

What writers say vs. what they do

Reading as a reader (passive reading): characterization, plot, conflict…

Reading as a writer (active reading): style (diction, syntax, tone)

Anthony Doer, All The Light We Cannot See: Wordsmith/prose *excerpt

Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead: Architect, constructing intricate plots

Liane Moriarty, Apples Never Fall: Ensemble cast, characterization

Taylor Jenkins Reid: Daisy Jones and the Six, journalistic style

Edith Wharton,The Age of Innocence: Omniscient narration *excerpt

Elin Hilderbrand, The Nantucket Hotel: Establishing atmosphere/setting

Jean Meltzer, The Matzo Ball: Creating culture

Infusing what we’ve learned into our craft

SOURCES & LINKS:

Elements of Style, E.B. White & William Strunk Jr.

On Writing, Stephen King

Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

DO NOW: Make a list of the authors you love. What is it about them that attracts you? Take a look at a passage from their writing. Highlight examples of what you admire about it.

Take a piece of writing you have written & try a mirror writing exercise. Use elements of the authors’ style you have flagged with your content. Try to get as close to the author's style as you can.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you