Reading Like a Writer: Reflection

Reading. We all participate in this activity at some point in our lives. It could be for enjoyment, research, or a homework assignment. A writer, on the other hand, often reads to become a better writer. Anyone can learn to read this way, with a bit of practice and know-how.

First, what does “reading like a writer” even mean? It means that while you read you think about the conscious choices the author made, while he or she wrote the piece you are reading. You do this to learn about writing. Bunn writes, “Instead of reading for content or to better understand the ideas in the writing (which you will do to some degree anyway), you are trying to understand how the piece of writing was put together by the author and what you can learn about writing by reading a particular text.” In other words, you are considering the author’s word choice, sentence structure, the physical layout of the text, and the context in which it was all written.

Now that we have an idea of what reading like a writer is, let’s look at how to go about it.

Even before you begin reading, you should be asking yourself a few questions. What is the author’s purpose for this piece? Who is the intended audience? You may not be able to answer these questions before you begin but, you should at least attempt it. Is Google Making Us Stupid?, for example, was written to influence people ideas on how the internet is changing the way we read for the worse. The authors target audience is the population of adults and teens who grew up reading physical books instead of internet articles.

Next, you might consider the text’s genre. Is it a novel? An informative essay? Maybe it’s a textbook! All of these genres have certain connotations to them. A textbook would have a different writing style than a fantasy novel.

As you read, you should start to consider other things. Is the language formal or informal? Does it contain supporting evidence (for a research-based text)? What kinds of writing techniques are being used? Are the techniques effective? Along with many others.

The following is an excerpt from Seeing Ourselves Through Technology.

“By using the popular cultural term ‘filter’ as an analytical term, I want to emphasise the similarities between the visual filters we apply to our photographs, the technological filters we apply to our blogs and other social media feeds and the cultural filters (norms, expectations, normative discursive strategies) that teach us, for instance, to mimic photo models in fashion magazines or Instagram selfie stars when we photograph ourselves.” (Rettberg, 22).

What is Rettberg’s purpose for this piece? It’s to inform us about the term filter and how it affects our culture. Who is her audience? It’s likely that her target audience is college level students. She uses simple, although formal, language. She has evidence to back up her ideas (though on in this particular paragraph). And she is using effective academic writing techniques. To analyze the paragraph a little further, we could look at punctuation usage. She gives examples of different types of filters, between parentheses. You could consider whether you like that, or not, and either try to use or avoid it in your own writing.

Let’s try doing the same diagnosis with a piece of fiction. The following is the first paragraph of a Sci-Fi novel, Star Dragon by Mike Brotherton.

Before we get into the passage, consider the purpose and audience of the book. The purpose is to entertain others and make a living. The audience is anyone who likes science fiction and adventure books.

”Unlike most first-time visitors entering the world headquarters of Biolathe, Inc., Dr. Samuel Fisher didn’t pause at the moist cloying air that moved across the building’s threshold like breath. If anything, his pace increased; he threw his shoulders forward and his streaker-clad feet rushed as if to prevent a fall, sinking into the plush rose ruglings with each step. Unlike the sunlit diamond and gold, seemingly mandatory in corporate buildings, this lobby throbbed pink and organic. The entire building was alive. Despite the omnipresence of biotechnology, walking inside it rather than sitting on it still made most hesitate.” (Brotherton).

Is the language Brotherton uses effective, is it formal or informal? He uses a formal language in this passage, to some efficiency. There are some confusing elements, as he is describing a fantasy world that he has imagined. “… the moist cloying air that moved across the building’s threshold like breath.” does a wonderful job of creating a mental image. “…his streaker-clad feet rushed as if to prevent a fall, sinking into the plush rose ruglings with each step.” This is more confusing. What are a ruglings, or streakers? How could he have made these images clearer? Perhaps he could have simply left out the details of his foot coverings, simply explaining that his feet sank into the rose rugs and he ran.

Are there any specific techniques that Brotherton is using? He is being very descriptive of the world we are finding ourselves in. Almost too detailed, overloading the reader with several images. His details are more telling than they are showing. He could have written, for example: ‘The muted, biologic colors of the buildings were strange, a sharp contrast to the blinding, diamond and gold buildings that seemed to inhabit the street.’

Exercises like these are how you can learn to become a better writer. Constantly question, analyze, and consider how the author writes. With practice, you can learn to do this without slowing down as you read. Remember to consider how to best integrate other styles or language into your own writing. Most importantly, have fun with it!

Happy reading, and happy writing!