Read Like A Writer

There are two ways to learn how to write fiction: by reading it and by writing it. Yes, you can learn lots about writing stories in workshops, in writing classes and writing groups, at writers' conferences. You can learn technique and process by reading the dozens of books like this one on fiction writing and by reading articles in writers' magazines. But the best teachers of fiction are the great works of fiction themselves. You can learn more about the structure of a short story by reading Anton Chekhov's 'Heartache' than you can in a semester of Creative Writing 101. If you read like a writer, that is, which means you have to read everything twice, at least. When you read a story or novel the first time, just let it happen. Enjoy the journey. When you've finished, you know where the story took you, and now you can go back and reread, and this time notice how the writer reached that destination. Notice the choices he made at each chapter, each sentence, each word. (Every word is a choice.) You see now how the transitions work, how a character gets across a room. All this time you're learning. You loved the central character in the story, and now you can see how the writer presented the character and rendered her worthy of your love and attention. The first reading is creative—you collaborate with the writer in making the story. The second reading is critical.


John Dufresne, from his book, The Lie That Tells A Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction

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About Olivia Salter

 

Remember, practice is key. The more you write, the better you'll become. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and genres. Most importantly, enjoy the process of creating stories that captivate your reader.


Olivia Salter is a writer and blogger known for her work in fiction writing, literature analysis, and storytelling techniques. She has contributed to various platforms focused on creative writing, including Fiction Writing Tips, Olivia Salter's Wild Mind, and Free Classic Short Stories.

Career

Olivia Salter has authored articles and guides on writing techniques, emphasizing conflict in literature, storytelling structure, and character development. Her work is featured on Free Classic Short Stories, where she has written about external conflict in fiction and provided forewords for classic literary works such as Creatures of the Abyss by Murray Leinster.

Salter's blog, Fiction Writing Tips, serves as a resource for aspiring writers, covering topics such as plot construction, character motivation, and the art of crafting compelling narratives. She also manages Olivia Salter’s Wild Mind, a platform dedicated to creative storytelling and writing exercises.

Themes and Influence

Salter’s work focuses on the mechanics of fiction, drawing from classic literature and modern storytelling methods. Her writings contribute to discussions on narrative techniques and offer insights for both novice and experienced writers. She has also engaged with African American fiction and poetry, highlighting diverse literary voices.

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