40. Reading like a writer & what that means

Have you heard this advice read like a writer but have wondered what does that actually mean? 

In today's episode, you are going to learn how this practice helps strengthen your writing, which books you should apply this approach to, and how to actually read like a writer. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Books that resonate
• Subconsciously learning through imitation
• Deciding what lessons and techniques to keep and not keep 
• Identifying what you don’t like
• Recognizing the patterns of storytelling
• Choosing books to read like a writer
• Understanding decisions regarding structure
• How to look at the book’s big picture
• How to study the first chapter
• How to observe the way the author handles transitions
• How and why you should track predictions and breadcrumbs
• How to study passages that suck you into the story
• How to study passages you find boring
• What to notice regarding how chapters tend to end

About Erin: 

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for more than 15 years as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals. 

She always planned to write a book. Then she had kids. While she focused on them, she stopped writing—for six years. Something deep inside was missing. Depression, anxiety, and anger forced her to search for herself, both for her sake and her family’s.

Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again. One journal entry led to one blog post that led to her creating her podcast, Parents Who Write. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help others pursue their writing dreams.

Finally, she finished writing her own shitty first draft and will release her first novel in 2023. She earned her MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she lives with her husband and their two boys in Maryland.

Connect with Erin: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning 
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning  
• Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite 
• Book a free 30-minute consultation call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting 

Send us a text

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