Do I Have to Read to Write?

The Hidden Ways Reading Sharpens Your Writing

Photo by NegiPho on Unsplash

I see this question far too often in online writer’s groups. People who ask if they have to be readers to become writers are missing the obvious. Would a doctoral student ask if he had to study the human body or illnesses to be a doctor? Would a house painter ask if he needed to understand different types of brushes and rollers to become a painter? They would not, because they know that to reach a larger goal, they must first understand the key elements.

However, the question also reveals that new writers often overlook the deeper reasons behind being a voracious reader. The benefits of reading go far beyond expanding our vocabulary, introducing us to new ideas, or picking up a few storytelling tricks. Reading actively shapes a writer’s instincts in ways that are almost invisible but profoundly important. It trains your brain to recognize the rhythms of great storytelling, sharpens your ability to analyze what makes writing effective, and deepens your understanding of human emotion and perspective. If you want to become a better writer, reading isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Reading trains your creative instincts

When my children were young, they studied Suzuki piano. This method teaches students to play by ear…