Read, read, read

It’s safe to say one of the reasons we considered writing a novel is we like to read. It’s important to read for a few reasons.

For one thing, you never want your mind to grow stagnant. Reading stimulates the brain. That’s the scientist in me making that statement (although I’m not a scientist). The artist in me appreciates that the writer paints a picture with words. Check out this article on canvas and pen: Painting Emotion.

My dad once told me if I want to be a good speller I should read a lot. He was right. I’m a good speller. I grew up reading The Hardy Boys, Alfred Hitchcock’s Three Detectives series, plus Edgar Allan Poe, the classics and numerous monster magazines. I was one of those rare kids that read newspapers and Readers Digest. Did I mention I’m a good speller?

Both of my daughters have the same love for reading. They devour the latest bestsellers at a rate that sometimes amazes me. We should own stock in Borders and Amazon. Little sister reads anywhere: blow drying her hair getting ready for school while simultaneously reading, in the examining room waiting for the doctor.

Young adult readers are smart, passionate and loyal. They know what they like and what they don’t like. It’s important to keep up with the latest bestsellers for the genre in which you’re writing. Read, read, read. Then read some more.

Tags: bestsellers, read, research, young adult readers