Reading like a writer

Source: Wikimedia Commons public domain image.

The ability to read like a writer is one important skill you’ll need to master to become a successful college composition student. I always like to say that “reading like a writer” is analogous to “looking at a building like an architect.” I am not an architect, but I can still look at a building and appreciate its aesthetic beauty. But a trained architect can look at a building, appreciate its aesthetic qualities, and also expertly explain the construction and design techniques that went into making the building beautiful. In a like manner, a writer can read a story or essay and appreciate it aesthetically, but also read to understand how the piece of literature was constructed. A writer may ask, what techniques did the author use to create certain effects, and how can I experiment with those same techniques in my own writing? This is why I’m a big fan of reading a story or essay more than once. Read the first time for basic understanding and aesthetic enjoyment. Then read the second time with the “eye of a writer” to comprehend the design elements that led to your enjoyment (or perhaps the design flaws that led to your consternation!). To this end, most readings in a good composition class will serve as both materials to prompt ideas for writing topics and class discussion and as models of accomplished writing styles that can be imitated. Remember, writers are never “just” reading, but always seeking fresh techniques to hone their craft.

© 2014 Bob Dial.  All rights reserved.