People who want to become writers can learn a lot from books. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find the time to sit down and read a whole book when you have so much on your to-do list. That’s why, when you’re reading a book, you might find yourself going through an ebook version instead.
An ebook is a great way to learn about writing without having to worry about putting down a physical copy on paper. It’s usually cheaper, too, which means you can buy several at a time, so you can read as many as you want without feeling guilty about spending too much money.
The downside is that you have to learn to use an ebook reading device, which can sometimes be a chore. But if that’s something you’re not used to, it can be worth it. Keep reading for tips on how to learn about writing using an ebook device.
Try Before You Buy
When you’re deciding which books to purchase, it’s important to do some research first. There are plenty of free books online that you can read for inspiration, but you should only buy those that you feel confident will improve your own writing. Sometimes, it can be hard to know if certain books are going to be worth the investment, especially if you’re not familiar with the genre or authorship. That’s why it’s a good idea to try out a few of the books before making a decision. If you do end up buying one, you’ll know it’s something you’ll want to continue reading.
What Should You Read To Learn About Writing?
As a beginner, it’s important to identify what kind of books you’ll need to read to learn about writing. There are several different types of books that you might find helpful, so you need to figure out which ones are most appropriate for you. For example, if you’re trying to write an essay for school, you might find that the kind of books listed below will help you get started:
- Creative Writing (Fiction and non-fiction)
- The Elements of Style (AP English Language and Composition)
- How to Write an Winning Speech (Speech Communications)
- How to Write a Novel (General fiction)
- How to Write a Screenplay
If you’re looking to learn how to write an autobiography, you might need to read a bit of history. The best book for that would be:
- Autobiography: As I See It
- Autobiography: Reflections on Growing Up
- A Few Good Men: The Best of Bob Woodward’s Life in Politics
- Lives of the Great American Songwriters: The Stories Behind the Hits
- When the Levee Breaks: A Documentary Novel
If you are writing a technical manual, you’ll need to learn a lot of details about the topic. To learn more specifically about writing technical manuals, you could read:
- The Waterford Guide to Technical Manuals
- How to Write a Killer Business Plan
- Business Plan Guide: An Easy‐to‐Follow Step‐by‐Step Approach
- The Art of the Deal: Lessons from the Life and Career of Roger Ailes
If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to read a lot of biographies. Many successful entrepreneurs started with just a simple idea and minimal resources, and they ended up creating something extraordinary. To learn more about the grit and determination it takes to succeed in business, you could read:
- The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
- Pioneers in Their Time: Great Americans Who Changed the World
- The Man in the Brown Suit: Richard Whitney’s Extraordinary Life in Business
- American Odyssey: The Epic Journey of an American Family
- The Rise and Fall of the House of Tudor
If you’re a history buff, you could learn a lot by reading a good book about WWI, which started in 1914. To get started, you could begin with:
- J. D. Campbell’s The Rise of Rosa Park
- Joseph L. Maltby’s A Companion to History
- Bernard A. Scott’s The Great War: A Stepwise Guide
- The First World War: A History
- The World War I Centenary: An Encyclopedia
- G. D. Hilton’s The First World War: A Short History
As You Read, Be Creative
While reading is important, you need to be creative as you write. Coming up with ideas for an essay or novel is easier if you’re actively engaged in the process. That’s why it’s important to set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just a few sentences here and there. You might find it helpful to write little story snippets in a notebook, to help you find the ideas when the time comes.
Get Comfortable
To get the most out of your books, you need to find a place where you’re comfy. If you’re reading on an uncomfortable position (such as in bed), it can be difficult to keep your body relaxed, which may lead to poor concentration and maybe even a sleeping torpor. That’s why it’s important to find a quiet spot where you’ll be able to read in comfort, and to set the spot up correctly so that you can focus without being disturbed.
Take Notes
As you read, take notes. Not only will this help you remember important details, it will also help you flesh out ideas, create character studies, and analyze plots. You can use a piece of graph paper or even a napkin to make notes on, so you can find the information when you need it. Plus, you can use the notes to revisit the ideas and concepts you’ve gathered from reading the book. This is an effective way to learn, and it doesn’t require a lot of effort. In most cases, you can simply highlight or underline parts of the text that interest you the most.
Join A Society
Depending on where you are, there may be a literary society that gets together once a week, to discuss books and writing. If enough people get involved, they can form a book club and choose a title each month that everyone reads and brings something to the table. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you could join a society and start making connections. It’s a great way to meet people who share your interests, and it can be a great resource for learning about books, writing, and publishing. Don’t be afraid to put in the effort to find the group near you. Sometimes, it can take a little digging to find the right place.
Take Advantage Of All The Features
If you’ve downloaded a book to your Kindle, there are several features that you can take advantage of. If you’re reading on a tablet or mobile device, you can use a tool like Kindle Cloud Reader to read books in the New York Times novel format. That way, you can use a tablet device’s SleekReader app to access your entire Cloud Reader library, containing all your Kindle books. With SleekReader, you can also make notes on the fly, while reading, which is a great way to learn.
Make Sure You Practice
Even if you have years of experience, it’s important to continue practicing. There are several aspects to writing that can even experienced authors and published authors sometimes struggle with. If you decide to take writing seriously and want to improve your craft, it’s a good idea to take a class or join a writing group, so that you can get feedback, and continue your education.