Readers Are the Best Writers

It's the truth. No writer can survive by writing alone. Reading is a crucial aspect to being a writer. After all, hidden between the pages of a novel are the secrets to good fiction writing. Reading is inspiring and it helps us understand how to be good writers. The best writers are always readers.
In my mind, there are three different kinds of books writers need to be reading.
1. Writing Guides
Duh. In order to more fully understand the writer's craft you should be reading books about writing. When I first started, I read every novel writing book I could get my hands on. I suggest you do the same. Here are some ideas:

• Writing Fiction For Dummies
• This book is awesome from the planning stage to the publishing stage.
• Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway
• This book is a must. I'm currently reading it and it's the most clear guide on writing I've ever read.
• How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
• Definitely check this out Science Fiction and Fantasy writers.
• 90 Days to Your Novel
• This book is split up for those who are anxious to finish but feel overwhelmed.
• A Writer's Guide to Character Traits
• This is awesome for creating three dimensional characters.

2. Classics

This is something I struggle with. I've never been that into the classics. Jane Austen, George Orwell, eh. But I truly do think every writer should invest some time with these kinds of books. There's a reason these books are classics, people. Here are some examples:

• J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• The Great Gastby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

3. Fiction

Now for the fun stuff. To be a fiction writer, it's crucial that you read the kinds of books that you write. So below are lists of books to read depending on what genre you write. These are not the only things you can read but just some ideas to get you started.

Fantasy and Science Fiction:

• A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
• Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Romance:

• The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
• The List by Melanie Jacobson
• The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum
• White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Young Adult:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Historical Fiction:

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusack
• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• The Undaunted by Gerald Lund

Those are just a few examples. Of course there are plenty more genres to choose from. If you want to see more options, a great place to look is https://www.goodreads.com/genres. 

Start reading today. Even if you aren't writing anything yet, read. It'll make a huge difference.

Have any books to add to any of these lists? Leave a comment!