I could not have developed my voice as a writer had I not read many other writers throughout my life. Now I read only those writers whose style I like so that they can influence my own style. Some of my favorites include Flannery O’Connor, Ernest Hemingway and Edward Abbey. I read descriptions more than dialogue because I feel pretty confident in my skill of writing dialogue. I feel that I will be honing my skill of writing description for the rest of my life, and I’m grateful for having this goal as it gives me something to work towards. I write lines that I think are really beautifully and or vividly written. I read these lines over and over and eventually, I hear the voices come through me and end up within my own writing.
This post is from my blog series, “Tips for Writing Fiction.” Be sure to check out my Greco Family Trilogy books, which include Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. These books are available from all major online book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
