Getting the ratio between reading and writing right.

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.” 

― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

In order for you to write effective, it is important you read. Not only reading technical books on sentence structure but fictional books as well. It’s essential you read novels connected to the genre for the novel you plan to write. Don’t just read the story. Look at the author’s use of dialogue, how they build suspense and how they weave their story.  

As your writing increases, you may discover your reading decreases. If you use reading for relaxation you can imagine how this will have an effect on your mood.

Write Don’t Read

Whether this is writing a review of a novel or connecting on Medium the technique is the same. Many popular writers on medium suggest connecting with other writers through comments. This is a method of increasing your followers. Comment on the work of others but, only when you think you have something to offer. Do not spend your time commenting for the sake of commenting. Commenting will increase your followers but not as quickly as quality writing will. As with any professional relationship, it is important to get this ratio right.

Read Don’t Write

Many medium authors suggest daily publishing. If this is a ratio you cannot manage then it is best to set yourself a target you can achieve. How many articles can you publish whilst still leaving yourself enough time to read.

Personally, I decided on a publishing schedule of twice a week. Daily publishing was something I could not achieve with a full-time job and a newborn.

Daily publishing will grow your followers.  Twice a week publishing has also grown my followers at a slower rate. It is a rate I am happy with enabling me to establish a ratio I am happy with. A schedule that works for you is as essential as quality writing. With a twice-weekly publishing schedule, there is time to read for pleasure. You may even have time for pleasure writing such as journalling if that’s your thing.

You Know Best

Read all the articles for the advice you can find.   The key to becoming a top writer is to find a schedule and method that works for you. Only you know the other pressures on your time. Only you know how much reading is essential to maintain your equilibrium. Only you know how quick you can produce a post. Only you know what your publishing schedule should be.

Be your own writer and enjoy.