My first encounter with James Joyce’s Ulysses was a jarring experience. The dense paragraphs and abstract concepts left me feeling frustrated, but also eager to understand what I was missing.
I soon realized that my approach to reading was all wrong, I’d been taught to read “literally,” breaking down each sentence into its surface-level meaning, without considering the writer’s intentions or techniques. This method only led to confusion when tackling complex texts like Joyce’s masterpiece.
A turning point came when I started reading with a writer’s perspective. I began to analyze the author’s choices and techniques, shifting from passive recipient to co-creator. This approach not only helped me understand the text better but also equipped me with valuable skills for my own writing.
One key aspect of this new approach is paying attention to language itself. Rather than getting caught up in plot or characters’ emotions, I started examining the prose to reveal its subtlety. For example, how do your favorite authors use adjectives and adverbs? Do they create vivid scenes through sensory details or craft distinctive voices for each character?
Take John Steinbeck’s East of Eden as an example. In a pivotal passage, he writes: “I know it and yet I don’t know it, and that is what makes me know it.” Here, Steinbeck employs repetition to convey Cal Trask’s emotional state, but also creates a meta-level commentary on the nature of knowledge itself.
Steinbeck’s structural decisions reveal his artistic vision. His use of non-linear storytelling, for instance, influences authors like Toni Morrison in Beloved. Each book builds upon the next, with writers borrowing techniques and pushing boundaries.
As I finished Ulysses, I felt exhilarated by the experience, it was no longer just a challenging read but an artistic achievement that demanded attention, analysis, and creativity. If you want to tap into this transformative reading experience, remember: it’s not about dissecting symbolism or analyzing every word. It’s about recognizing the writerly craft at work.
When approaching a new book, ask yourself: What is the author trying to do here? How are they telling this story? What can I learn from their techniques to apply in my own work?
This mindset change has had a profound impact on my reading experience, and my writing. Reading like a writer deepens your understanding of literature and fuels your creativity, making you a more thoughtful and skilled writer in the process.