This semester, we have a few readings that specifically address reading. These readings help us learn about ourselves as readers and writers. This week, we’re reading Mike Bunnās āHow to read like a Writer.ā
In a comment below, include a piece of advice or a technique Bunn recommends. Copy his words into your comment (that is, quote him), and note the page number from the article. Then paraphrase what heās saying. Hereās the tricky part: be sure not to duplicate what anyone else wrote. That means you have to read everyone elseās comments, and if the one you want to write about has already appeared, you have to find a new one! When we’re done, we’ll have a great list of advice!
“Reading like a writer can help you understand how the process of writing is a series of making choices, and in doing so, can help you recognize important decisions you might face and techniques you might want to use when working on your own writing. Reading this way becomes an opportunity to think and learn about writing, “Mike Bunn (75).
Reading like a writer helps you realize how significant decisions may be encountered and approached while writing. This helps one understand that the process of writing involves making choices and thinking of the impact it may have and to evaluate the techniques one decides to use.
“You are reading to see how something was constructed so that you can construct something similar yourself.”- Mike Bunn (74)
The point he is trying to emphasize is that in order for you to become an accomplished writer or a good writer you first need to see how it is written. In that case the only way for you to see how something is written you first need to read. For example, If you wanted to write a fictional piece you would first need to know what a fictional piece looks and sounds like.
“I think a lot of the way I read, of course, depends on the type of text Iām reading. If Iām reading philosophy, I always look for signaling words (however, therefore, furthermore, despite) indicating the direction of the argument . . . when I read fiction or creative nonfiction, I look for how the author inserts dialogue or character sketches within narration or environmental observation. After reading To the Lighthouse [sic] last semester, I have noticed how much more attentive Iāve become
to the types of narration”. Mike Bunn (77)
To properly comprehend the literature, seek signaling words and conversations. The details are what’s important that the author uses for you to understand the writing.
āKnowing ahead of time what kind of writing assignments you will be asked to complete can really help you to read like a writer.ā Mike Bunn (78)
Being aware ahead of time what type of writing assignments Iām going to be asked to write about, can be really allow me to get ready and search for whatās Iām asked for.
When we read like writers we understand and participate in the writing. We see the choices the writer has made, and we see how the writer has coped with the consequences of those choices . . . We āseeā what the writer is doing because we read as writers; we see because we have written ourselves and know the territory, know the feel of it, know some of the moves our- selves. (61)
When we put ourselves in the perspective of the writer, we understand and engage in writing more commonly. We start to notice the choices that the writer has done, and his improvements from his mistakes. We see what the what the writer does because we have been in his/hers shoes, we share the same hardships as them.
“Reading as a writer would compel me to question what might have brought the author to make these decisions, and then decide what worked and what didnāt. What could have made that chapter better or easier to understand? How can I make sure I include some of the good attributes of this writing style into my own? How can I take aspects that I feel the writer failed at and make sure not to make the same mistakes in my writing? Questioning why the author made certain decisions. Considering what techniques could have made the text better. Deciding how to include the best attributes of what you read in your own writing. This is what Reading Like a Writer is all about.” (85)
– Asking questions while reading, trying to understand what the piece of the reading itself is trying to tell you. Whether it has one, two or multiple meanings Inside of it. That’s the purpose of ‘Reading Like a Writer’. Its like re-writing the story without actually re-writing it. Then when its your turn to write it, you avoid the mistakes you pointed out while reading and highlight the things that stood out to you the most.