Writers are Reading the Wrong Books
from The Wordslinger Podcast Hosted by J. Kevin Tumlinson
A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading. Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different? In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing. We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine. Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference. What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why Writers Need to Read 00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading? 01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction 02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different 03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre 04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics 04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader 06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations 07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling 08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice 09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit 09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day 10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now 11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going 12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career. Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be. Subscribe today and let's keep writing! FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger
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In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is essential to becoming a better writer—and why the books you choose matter. From reading within your genre to exploring classics and books outside your comfort zone, Kevin explains how reading helps develop your unique writing voice and strengthen your storytelling instincts. He also shares his simple 20-pages-a-day reading habit and explains how reading widely, deeply, and consistently can transform your writing over time.
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