Recently, someone asked me an intriguing question: “Do you enjoy reading?” And it’s funny, as the question actually gave me pause, and I had to take a moment to gather my thoughts. After all, my relationship with books has been a bit volatile in recent years.

Of course, the short answer is indeed a resounding yes! I love reading. But there’s more to this story, and it’s what made me take a moment to consider my answer. 

When Books Were No Longer My Friend—a Temporary Setback

Before my marital separation back in 2019, I was an avid reader, often devouring two to three books per month. Books were my escape and my solace. However, when the separation happened, and my side hustle picked up, my life took a drastic turn. Balancing a full-time job, my growing side hustle, and becoming a single parent (mostly) to my teenage son left me little time or energy for reading. Plus, the books I once loved often triggered painful memories, so I avoided them altogether.

Fast-forward to now. Writing my book, “Perseverance. Reinvention,” has been a cathartic experience. It helped me let go of some of those triggers and move past that painful time. Oddly enough, this path has reignited my love for reading. I’ve found that I can once again get lost in a good story. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a positive shift in my productivity since diving back into books. My vocabulary is expanding, and I’m getting more ideas to weave into my content.

Do Writers Read and Do Readers Write?

This brings me to an interesting thought: Do writers read, and do readers write? Many writers, myself included, find that reading is a super important part of our craft. Stephen King once said, “If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.” 

And today, I couldn’t agree more. Reading helps writers in so many ways:

• Inspiration: Reading other authors’ work can spark new ideas for your own writing. This has happened to me, even quite recently. 
• Learning: It exposes us to different writing styles, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and more.
• Context: Reading gives writers a context to write from and can help avoid dull or conventional writing.
• Pleasure: Some writers, including myself, find reading to be enjoyable in its own right.

Moreover, a Harvard study found that top-performing CEOs and most billionaires read more books than the average person, sometimes up to four books per month. So, clearly, this shows that reading can significantly impact one’s success and knowledge.

Adding to My Book Wishlist

Before I get into what I’m reading now, I have to share a short story. A few weeks back, I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended a Bookstagram meeting in Minneapolis. The attendees below to an Instagram group and are all avid readers and book enthusiasts. 

Selfishly, I attended to give out a copy of my book and ask a real book reader to read it and share their thoughts—something I hope to see happen sooner rather than later. But before the meeting got too far down the path, I shared my struggles getting back into reading with some of the other women at the table.

Instead of taking up a conversation with someone else, they leaned into my challenge. Two of the women, in particular, asked me question after question about my preferred tropes and settings, taking in the information to help provide me with some recommendations. And the recommendations came pouring in.

By the time I had left the brewery (how fun it is that they meet at a different brewery every month), I had a bundle of books in my Amazon cart. All I needed to do was make the purchase. And for those of you reading and cringing that I would give all my book business to Amazon when there are local booksellers out there, let me reassure you that I didn’t give them all the business. I created a wishlist, and I have made some recent purchases with Valley Bookseller in Stillwater, MN, and Niche Books in Lakeville, MN. My book collecting is once again growing.

What Books Am I Reading Now?

Let’s talk about what I’m reading now. I’ve just started diving into some of my favorite books again, and it feels like reuniting with old friends. Whether fiction or nonfiction, each book offers something unique and valuable. Here is what is on my list of completed reads over the last few weeks.

• Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
• Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
• The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
• Getting Thru: The Worst Possible Thing by Jim Williams

Okay, I have to admit that I read that last one a couple of months ago. However, its worth a big callout as it is an excellent read from a former colleague of mine. I highly recommend you check it out to help support another new author and to learn what he and his wife went through when they lost their only son. It’s a beautiful memoir.

So, this resurgence in reading has been a joy and has also positively impacted my work. Even those fiction books have given me some ideas to weave into business topics—imagine that!!

As far as what I am reading now, I have two going on simultaneously.

• Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
• The Guncle by Steven Rowley – I have this one queued up on Audible to easy listening when out walking the dog or driving in my car

A Better Content Writer Because I Read Books

For those wondering about content writing near me or looking for a copywriting expert, know that my love for reading plays a huge role in the quality of my work. Books are a wellspring of inspiration and learning, and I’m excited to see how this renewed passion will continue to influence my writing.

In conclusion, yes, writers do read, and readers can write. The two activities are intertwined, each feeding the other in a continuous loop of creativity and growth. If you’re a writer, I encourage you to pick up a book and see how it transforms your writing. And if you’re a reader with a story to tell, don’t be afraid to put pen to paper. You might surprise yourself.

So, what are you reading now? Let’s share our favorite books and continue this literary journey together.