Reading Like A Writer By Francine Prose

To read like a writer is to build like an architect, I know you may ask yourself how are the two comparable? How does building help me to “read like a writer” ? In The article “How to Read Like a Writer” author Mike Bunn discussed techniques you can use to construct your own writing style and to better help you understand what you are reading. There were many great tips he gave in what to look for when reading, but i will only list the technique i feel are most useful in the beginners stage of “reading like a writer”. Recording your personal reactions by writing down how the reading made you feel; that way it allows you to connect with the author's purpose of writing. once you understand the author's purpose you can understand what genre

Flower believes that a competent writer must achieve to close the gap between themselves and the reader. The writer cannot close on themselves because they must reach their own knowledge. The writer determines the reader’s needs are by adapting to the reader’s “language” and knowledge on particular subjects. In addition, the writer must contextualize to help solve a problem or to develop an opinion. In essence, the writer has to suite the reader's attitude and knowledge for them to create an imagine of what the writer’s overall meaning and lesson.

In “One Writer’s Beginnings,” by Eudora Welty, a short story writer. She recalls early experiences of her interest in books that later impacted her craft in becoming a writer of fiction. Welty’s language conveys the intensity and value through these experiences. Also, her use of syntax, diction, and flashbacks helps evoke her being into literature.

Another big point in Prose’s essay is the assignments associated with high school literature. She argues that teachers make students write around the books and not about the books they read. “No wonder students are rarely asked to consider what was actually written by these hopeless racists and sociopaths. Instead, they’re told to write around the book, or, better yet, write their own books,” (430). The assignments that teachers give these days are nto about the book or the story itself. They usually ask the student to rewrite the ending, or ask what the student would do if they were in the same situation as the character. Prose argues that high school students are seen as having the same experience as some of the characters they read about, such as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. “And is it any wonder that

Reading has the power to broaden my perspective, expand my mind, and take me on an adventure far away from reality. Unsurprisingly, I am very enthusiastic about reading and it has earned its title as my favorite pastime. Admittedly, before this class, I usually chose to read my favorite genre, fictional novels, and would only read nonfiction books on occasion. This was due to my illusory belief that only a work of fiction would have the power to whisk me off into another world and evoke powerful emotions. However, after the first three lessons, I was challenged to read literature from all kinds of different genres, including speeches. I was astounded by how much I enjoyed all of the different works of literature. They were able to take me on an adventure, regardless of the genre.

Prior to attending Mrs. William’s English Comp 1 class, I felt marginally confident about my writing, however, I knew I needed improvement. You visually perceive, I’ve been out of school for proximately thirty-three years and honestly, not knowing what to expect these questions arose, “Can I genuinely write”? “What type of writing will be required”? “How well will I do”? When I stepped into the classroom and gazed about the room, I felt out of my element. The students were much younger and more keenly intellective than recollections but, I was here for a reason and that was to improve my writing. During my childhood, reading was a passion of mine, reading often and reading more books than I can recollect. As I reflect, reading a great deal

I stare at the bolt at my feet. This was my doing. Humans killed the lizardmen. Why? Why did they kill my friends? Why did I not tell them to spare the lizardmen?

I am glad I got to read what Prose wrote about learning to write by reading. This explains why I am not a good writer, because I have never been a good reader either. I grew up in a culture where reading was very rare, plus finding a book to read was hard. I do agree with her that reading enhances writing. Most of the time when I write I tend to follow the tone or the structure of what I read before. I also agree with her that sometimes a good writer puts you to shame. I have read peer papers in class before and sometimes I was blown away by the good work I was reading.

Welty discusses her practice of writer’s voice, for it is the same as a reader’s voice. She describes it as not the reader’s voice but an inward human voice. Welty believes it is the voice of the story or poem; this “reader-voice” climbs out of the book and into the reader’s mind to express an author’s story. A great story requires a great reader-voice; this voice must reach a wide audience. It must communicate a work so that any and all readers are absorbed into the universe the writer produces. Welty has faith that this voice can generate wonderful worlds; when Welty writes, she trusts this voice to encourage her to convey her imagination into a book. Writer’s voice portrays the author’s ideas and thoughts, but it must also require the truth.

Anna Quindlen’s reading How Reading Changed My Life was a writing about how throughout her life literature has helped her evolve into a writer. She agrees with Katherine Paterson ’s quote to an extent: “ I increasingly feel a sense of pity toward my fellow writers who spend their lives writing for a speeded-up audience of adults. They look at me, I realize, with a patronizing air, I who write for the young.

In this first chapter, Lamott emphasizes the importance of writing within literature of her former students. She tells about how her students enjoy writing and would constantly seek her advice for finding people who would publish their works. In the beginning, Lamott states that she herself loves to write and gives vivid explanations about her own experiences with writing.

It was rare for me to see my extended family, but I remember always being intent on getting my Aunt Diane’s attention. When I did go to her house, she would envelop me in her arms as I peeked into her tutoring room, stacked with books and bowls of jelly beans and cashews. Ostensibly for students, she would encourage me to steal a handful. Soon, the warmest of interrogations would begin: “What book are you reading?”, a question for which I learned to prepare. We discussed characters who broke her heart—“could you believe how Dorian Gray turned his back on Basil?”—or those she fell in love with—isn’t the first line, ‘Howard Roark laughed’, so enthralling?”. She ingrained in me how books open up new worlds and that “the great reader of literature is destined to become a great reader of life.” With infectious passion and the kindest of smiles, she was the one who encouraged me to read books, and to love

When I first started researching my focus was about the author, Francine Prose. Finding facts about her was not very challenging. The first thing I did was I Googled “Francine Prose” and there were exactly 400,000 results. I decided to use the first site, wikipedia.com and I gained my first fact which is that she is a novelist, a short story writer, essayist, and a critic.

I cannot make other writers’ creative choices for them but I can train a reader’s eye. Close reading is the heart of my creative writing courses because a writer must strive to be a perfect reader; a successful writing process depends on skilled reading practices. I will encourage Emory University’s creative writing students to become better readers of fiction and creative nonfiction and they will grow into better writers for it.

Literature is one of the most dynamic subjects known to today’s society. The world of literature is constantly evolving, bringing in new authors and genres as generations come and go. Writing as a discipline is made of many different and equally important parts, such as a riveting plot, relatable characters, and astonishing world building. Good literature makes one feel involved with the work, as opposed to being a stranger in a strange land. Good literature is what every author strives for when they set out to writing; they all want to be the next J.K. Rowling, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, or Brontë sister. According to Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner, good writing is constructed by analyzing the “problems of the human heart