Why Reading Helps You Start Writing After 60
Before you pick up that pen or open your laptop, I have a little secret to share: Don’t start writing, start reading.
Sounds backward, doesn’t it? But it works.
Sometimes, before you dive into your story, you just need to fall in love with words again. Reading reminds you why you wanted to write in the first place.
Before One Is a Writer, One Is a Reader
If you’re having trouble getting started, give yourself permission to just read for a while. Take three months, yes, three whole months and simply read.
No pressure to write anything. No guilt. Just reading.
Read the books you love. Read the ones that make you laugh, cry, or think, “I wish I’d written that!” Read books like the ones you’d like to write.
And while you’re at it, keep a reading log.
Write down the titles, authors, and what you loved about them. Did the opening grab you? Did you like the characters, the tone, the humor, or the message? What didn’t you like? All of this teaches you what kind of writer you want to be.
Learn from the Writers You Admire
When you read widely, you’re studying how stories work without even realizing it.
You’ll start noticing things like:
- How writers begin a story and pull you in.
- How they transition between ideas.
- How they use humor or emotion to keep readers hooked.
And here’s the best part: You’ll learn how to do it your way.
Reading Sparks Writing Inspiration
Reading fills your creative well. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right?
The more you read, the more ideas you’ll have. You’ll find yourself saying, “Oh, I could write something like that, but with my twist.”
Before long, you’ll feel that familiar itch to start writing again.
My Favorite Reading Tip (And a Little Story)
One of my nieces gave me a beautiful reading journal a while back. Each page lets you jot down what you read, when you read it, what you loved, what made you laugh, even what didn’t work.
Now I use it to track everything from fiction to travel books to memoirs. It helps me see patterns such as what stories really move me, and what kind of stories I want to tell.
So, if you’re serious about writing, start by filling your reading journal. You might be surprised how quickly those pages inspire your own.
Read. Reflect. Then Write Boldly.
Reading isn’t procrastination. It’s preparation.
When you give yourself time to read, you’re building the foundation for writing with confidence and joy. You’re reminding yourself of the beauty and rhythm of language, and giving your creativity a gentle nudge.
So, before you start typing, grab a book.
Let it teach you, inspire you, and remind you why your story deserves to be told.
And when you are ready to start writing, read my article, How to Start Writing After 60.
