How do you personally study writing?

When you read, don’t just passively follow along with the plot. Read with intention. Be aware of how the author chose to let the story unfold. Be aware of how the author organized each section. Be aware of their sentence structure and word choice. Be aware of how they chose to develop characters. Whether the writing is good or bad, reading with this intention will help your own writing.

The MOST important thing is to write and write and write.

Here's one thing I do. After finishing a book I enjoy, I pay a lot of attention to the first chapter.

I'm fascinated with great first chapters. I try to pinpoint where and how they introduce conflict to the reader. Sometimes it's even the first sentence. I also continue reading and look for how the writer is manipulating us to expect a certain outcome, only to be blindsided last moment.

Let me explain by using a very popular series.

In The Hunger Games, we shouldn't have been surprised that Prim was selected. The first thoughts Katniss have are about her sister Prim and the Reaping. This automatically connects the two and establishes Katniss as the survivor/protector type when Collins later goes on to write how Katniss provides for her family by hunting and trading. Skillfully, Collins plays with our expectations. And when Prim's name is called, not only does it add a layer of shock, but it also endears the reader to Katniss when she volunteers to protect her sister.

Pay attention to the first couple of chapters, folks.

Edit: I also want to say the same could be said for the ending of The Hunger Games.

Recently I tried the notecard method when reading anything, but I felt it was not efficient for me. So created a folder in Google Docs and I have a separate document for every "story" based activity that I do. I track the story of books, movies, shows, videos games, etc. and I do what most people do. Give my thoughts, highlights, and focus on how the story made me feel. Doing this has helped me with comprehension and understanding what I appreciate about writing / storytelling.

Aside from the obvious (active reading and writing), I personally do my best to pay attention to the world around me.

More specifically, I apply observational skills I would use as if I were sketching. Instead of drawing a picture, I try to describe what I see as if a character observed it for the first time. I also expand upon this with the other senses, especially sounds and smells. A fun exercise utilizes people watching, preferably within a busy area. Instead of trying to sketch fast-moving people as quickly as I can while they walk by, I take note of what I notice about them first: what they're wearing, how they move, the hint of perfume perchance...etc.

I also try to reflect upon personal experiences. This ranges anywhere from times in sports where my team struggled from the bottom of a tournament's bracket to experiencing the jubilation of winning the championship despite the odds...to something as isolating as losing a parent upon reaching adulthood and being surrounded by peers that don't understand how I can't just "get over it" (both true stories). These experiences allow me to analyze and convey the human condition, themes and the like relatable to many (if not all). My desire to do this, naturally leads to me to read widely and deeply as I search for ways to express these experiences and apply them to characters.

It's also cathartic.
Hope this helps and best of luck!

Well, I find an author like KM Weiland who's a great fiction writer but also has a book for most areas of the writer's toolkit. Then I read a lot of fiction in my chosen genre, seeing how they construct scenes, character arc choices, examine their structure, etc.

I'm attending university with a major in English and a concentration in Creative Writing, but that's mostly for the networking and opportunities I wouldn't have had on my own at home (I also live at my school, so that influences my decision, as well).

The most important thing outside of formal education for me has always been reading - reading things I love, reading things I hate, re-reading things I haven't read in a long time, etc. I personally annotate when I do this, but you could also just mentally process things on your own and jot down quick notes when you feel like it. I don't pressure myself to finish anything since I'm extremely picky and I believe that there are too many good things to read to waste my time reading things I don't like. But, if I don't finish something, I try to write down or process why I didn't like it and had to put it down. Learning what not to do is just as important as learning what to do.

When reading something I like, I try to be very specific when referencing why I like it - I despise blind, careless consumption. Sometimes the answer is as simple as "I really enjoy the way that sounds", or "That's something I've always wanted to see", but there has to be a why. I also take notes on the author's style & diction choices, since the technical construction is just as important to me as the plot/story.

When re-reading, I try to focus on how much the work holds up over time. If I read something as a teen, how do I like it as an adult? If I read it a year ago, how does it read now? What has changed, what has stayed the same?

I hope that helps!

1) Reading top-quality fiction and nonfiction and paying attention to how each writer uses the language.

2) Studying the language.

3) Watching top-quality film—screenwriters are the masters of dialogue; actors, of body language.

4) Interacting with a variety of different people and studying unfamiliar topics.

5) Practicing powers of observation in public. What’s the first thing I notice about each person? What about the setting, is it the high tin ceilings, the iridescent colors of the jukebox? What about the sounds, the smells?

Reading and Research.

I went down a Rabbit Hole of prologues very recently. When and why you should use them, and some good examples. It’s usually not needed, but for some things it’s absolutely necessary. Game of Thrones or Harry Potter are great examples. Jurassic Park has two prologues, which I find deliciously amusing, but Forgot about as it‘s been decades since I read it.

Every Author has their own style and voice, along with what they’re good at. Then look at their sentence structure and how they convey information.

I consume a ton of writing media like Brandon Sanderson’s free lectures on YouTube and various podcasts.

I just read. I need to read bad fiction as well as good though.

Take a piece of writing from an author you like. Space it out sentence by sentence to open it up and see what they did to conjure that creative magic.

I read. A LOT of the genre I'm writing. Mental notes on what I like and don't like.

Please please get your hands on a copy of a usage dictionary.  Garners Modern English Usage 5e is great and the contemporary standard for professional writing, but any edition of Garners as well as really any edition of Fowlers Modern English Usage is a tremendous boon for the writer.  A copy of Garner 5e runs you about 75 bucks, so personally I would recommend just checking out whatever your library has and spending some time with it.  By my Garner is full of notes and flags, and I have learned sooo much stuff just from poking around in the sections which interest me.  All kinds of great info in there.  Now, applying it is kind of a separate thing.  But I really dont think usage dictionaries are dicussed enough.

I deconstruct and take apart my favourite works of fiction, understand why I love them, what makes them work. I read books/articles/blog posts about writing from other writers, and watch videos, too. I study in my favourite genres. And most of all, I write!

Advances trail and error. Notice patterns in writing I read, repeat and change patters, trail, error, repeat, trail, success, good, I just gained a new ability.

one of my favorites is writing the parts of speech above each word.

"...it was the way it glistened on the blood flowing ceaselessly from the flesh, and on the silver bodies of flies clustering on wounds." (Mishima - Sun and Steel)

pn v ar n. pn. v. p. ar. n. v particple. av. p. ar. n. c. p. ar. adj. n. p. nv part. p. n

pn - pronoun, n - noun, v verb, ad- adjective, p - preposition, av - adverb, c- conjunction, ar - article

Pretty hard to do in a reddit comment - I use notability or just pencil it on page. It gave me a deeper understanding of words, sentence structure, and word purpose

Read, write everyday is the best way. Whenever I was really trying to get better I put together a list of writing mechanics that I practiced weekly, then daily, then got burned out. Lol.

I like to write. Just burn my pen straight out of ink and ache my hand straight out of legibility

I try to read popular published books a lot so I can get get a feel of what gets published. Then I aim to do better basically lol

I only keep my moat favorite books and those that I like the prose or format of, for inspiration. Everything else gets recorded into a journal and passed along.

Always always have a screenshot/text folder for ideas. Anything goes! Sometimes I screenshot writing tips, things that give me character or storyline inspiration, interesting (famous) people I want to base ideas off of... everything gets recorded lol

I study how my favourite authors write in detail, annotating during rereads. Also, by trying out different writing exercises (for fun too, not just for getting better).

I also know several people that like writing too, and we can ask eachother for feedback. I think feedback from fresh eyes is very valuable. Asking them what they took away from the story, how they would summarise it in their own words, is a good indicator of what you need to adjust.

Have you seen George Saunders’s StoryClub? Think that would be helpful!

Personally I do a lot of reading, and then I do a lot of writing, keep writing, and you'll get better at it, and also don't stop reading.

Plain and simple: reading. Nothing more. And yes, it is that simple.

Reading and writing regularly. I also write for a living (TV), so I always seek feedback from my executive producer and seniors too.

I read those who are similar to my taste of writing. I break down it structure. I study.

I don’t read stuff that it’s just not for me, but I do try to understand the appeal of it.

I count words per page and all of it elements for timing and pace. I write scripts so the format it’s standard.

I watch free lectures on youtube.

Ever since I started reading my vocabulary has honestly quadrupled- a wide range of vocab is essential for an engaging piece of writing

By reading.

I got a couple of degrees in English which meant studying literature from different cultures and different eras. You don't truly have to go to school to do that, but it does get you out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons. Plus the amount of writing you have to do with that is ridiculous.

i read a lot and also write stories this word counter tool helped a lot for me

I read the books I enjoy or want to emulate in my own writing. Then I analyze the work and why I think it's considered good or bad. I try to do those things I think make it a good book, and try to avoid those things I think make it a bad book.

I wrote a lot.

I read every book on the craft two libraries I had cards to had, and then I started buying them.

I joined classes and peer workshops

I closely analyzed the text of books and stories I liked.

I submitted short stories and poems and the feedback of rejection, encouragement, and finally sales helped me understand where I was on the journey.

After many many years, I really don't study it consciously any longer, not often. Perhaps one book on the craft per year, if it seems to be breaking new ground. And if I run into some technique I've never seen before that really works, I note it mentally.

I basically read a lot. I read the same books over and over. I try to copy a particular author, just for the sake of improving my craft. It helps to think of what you're writing as a practice and not be too attached to the result, otherwise, I can't get started. I started keeping journals. I try to read different stuff, like essays, short stories etc.

By reading extensively.

I like to look at what jumped out to me the most when it comes to books good or bad.

Strengths like Rothfuss's prose, Sanderson's action scenes,Anthony Ryan's dialogue,etc can really draw in a reader. I can typically see a strength that a particular author has no matter if I liked the book or not.

On the other hand you can look at a book you hated and pinpoint why you hated it. Whether it be slow pacing, clunky dialogue or shoddy world building. It's a matter of what you can identify as traits you want in your own writing.

I like reading articles about how to improve writing and choose which one helps me the most by indentifying my problems.

So for me it went like this I never finish a story Why? I never know what happens next Why? I don't have it planned out How do you do that? This article helps me plan it out like this Let's put it to the test Hey it works Let's start writing it I don't know if this is a good first chapter Let's find out what makes a good first chapter I wrote this It's too long Let's find tips on how to edit

So on and so forth. Sure it takes time and it's like baby steps. But for me personally, I like to feel like I'm actively making changes as I go. I see the difference and I feel more sure as I write.

This is going to be boring, but go to actual writing school under professional writers whose work you enjoy and respect. Workshop your pieces with writers who are better than you, and don't get hurt when they gut something you worked REALLY hard on and put your heart into. Listen to their criticism and be willing to make changes to your works that you might not have without an outside suggestion. Love your works without being so attached that you're not willing to edit to improve them.

Read a lot; write a lot.

This thread covers a lot of the learning aspects. One thing I try to do when it comes to application is that in every writing session, I will try to pay extra attention to one particular aspect of my writing - anything from pacing, dialogue, attention to senses, specificity in word choice.

I find it impossible to apply every single piece of advice (that works for me) at once. In general, most of the technical finesse I leave for the editing phase.

But this focus on just that one thing really helps me improve meaningfully one element at a time. And the idea, hopefully, is that I can then get to a point where I start applying subconsciously.

I would listen to books while I worked, probably 30-50 books a year. I don't agree with some of the ideas in the books, and in order to argue against them, I'll write my own novels

I write in my books. It helps me analyze what I like and what I think is working (and why). It's easy for me to take notes, separate my thoughts, and break down sentences and themes so I can go back and review them later.

I love this question.

Tell me, why is there a color theory, and a music theory, but no story-telling theory? I’d argue that there are just as many splotches of color that can be put next to each other, and strings of music notes that can make up a song, as there are words that can make up a story.

But there is no in-depth guides on how to write a good story. Sure you get the boring answers in the books that are like “THESE 10 THINGS ARE ALL YOU NEED TO WRITE A BOOK” and number 2 is like “Find a quiet place in your house.”🙄

I only watch or read things that I think I can learn or be inspired from.

There’s this great YouTuber (localscriptman) that actually details how to roadmap different parts of your story.

i read and see what does and doesn't work.

Lots of different names? doesn't work. descbring in detail how someone looks? doesn't work.

over the top prose? works, humor? works. too many insignificent lose stories? that's a no.

Read books, articles, essays, and watch videos, or take lectures on craft. There are tons of resources out there. After you know how writing and storytelling work, the best way to get to advanced level is to see how it's done in practice. In other words, analyze actual stories.

​That said, when I read, I try not to analyze. I just enjoy the story as much as possible. What I want is the authentic reaction. Reading with analytical mind is like reading with a bias. Even if something is not necessarily bad, but if it goes against what you've learned—your criteria—you might deem it as bad. So, no criteria, no rules, no nothing. Just enjoy the story like any normal reader would.

Once you're done, it's time to reflect and analyze. Again, throw away the criteria, the rules. Here's the truth: there are no rules in writing. The craft techniques, theories, and fundamentals you've learned are just tools to help you write exactly the kind of story you want to write. And if any one of them goes against that, even if it's one of the fundamentals, ignore it completely. It's all about the final product in the end.

​So, when analyze what you've read, see what you like and don't like and use your craft knowledge, the many tools you have, to see what the book did right and wrong and ho​w it achieved the effects, etc.

I… I just read :/

Reading, reading, reading.

I like to know how the sausage is made. It also helped me putting some structure in my writing, and i found I can actually write more easily.

Since you're asking for my personal method remember that this isn't advice, but I don't study, I consume. Same goes for schoolwork and anything else. Studying becomes memorization and copying quickly for me so instead I focus on understanding. I read slowly and take it all in, then my brain auto-summarizes into main points and takeaways. I read on the object and meta level (what the author wrote and what they were trying to write) as well which frankly ruins many books and movies for me. I'm just watching actors act and reading writers' personal little fantasies... It's rough.

For advice, I would suggest you study Good writing by comparing it to Bad writing so you can see the difference.

This might be long…

I’ve been writing for fun most of my life. Just writing and reading helps you see what works and what doesn’t. When I got older I started studying writing, took a few classes in college. It’s a great way to learn in my opinion, not because you have to study writing to be good at it but depending on the medium you write in (novels, nonfiction, screenplays) you get a lot of helpful tips in what is universally interesting or boring when telling stories. Books and articles can also help with that, getting to know “rules” of writing gives you a good base and you can learn which rules to follow religiously and which to sidestep from.

I’ve also done online classes where you peer review each others short stories. It’s very eye opening to read others writing and how they tell a story based off the same writing exercise as you have. How one prompt can lead to such incredibly different stories.

Looking back at your own old writing is also a great way for me. I can easily spot “errors” I’ve made in the past when I no longer feel connected to the text, and see how I could have written it better. In one piece it became painfully obvious that I hadn’t learned what info dumping was yet 😅 but now I have

There are so many great resources out there, especially online. One online lecture taught me about my “writer origin story” that apparently is a universal thing for writers struggling with writers block or thinking that they suck? It was a wow-moment for me.

I guess my take is that even though writing is such an independent journey, we truly grow the most by sharing experiences and resources with each other.

I'm crazy about experimental fiction

Read the greats, but also find your favorites.

Write great, but also write to my own personal wish for things I want to see in the market.

Watch the greats (TV, cinema, podcasts), but let myself enjoy schlock every now and then.

The best art is dynamic, and pulls from the gutters as much as it pulls from the heavens.

I write. And if it doesn't work out like I wanted, I try to figure out why and do better.

I don’t study writing. I write then I fix my work.

Reading the best that has been written and studying critism and analysis of that writing. Reading is a skill, comprehension is a skill, you have to learn it. A great example is Vladimir Nabokovs ‘Lectures on Literature’, it’s a collection of lectures he gave on authors like Dickens, Flaubert and Joyce. Notice in his lectures what it is he pays attention to and, equally as important, what he totally ignores. A big mistake people make with writing is they over complicate it before they are able for it and never progress. Before you start worrying about symbolism, plot, political angles etc. Just learn what makes a good sentence, a good scene. What I’m essentialy saying is to become a good writer you have to be a good reader.

Reading. I expand my vocabulary by reading. I also study the author's prose.

Haven't in a while but I used to start each writing session by copying out a page from a well written book. It loosens the gears and often put the text into a new perspective that makes understanding its craft easier.

I did what other writers did on the page then made it mine.

When I first started, I read craft books. How to plot, how to write dialogue, etc. Now that I have a few decades under my belt, I'm doing something else. I teach. I mentor. I coach.

In the process of writing my book about writing (The 3-Dimensional Story), I learned so much and I believe I advanced my skills just by having to think about how to explain the concepts that I use without thinking. That book is merely about planning a book, and doesn't go into detail about writing the prose, but I'll probably write one of those eventually, too. It helps me to think about process and work out how to explain it.

Through mentoring and coaching, I see writing through other people's eyes and I've realized that my process doesn't work for everyone. I've even learned new things because it's my job to help writers write.

Like I think most everyone else has said here, reading with intention is key. Beyond that, I look at my writing first and see what parts of it I like and can improve upon, and what areas I'm weak and in need of practice with.

I'll research and find an author or some books that do what I'm weak at super well. Say I'm working on my dialogue, like I did earlier this year—I basically locked myself in a room with Game of Thrones and tons of examples of GRRM's writing and forced myself to figure it out. I'll study an author or book that way until I can figure out in my own way how they do what I can't at that point, and then as I'm still mulling it over in my head, I'll find a passage where they do it incredibly well (for me, it was the opening narration and distinct dialogue at different junctures throughout the series since expressing personality in dialogue while keeping it interesting and plot relevant is HARD) and retype it entirely to get a sense for how the author put the words together.

After I type it out fully I shove it in a dark folder with the rest of my practice re-types that will never again see the sun and I write either a scene in my WIP where I needed the skill in the first place, or a fanfic designed specifically to test it out and see how it works. That's been my system for improvement for a little over a year now and it's going decently well.

I honestly massively attribute my proficiency at that to TVTropes.

After hours and hours of wiki diving, I started recognizing the tropes and plot devices described almost instinctively, so then that instead allowed me to focus on the fine techniques the author or actor or director used to convey those ideas.

Piloting my own writing has generally felt like a breeze, as a result.