When I taught writing to young journalism students at ASU, there were a few pieces of advice I consistently offered. Gems like don’t post your drunken (underage drunken no less!) adventures on social media, and don’t be a jerk to your classmates because your paths will cross again.
I also always recommended reading. Read, read, read, I said. Read the newspaper (in my early days of teaching anyway), read blogs, read news sites, read fiction, read nonfiction, read books, read the classics, read speeches, read essays. Truly, in my opinion, it doesn’t really matter what you read — as long as it’s good.
Reading the work of others is one of the best ways to become a better writer. So, this week, I ask you to pause and reflect on all of that reading you’ve done.
This week’s writing prompt is: Who is your favorite writer and why?