The Influence of Reading: How Books Shape Our Writing Instincts
by Olivia Salter
James Scott Bell's insightful quote, "Each time you read a book, the flow and rhythm of the writing implants itself in your brain. When it's good writing, when you respond to it, it goes in the good file. When it's not-so-good writing, you'll sense it and put in under bad," perfectly encapsulates the profound impact reading has on our writing and cognitive processes. This concept highlights the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing, illustrating how our literary consumption shapes our creative output.
The Cognitive Imprint of Literature
When we read a book, we are not merely consuming a story or absorbing information; we are engaging in a complex cognitive process where the flow and rhythm of the author's writing become imprinted in our minds. This imprinting is akin to a form of mental muscle memory, where repeated exposure to certain styles, structures, and rhythms enhances our ability to recognize and replicate them.
Good writing, with its harmonious flow and engaging rhythm, resonates with readers on a deep level. This resonance is not just an emotional or intellectual response; it is a cognitive one. Our brains file away these positive experiences, creating a mental repository of exemplary writing. This "good file" becomes a reference point, a subconscious guide that influences our own writing endeavors.
The "Good File" and Its Influence
The "good file" is a collection of literary techniques, stylistic nuances, and narrative strategies that have struck a chord with us. When we encounter writing that we find compelling, whether it's the lyrical prose of a novel, the persuasive clarity of an essay, or the vivid imagery of a poem, we mentally catalog these elements. This repository serves as a wellspring of inspiration and guidance, informing our writing style and helping us to craft more engaging and effective prose.
Authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen, and Toni Morrison have contributed richly to the "good file" of countless writers. Their mastery of language, narrative pacing, and character development provides a blueprint for aspiring writers to emulate. By reading widely and discerningly, we continually enrich this mental archive, sharpening our skills and broadening our creative horizons.
Recognizing and Rejecting the "Bad File"
Conversely, not all writing resonates positively. We inevitably encounter works that feel clumsy, disjointed, or uninspiring. These experiences are equally important, as they help us refine our critical faculties. By recognizing what doesn't work, we develop a keener sense of what does. This discernment allows us to avoid replicating these less effective techniques in our own writing.
The "bad file" is not a repository of disdain but a valuable tool for growth. It highlights the pitfalls to avoid and the mistakes to learn from. By critically evaluating the writing that fails to resonate with us, we gain a clearer understanding of our own preferences and standards. This process of elimination hones our ability to produce higher quality work and encourages us to strive for excellence.
The Ongoing Process of Literary Engagement
Bell's quote underscores the ongoing nature of literary engagement. Each book we read adds to our mental database, shaping our writing instincts and informing our creative decisions. The flow and rhythm of good writing become part of our internalized skill set, while the recognition of poor writing sharpens our critical eye.
For writers, this means that reading is not a passive activity but an active and essential part of the creative process. It is through our continuous exposure to diverse literary voices and styles that we develop our own unique voice. The mental files we create through reading serve as a foundation upon which we build our own narratives, striving to contribute to the literary landscape with works that might one day find a place in someone else's "good file."
In conclusion, James Scott Bell's observation about the imprinting nature of reading on our brains highlights the integral role that literary consumption plays in shaping our writing abilities. The good writing we encounter enriches our creative repertoire, while the not-so-good writing sharpens our critical acumen. By actively engaging with literature, we continually refine our skills, broaden our perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue of the written word.
Also see:
👉James Scott Bell's Books at Amazon
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