Let’s talk about something I keep seeing in writing communities: the struggle with reading classic literature.
I get it. The pushback usually sounds like this:
- “I don’t have time to read novels.”
- “Classic literature is boring.”
- “I just want to write my own stuff.”
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: avoiding literature is like trying to become a chef without ever tasting great food. You can learn all the techniques, but without experiencing how others use them, you’re limiting your growth.
When I first started developing my note-making system, I focused only on non-fiction. I thought novels were a “waste of time” when I could be learning practical skills instead. But this approach left a huge gap in my understanding of how to communicate effectively.
The Real Issue
When writers say they don’t read literature, they usually mean one of two things:
“Literary fiction seems pretentious and hard to understand” or “I’m afraid I won’t ‘get it’ or it’ll make me feel incompetent about my own writing.”
I felt both of these fears. But then I noticed something: the best non-fiction writers all seemed to have one thing in common – they read fiction extensively. This wasn’t coincidence.
What Literature Actually Teaches You
Reading literature does three things that no writing course can match.
- It shows you how to create genuine feeling in your readers.
- It teaches you to notice tiny human details that make writing feel real.
- It helps you understand different perspectives in a way that pure information never can.
Think about the last time a piece of writing actually made you feel something. That’s not accident – it’s craft. And you can learn it.
How to Actually Read Literature (Without Dying of Boredom)
Here’s what’s working for me: I start super small. I read 5 pages of fiction before bed. Sometimes I try short stories instead of novels. For more passive readings, I sometimes listen to audiobooks while doing other tasks just to keep my mind engaged with good writing.
Most importantly, I give myself permission to abandon books that don’t grab me.
The key is to read like a writer. I notice what makes me keep reading.
- I pay attention to prose that hits me emotionally.
- I observe how authors paint mental pictures with their words and reveal certain character traits.
- Anything that sticks out goes into my zettelkasten as writing techniques I can study and adapt.
Making It Part of My System
- I dedicate a certain section in my zettelkasten where I collect phrases that affect me.
- I analyze how authors create emotional impact.
- I connect techniques across different books. This transforms reading from passive consumption into active learning.
Your Challenge This Week
- Pick any novel that interests you (don’t overthink it).
- Read just the first page.
- Write down one technique the author used that caught your attention.
- Do this for 5 different books.
Remember: Every writer you admire started as a reader. There’s no shortcut around this truth.