The Magic Trick That Will Transform Your Writing

(And make you happier, cleverer, stronger, funnier…)

Scenes from the Gardners sales conference - READ YOURSELF HAPPY is coming in February 2025

I think this is the most comforting thing about being human: our problems are never unique. Our feelings are never unique. Other people have been struggling with versions and variations of our current dilemmas since records began. Our problems may feel insurmountable; however, we don’t have to look very far to find out how other people have, ah, mounted them.

I thought about this when I was talking to a friend who is stuck in the middle of a book edit. They’re struggling with structure. I recommended a book with a similar structure. ‘Go and look at how x did it! It will help!’ The friend shook their head. ‘I can’t really read when I’m writing, I don’t want other people’s work to influence me too much.’

One day I’m going to get hold of a megaphone and stand on a mountain, yelling ‘LET OTHER PEOPLE’S WORK INFLUENCE YOU! PLEASE! IT WILL MAKE IT BETTER! IT WILL MAKE IT MORE FUN FOR YOU! WE ALL BORROW AND STEAL! WE ALL NEED TO BE IN CONVERSATION WITH EACH OTHER!’

Every single book we read is a potential masterclass. There is no better way to learn about structure and story, to find out what our taste is and to become more confident about what we’re doing. I read Zadie Smith and Marian Keyes and Claire Keegan, and gasp and sigh and feel inadequate. And then I stretch and reach. Reading the work of writers who are better than me is the only way that I will become a better writer. BUT - reading books that I don’t love is just as valuable. If I can start to understand why something isn’t working structurally, I learn to think critically. I can become my own editor. Reading reminds me why I write. Reading takes the pressure off my practise. When I’m immersed in books, I don’t feel as though I’m working in isolation, trying to create the perfect work of art. I’m simply replying. I’m collaborating.

We know that great painters become great by copying the work of the great painters who have come before them. I don’t understand why writers aren’t encouraged to work this way. It’s taken me a long time to learn that writers need to read. When I was younger and (even more) insecure, I worried that everything had already been done. I think I was envious, too. I really wanted to write a book - I didn’t want to be reminded of the fact that a lot of people had already written beautiful, brilliant books. I was adept at getting in my own way, and tripping over my ego. I was also cutting myself off from a limitless supply of knowledge, wonder and joy.

Laura Steven

recently wrote a brilliant piece about writing, running and the rule of thirds. There’s an even split - some of the time, the experience will be transcendent, some of the time it will be so awful that you’ll want to quit and the rest of the time it will be OK. The more you do it, the more potential for transcendence that there is. I think this is true of reading, too. If you’re a writer, and you only read when you’re not writing, you reduce your chances of meeting the magical, transformative, life changing books - the books that might power up your craft. If you’re worried about one particular book having too much influence on your own work, read two books! Read the rainbow! If you’re pouring the widest possible range of influences into the tank, something unique will come out.

More importantly, reading is what helps me to wrangle my enormous, fragile ego. Most novels are about flawed, vulnerable people responding to challenges, making mistakes and getting stronger. They make me feel as though I’m part of a ‘we’. They are not usually about people with perfect careers, families and kitchens - and when they are, they make it clear that perfection isn’t the answer to anything. Reading keeps me curious. It makes me more compassionate. It takes me out of my head, out of myself and invites me to wonder about how other people are thinking, feeling and living. And I think those are the only qualifications you need to be a novelist.

I understand that there are barriers. No-one has any time! If you don’t already have a regular reading habit, it’s difficult to start. It feels like a chore. Another thing for the list. It requires something from us - unlike our phone, which is relentlessly offering distraction to us. The first paragraph of a novel rarely delivers a dopamine hit. We have to be patient, and be prepared to pay attention in order to get to the good stuff. It’s not instant - but the magic lasts for so much longer.

Reading forces me to focus. It means I pay attention. It has made me more open minded and open hearted. It’s a source of real joy in my life. It’s been the fuel for every single book I’ve written, and it has taught me everything I know about writing. I could not be a writer if I wasn’t a reader. But if someone made me choose, I’d pick reading every single time.

Next year, I’m teaming up with Aweventurer to host the Read Yourself Happy retreat. I’m so excited about this - I’ll be leading an intimate group, and exploring how reading can bring us joy, unlock our creativity, enhance our writing and make us feel rested, restored and nourished. Dates are TBC, but we’ll be going away in late spring/early summer.

You can register your interest here - and choose where you’d like to go, Italy or the Greek Islands! If you sign up you’ll be the first in line when it comes to booking your place and joining us. It’s going to be magical, and I can’t wait to spend time with you.