Lately, I’ve been reading recently published books in the sci-fi and fantasy genres (e.g., Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway published in 2023, The West Passage by Jared Pechaček published in 2024, among others). In addition to helping me to identify novels that might be comparable to the books I’m writing—always handy if talking to a potential agent—this endeavor is expanding my writerly skills in other ways.
Keeping up with what’s selling enhances my audience awareness. I don’t always feel compelled to copy the current trends. For example, I don’t write romantasy (the combination of romance and fantasy), which is fueling sales in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. But it’s good to know what concepts resonate with modern readers.
Every genre has a set of rules that readers expect. By reading currently published, popular books within my genre, I can gain a sense of what works well versus what might feel overly formulaic and apply these lessons learned to my work.
While I would never copy another author’s work (i.e., unethical and illegal), reading can inspire new ideas or plot devices to enhance my writing. When facing a snag in a short story or novel, I might notice how another author navigates a tricky scene. Their methods can spark a creative solution or help find a new angle to overcome the obstacle.
I’m continually impressed by how successful authors develop their style, pacing, and structure. By evaluating these areas while I read, as well as how others develop scene tension and character development, I can improve my technical skills.
One of the critical aspects of reading a book in my genre is to take the next steps after turning the final page. Once I’ve read the novel, I scan reviews about it, talk with other writers who’ve read it, and listen to podcast interviews with the author. These steps help cement my views about:
What makes the book remarkable and
potential opportunities the author may have missed.
What the author intended and
how the book fits within the current body of literature.
Lesson learned? Reading books in my genre helps me stay relevant, improve my craft, and deepen my connection with readers.
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