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Think about it.I'm sure there's been at least one time (but I bet you a shiny penny it's been more) when you've been reading a subpar book and thought:"I could write something like this."Ya sure can!But... is that as high as you want to set the bar?I have Kindle Unlimited-- a blessing and a curse-- and I can't tell you how many subpar books are on there. I can tell you that I've wasted half my year reading them, and it shows in my writing.Now, I will be the first person in line to advocate for what I call "fluffy books". Sometimes, I just don't want to think too hard. I want my generic, feel-good, happy-ending, Hallmarkesque storylines. They're fun, they make me feel happy in contrast to my anxiety, and some even have dreamy men.&nbsp;But when I read more than a couple fluffy books in a short time period, it's like I've eaten a bunch of twinkies for every meal. My characters are bland and similar, my storylines are predictable, and my enthusiams for writing meets an extreme case of writer's block.If you haven't felt that "spark" in awhile, maybe it's time for a book cleanse. Pause your Kindle Unlimited subscription for a minute, reaquaint yourself with the classics, or go back to your roots and pick up a hardcopy book from your local library.Some of the greatest creations we have came from the newbies mimicking the greats.&nbsp;So if you want to be a great writer, read great writing.You're bound to have a novel idea. Reads to Get You Started<a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-novels-inspired-by-the-greats" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-novels-inspired-by-the-greats">10 Novels Inspired by the Greats</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/just-edited--dimensions-by-sadie-sanchez" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/just-edited--dimensions-by-sadie-sanchez">Just Edited: DIMENSIONS by Sadie Sanchez</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1">Maren's Favorite Biographies #1</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">free editing consultation</a> with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea...Like what you're reading? Follow me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads</a>!

Write How You Read Book Blog

You Write How You Read