Read like a writer

This is advice I have seen from several authors, and I cannot emphasize how important it is. I feel like this has helped me improve my writing so much.

What do I mean by reading like a writer? Basically, pay attention. Be mindful as you read. If you have a strong reaction -- i.e. "oooh, I can't wait to see what happens next" or "um, why would the MC do that? That is so not believable." -- ask yourself what the author did to make you feel that way. How did she set up the suspense? How did he construct a loveable love interest? Take a moment to notice the techniques.

It is particularly difficult to notice these things when you are swept up in an amazing story, but that is arguably the most important time to do so. Because you want to dissect what the writer did to sweep you away -- so you can do the same thing in your writing.

Some examples of things to look for:
* Structure. Do they alternate different points of view with each chapter? How do you feel about this choice?
* Dialogue. Is the dialogue incredibly convincing? What makes it so convincing?
* Pacing. Does the writer linger on the MC's internal monologue or is it all action, action, action?
* Characters. What makes you fall in love with them? Do they have little quirks, etc?

I hope you find this as helpful as I do. I still find it difficult to do this all the time, but now that I'm trying I find myself taking cues from some of my favorite authors and (I hope) making my writing that much stronger.

Happy writing!