Reading: The Rudimentary Trick to Good Blogging

There is no doubt that running across the minds of most blogging novices is this simple question: How do I become a popular blogger? Although there are indeed formulaic tricks that any blogger can use to become widely read like beefing up on social networking and posting often, nothing can compare to good writing. And good writing comes from a lot of quality reading.

Reading and stellar writing are undeniably inseparable. If you are going to embark on a blogging career or considerate it a serious pastime you have to take reading seriously. Perusing CNN's headlines and skimming the first paragraphs of breaking news stories, however, doesn't count. Hold a magazine or pick up a book, smell its pages, and let your eyes soak up the nuances of speech. Then allow your mind to discover new ways to express yourself through your posts.

I enjoy reading an exceptional history book or an intelligent magazine. Reading has always helped me immeasurably with my writing. That, and listening to the BBC. There's something about listening to British accents that makes me write better.

Speaking of smart reading, the Atlantic's Special Fiction Issue is on newsstands now. You'll find essays from Ann Patchett, Wendell Berry, and Mark Fabiano. For a sampling, click here.
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