Reading And Writing.

Right now I'm reading Herman Melville's Billy Budd and Other Tales. I just finished reading Billy Budd and found the story somewhat cumbersome. I did understand the story though. One of the challenges of being a good writer is tackling those books that may be quite challenging. 

I remember when I first read Romeo & Juliet I was busy trying to negotiate the way Shakespeare wrote and spoke at that time. A glossary and asides helped tremendously. I have read thirteen of William Shakespeare's plays, with Hamlet being my favorite.   

Reading and writing go hand in hand. In order to be a better writer, one has to read much. One common trait with all the authors I've read is that they were voracious readers. With it each writer will have found their own style. Someone suggested that I reread F, Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. I hated the book when I was in high school but that was half century ago. Maybe I will take up her advice. Maybe it will help me become a better writer.