Why I Still Read While I’m Writing

One question I get asked from time to time is, “How do you have time to read when you’re writing your own books?” Honestly, I ask myself that sometimes too. Between writing, editing, updating my website, creating graphics, planning social media, and everything else that comes with being an indie author, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. But no matter how busy life gets, I always make time to read.

Last month is probably the perfect example.

In June alone, I finished 16 books.

At the same time, I was deep into writing Heir of the Forgotten, preparing and releasing the updated edition of Self Inflicted, and continuing edits on Scars Fade. Looking back, I’m not entirely sure how I managed it all, but I know one thing for certain—I wouldn’t have wanted to give up reading to make it happen.

Before I was ever an author, I was a reader.

Books were my escape long before they became my career. They were where I found adventure, hope, heartbreak, and characters who felt like lifelong friends. That hasn’t changed just because I write stories now. If anything, reading has become even more important.

Every book reminds me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

When I pick up a novel, I’m not thinking about deadlines or marketing plans. I’m simply enjoying the experience of getting lost in someone else’s world. I laugh, I cry, I stay up far later than I should because I have to know what happens next. Those moments remind me exactly what I hope readers experience when they open one of my books.

Of course, the writer in me is always paying attention too.

Sometimes I’ll finish a chapter and wonder how the author built so much tension. Other times, I’ll read a conversation that feels so natural it almost sounds like real people talking. And every now and then, I’ll finish a book that’s completely wrecked me emotionally and find myself thinking, How did they do that?

Every story teaches me something.

Sometimes it’s pacing. Sometimes it’s dialogue. Sometimes it’s simply a reminder that the most powerful moments are often the quietest ones. Even books that don’t completely work for me teach valuable lessons about what I enjoy as both a reader and a writer.

One thing I’ve stopped doing, though, is comparing myself to other authors.

There was a time when I’d finish an amazing book and immediately think, I’ll never write like that.

Now I realize…

I’m not supposed to.

Rebecca Yarros writes Rebecca Yarros books.

S. E. Hinton writes S. E. Hinton books.

Danielle L. Jensen writes Danielle L. Jensen books.

And I write Morgan Rylie books.

Every author brings something different to the page, and that’s exactly how it should be. Readers don’t want the same story told over and over again. They want unique voices and different perspectives.

Reading doesn’t make me want to copy other authors.

It inspires me to become a better version of myself.

So yes, you’ll almost always find another book on my nightstand or waiting on my Kindle. My TBR grows faster than I can keep up with, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because before I was ever an author…

I was a reader.

And I hope I never stop being one.