Erik Larson Quotes

I've summarized dozens of books in my literary career; it's become rather second nature.

I believe that reading widely is the best preparation for writing.

I read all the time, and I'm often struck by something I'm reading.

I've found that writers who don't read really can't write.

The whole business of reading English Literature in two years, to know it in any reputable sense of the word - let alone your learning to write English - is, in short, impossible.

One of the great joys of my job is that you spend a huge amount of time investigating different areas of literature.

I think technique can be taught but I think the only way to learn to write is to read, and I see writing and reading as completely related. One almost couldn't exist without the other.

I spent three days a week for 10 years educating myself in the public library, and it's better than college. People should educate themselves - you can get a complete education for no money. At the end of 10 years, I had read every book in the library and I'd written a thousand stories.

The most important thing is to read as much as you can, like I did. It will give you an understanding of what makes good writing and it will enlarge your vocabulary.

I had really good English teachers in elementary through high school. Not only were we required to read a lot - which is the best training for writing - we were drilled on grammar every day, every night. I hated the drill part, but I don't dangle my participles too often.

Then I found books that were written much later, as late as 15 years ago. It was very superficial material, but enough to tell me that the genesis of this story was worth exploring.

I am a historian. I do a lot of research, and I try to get it right.

When I was a kid, I went through the whole process of reading great literature and trying to be very widely read.

The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading in order to write. A man will turn over half a library to make a book.

Only the more rugged mortals should attempt to keep up with current literature.

Writing was something I have always been interested in. I've grown up in a household full of books, with both my parents English teachers and very booky.

The writer studies literature, not the world. He is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write.

I, personally, have found reading a continual support to writing.

I was a terrible English student.

I excelled in English while I was at school.

I was also in love with the English language.

Read as much as you can, and then sit down and write.

I believe that writing is derivative. I think good writing comes from good reading.

I probably read 100 times more than I write, but that way when I move my characters through it, I know.

Writers themselves benefit from all helpful information about their task and methods. Readers, in turn, can have both their understanding and appreciation of literature enhanced by information about the writer's work.