We all start out as readers, don't we? First, it is picture books read to us by mum or dad. Then we begin to recognise sounds, letters, and words, and to take the first steps towards becoming readers ourselves. Many of us got the reading bug when we were young, and books read in childhood can stay with us forever. Reading is often the first piece of advice any aspiring writer is given. If you want to become a published author, it is a pretty good idea to take a look at what has been published so far - and to see what is being published now. First, read the kind of stuff you yourself want to write. Whatever that is - romance, crime, sci-fi, thrillers, memoirs, sagas, fantasy, non-fiction, it is sensible to see what is already out there. Secondly, take a look at what is being written outside your own genre. The more widely you read, the more you will learn. See how others do it and find out what works for you - and what does not. Learn how successful authors keep their readers turning the pages. Finally, do not ignore the everyday stuff you cannot get away from: newspapers and magazines, TV advertisements, websites, social media and so on. Ultimately, as a writer, you need to use words effectively to make every word count.