This is my favourite writing tip - read, read and read some more!
I've always loved reading and would spend all day doing this if I could. I also love going to book shops and wandering around in a happy daze being tempted by all the wonderful books on the shelves.
A little girl I spoke to once told me, "I like to read so that I can fill up my head with ideas."
It's important to read the books from the genre you want to write for. I read a lot of picture books and I also read the reviews on Amazon to see why customers like certain books.
Don't stick to the same authors or types of books - try something different. You can experiment on new authors at the library. I do this quite often and have found lots of books that make me read long into the night, "I'll just read one more page and then I'll turn the light off..."
If a book is boring you then don't feel you have to read it to the end. Your time is too precious and there are many brilliant books out there for you to read instead. The author will not coming knocking at your door and demand to know why you never finished his work of art. I once read (the first half) of an award winning book and I wasn't impressed at all. Not all books appeal to all people.
Read books that are meant for children - they are great fun! I am reading the latest Jiggy McCue story and sniggering quite a lot at the childish humour. The Jiggy McCue stories are great if you have a child that's reluctant to read. I'd also recommend the Wimpy Kid series.
If you know of any brillant books that you think I might like please let me know. If you have any writing tips that you wish to share I would be delighted to hear from you.
I'll leave you with a terrible writing joke : Never write on a Saturday or Sunday - your story will have a weekending.