She began by illustrating how critical reading is not simply about analyzing texts for academic purposes but also about internalizing styles, themes, and perspectives that shape an author’s voice. Using concrete examples from well-known works, Firnita demonstrated how writers often borrow inspiration from their careful interpretation of others’ writing. For instance, she highlighted how attention to narrative rhythm, symbolism, or character psychology can spark new directions in one’s own storytelling.
The session activated multiple layers of learning. On the intellectual level (IQ), students sharpened their skills in close reading and learned how to trace influences from text to text. On the emotional side (EQ), Firnita encouraged participants to become more sensitive to the subtleties of language and the feelings embedded in literary works. She explained that empathy for characters and their struggles often translates into deeper, more authentic writing.
Beyond these, Firnita also underscored the spiritual quotient (SQ), suggesting that critical reading allows authors to seek meaning and purpose in their creative work. Literature, she argued, becomes not just an act of self-expression but a way of contributing to shared human understanding and collective reflection.
The interactive discussion that followed was particularly lively. Students asked how they could overcome the fear of influence—worrying that reading too much might make their writing less original. Firnita reassured them that influence is not imitation but transformation: what matters is how writers reinterpret ideas through their unique lens.
The lecture ended on a reflective note, as many participants expressed a renewed motivation to read not just widely but deeply, understanding that every act of reading is also a step toward becoming a stronger, more purposeful writer.