This month's optional question is: "It's been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don't enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?"
It seems like there's quite a lot going on in this question but overall, it makes me think that "a writer who does not read" could be compared to a unicorn - does such a creature really exist? No writer can exist in a vacuum and I do believe that we're all a composite of everything we've ever read. Of course, some of it will stick more than others and that probably has an effect on the genres we end up gravitating to. We need inspiration to write and that comes from the world around us but it also comes from the books we read. And no, I wouldn't expect other people to want my writing if they knew I didn't enjoy reading - I wouldn't trust an author who said that because reading is a joy that's indispensable.
This question also inspires me to read more, as well as review. It's something I always need to get better (and quicker) at!
Don't forget to check out more IWSG responses here.
23 comments:
I agree, a writer who doesn't read seems so incomprehensible. I'd feel lost without other people's stories to entertain and inspire me!
You made it!
I don't think it really exists either. Be impossible not to read.
I know lots of people who don't read, but its hard to believe a lot of writers don't read, but I guess its true!
Great post!
Heather
I can't imagine not reading. And I need to review more too.
I love reading! I also love setting reading goals, like on Goodreads. I'm closing in on the one I set for this year.... :)
On a recent two year course, I was horrified to find that I hadn’t heard of so many brilliant authors who had published in the 21st century! Lots more reading ahead.
I don't think anyone needs to be a quicker reader. (A quicker reviewer? Would be nice, but life has a way of intervening...) Why is doing something faster considered better? There's nothing wrong with lingering over a book, considering the joys in the prose. Or rereading a favorite.
How good of a writer would someone be who didn't read?
As Liz said, lingering over a wonderful book is a joy.
I don't read as often as I should or even want, but I can't imagine never reading.
I totally agree. We should be reading!!!
An apt analogy. Reading and writing go hand in hand.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I am a slow reader too. I blame writing. I used to read fast, but now, as I read, I am taking notes and studying.
I thought the same as you, Nick. How can anyone write who doesn't read? Finding one would be very much like finding a unicorn. Then on Facebook, I found a post from a writer who said she hated reading. I'm now out hunting unicorns.
I agree, Nick. How could you trust an author who doesn't read? Now I don't feel too bad about reading as much as I do. lol
LOL. Comparing a non-reading writer to a unicorn is perfect. I think you're correct. That would be a mythical creature.
Would you hire a builder who'd never seen a house, or a baker who didn't know how a loaf of bread was supposed to look and taste? Awriter who doesn't read is no better qualified than those.
It's all context. Reading is language and without it we'd all be writing gibberish anyways :)
A writer that doesn't read could well be a unicorn, but then unicorns are inspiring creatures, so...
Well put. I will always be a reader first!
Thank you anyway
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