Reading vs. Writing - Are they always hand-in-hand?

[Catreeves16]

I have had my nose stuck in a book since about 4 years of age. There is no doubt that I love to read. But does that mean I HAVE to be a writer, too? I have tried to write stories, blogs, journals, etc. for the last several years, but cannot ever seem to stick with it. I feel like I can't flesh out story ideas, or what I do write sounds ridiculous. Is it okay to stick with reading and reviewing? Do you read only or write only?

[Julie-p]

I have tried to write in the past, it didn't turn out so well. I was never satisfied with what I wrote, specially with the flow of the story and the descriptions of the emotions.
I love to read though, but I don't believe that not writing makes me a worse reader, or one whose opinions shouldn't be considered. It's completely okay sticking with only reading.

[uaebasi]

I don't believe you have to be both a reader and a writer, they don't need to go hand in hand. I do think that you need a certain respect and knowledge of the two in order to understand them individually. I admire people who can write and articulate, hence why I'm a reader and not a writer.

[Folcro]

People who love movies don't necessarily have to be directors, but with writing being such an accessible enterprise (all you need is pen and paper), it can be tempting to at least try it, but don't surrender to cognitive dissonance if you find you're not interested enough.

On the subject of "rediculous," one advantage I've had was that I started at an early age, (11) an age where I was oblivious to how rediculous what I was writing was (and it was rediculous); the point of this is that the most important thing you can do as a budding writer (if you are so inclined) is to just write. If you have the passion, the rest will take care of itself. Either way, keep reading.

[HusainNecklace52]

I don't believe you have to be both a reader and a writer, they don't need to go hand in hand. I do think that you need a certain respect and knowledge of the two in order to understand them individually. I admire people who can write and articulate, hence why I'm a reader and not a writer.

I would second that. You don't need to be a writer because you are a reader. The two are completely different. Reading is something else and writing is something else. However, I believe that if you do want to write and succeed as a writer then it is PARAMOUNT to read, read, and read! Reading is very important for writing, no doubt in that. All good writers are first good readers!

[bunmiolu]

The best way to write well is to read a lot and practice writing. There is a strong relationship between both. Writing becomes much easier for someone that reads a lot when compared to someone that hardly reads.

[Jane Redmond]

Not necessarily, but I like to do both as they compliment or another, and the more you do of both is going to stand you in good stead. We used to have to read our stories aloud in a fiction writing workshop I attended for a few years, this was very helpful for me as the story really felt different and gave me more insight into where I wanted to go with it.

[davidvan1973]

I love reading as well. But, I do love writing also. I believe you can be a reader and not a writer, but not the opposite. Writers have to be readers. Stephen King talked about it in his book On Writing. I can map it back to when I've been most creative and into writing - I've been reading a lot. There will always be an exception, but I think in general to be a good writer you have to read a lot.

[edztan15]

I consider myself a voracious reader, but I couldn't write a beautiful prose to save my life. Writing doesn't come naturally for me.

[Koltrast]

People who love movies don't necessarily have to be directors, but with writing being such an accessible enterprise (all you need is pen and paper), it can be tempting to at least try it, but don't surrender to cognitive dissonance if you find you're not interested enough.

On the subject of "rediculous," one advantage I've had was that I started at an early age, (11) an age where I was oblivious to how rediculous what I was writing was (and it was rediculous); the point of this is that the most important thing you can do as a budding writer (if you are so inclined) is to just write. If you have the passion, the rest will take care of itself. Either way, keep reading.

I wholly agree with this. You can like photos without wanting (or having) to be a photographer. You can enjoy music without having to be a composer, you can like paintings without needing to be a painter. In the same way, you can love reading books without ever wanting to write a single word, professionally or otherwise.

As for the other way around, I believe it's helpful for writers to also read a lot. I am tempted to go so far as to say it's even vital.

[Yearly Joy Besoy]

Not all readers are writers. However, writers are also readers. It helps them grow and improve their skill. I've tried writing and I have potential but I prefer to read more.

[Barbie_sidhu]

Not for me. I have read a way lot of books but when it came to writing i struggled and with struggle i mean i had no unique idea of my own even after reading so many books.

[Folcro]

Not for me. I have read a way lot of books but when it came to writing i struggled and with struggle i mean i had no unique idea of my own even after reading so many books.

If that's the only thing you feel is holding you back, I would keep at it anyway; let the river flow and the fish will come eventually.

[Samuel Windybank]

I definitely don’t think they go hand-in-hand. I write far more than I read. I often see other writers reading several books a month, I’d be lucky to read several books a year.

That’s not to say I don’t love reading, because I do. I just enjoy writing more.

[nisayvx]

For sure! No reading, no ideas to write about. If you want and like writing you have to read. Moreover, reading improve your imagination, you gather new ideas, new perspective about life. Me, for example, when I read something I make notes, especially about beautiful quotes that I found in the books, novels, and so on.