Write but don't read

[eelavahs-jay]

A lot of writers are able to write without reading. In fact writers are usually so caught up in their own world that there simply isn't time to embark on a journey in another's. However, I believe most writers go on a quest to tell their own tales after reading something. That should count for something. I'm of the belief however that avid readers make better writers.

[Clydevazquez]

If you are not a great reader, then you can't be a great writer because reading books will enhance your knowledge and will helps to your writings. So try to give some time for reading as well.

[Victor Rose]

I admit I don't read much for pleasure and I especially haven't read new novels in a long time. So most of the avid readers here would call me a none reader. However, I have life full of different and unique experiences and still spend a large percentage of my day reading, just not novels.

So is reading required to write. No. But, without reading or a very well lived life your stories might lack a since of authenticity. Simply put to write you need experience. Either you go get it in life or from books. Personally I prefer a mixture of both.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

Yes indeed, reading makes your writing polished. You can explore more styles if you read a bit

[clint_csperry-org]

Hmm, all I can say is that you are depriving yourself of a lot of good material and exposure to different kinds of writing. In my opinion a broad reading base comes in very handily in my story telling. Crossing genres often adds a depth to a story that others simply do not have. How can you do that if you are stuck in one only? How can you truly develop your own voice if you limit yourself so? Me, I read everything I can. I am here on OnLineBookClub because I get to read free books, tons of them, and I'll spend a day and write a review. I see this as helping myself to learn more about writing. I see what works and why, I see the pitfalls others fall into in their stories.

[Inkroverts]

Maybe you can try reading short fictions, like those within 1 to 2 pages?
I sometimes feel guilty not reading much when I write, because I'm not sure what I write well and not well.

[emidio125]

Just writing without reading any book! That's uncommon for sure. But I read.

[Casey Kowalewsky]

Some people have a knack for one or the other. Sure I think it'd help if you read more too, but there's nothing wrong with writing by itself.

[Folcro]

I feel like I'm in the same boat as you, but I can't say I don't read per se; I read articles, forums, short stories. I've started many novels but to an overwhelming extent don't finish them. A big part of the reason is that I want to create my own worlds, my own stories. The second I enter someone else's world I often say "I miss my own."

[Vanessa Leong]

To each his own but I personally feel that being a habitual reader definitely makes me a better writer. Reading exposes me to different writing styles and new vocabulary. I also improve my grammar and punctuation when I see a writer using punctuation in a certain way and I apply it (with research of course) to my own writing.

[Kajol Dadhania]

I really admire the writers who are not readers, I mean it's got to be pure talent right? I only became I better writer after I became a better reader. Just imagine what those non-reader-writer would be able to do if they started reading.

[Julia Hanna]

As the skill of speaking can be developed by improving the skill of listening, the skill of writing can be developed by improving the skill of reading. I believe that the more we read, the more we acquire the skill of writing. We learn more vocabulary, a variety of sentence structures, different topics and life issues, so it expands our knowledge. That is why I think that reading helps us to even enhance our way of writing.

[hayisa]

I read more than I write because I know I need that. When you read, you get ideas, inspiration, and it allows you to analyze what to do and what not to do. When I write more and read less, I tend to be stuck. To get myself out of that hole, I read.

[human reader]

I suggest finding at least one author with books similar to what you want to write. That way you can learn from them and be inspired by them.

[ej_author]

I do believe that in order to be a great book writer, you need to be a great book reader, too. If you write a book without knowing what a great book looks like, then how will you know how to write a great book?

That being said, I know it's hard to find time to read as an adult. Though I sped through books when I was younger, as I got married and started working and whatnot, I found I wasn't reading much anymore. The way I solved this was intentionally scheduling time to read every day, even if it's only 30 minutes or less. I look forward to this time so much!

Reading books can only help your writing, and it will help you a lot. I encourage you to read as much as you're able to!