We all know of numerous writers who read voraciously in an attempt to learn the art of writing. They read short stories, flash fiction, novellas and novels, a multitude of genres, the masters and amatuers alike. Their thirst is almost unquenchable and they channel this experience into their writing.
There was once a member of our old critique community who chose not to read much so that he would not be influenced by their words and become a copycat. Let’s just say that it didn’t go down too well and he wasn’t taken seriously. I respected his choice but I did disagree.
Think of babies and how they learn to speak. They listen to their parents and other family members talk, and mimic them until they develop comprehension. Sure, they do pick up traits from their familiars when they are young but then they are exposed to a wide world of people where they take a bit here, a bit there, and cultivate their unique voice.
Learning to write without reading is like an apprentice mechanic being told to service a car without a demonstration. You can guarantee they will work to their own beat, but it probably won’t be a perfect service. Being shown first-hand how to complete a task we have yet to master gives us a distinct advantage. This is what it means when someone advises you to “read to write.”
Don’t think for a second that this is a glowing endorsement of reading. As you read more widely and hone your writing skills it is essential that you develop your own voice — that unique style that sets you apart and has editors grinning with delight. Without it you are just another wannabe copying your way to mediocrity. Find your own inner star.
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14/02/2009 at 5:20 pm Permalink
Nicely balanced article. The comment below is just me editorializing.
The logic of reading to write is irrefutable, yet I find that reading anything longer than a magazine article, info dump or blog distracts me from writing. And since I try to write in my free time, reading is now merely a sabbatical from writing. Still, I read quite a bit back in the day.
As I said, it’s difficult to take the contrary side in this argument, but the rules of writing are not so black and white. If some unusual approach works for someone, we should not dispute its validity. Writing is a subjective art (once you grasp the necessities of spelling and sentence structure) bent to conformity by the restrictions of marketing. Those who teach the art of writing should be aware that what they share are guidelines only, lest they become as restrictive as the bottom line in publishing.
Certainly, that isn’t the intent of the article, but tried-and-true doesn’t work for everyone.
22/02/2009 at 3:46 am Permalink
I’m something of a voracious reader. I read several poems a day, usually one or two short stories, and a bit of the novel I’m enjoying at the moment.
Early on, I would find that my writing tended to emulate the author I was reading at the time, but as I’ve read more and written more, I think my own style has sort of come to light.