"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

IWSG: Reading Others

This Month:

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive.Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

OCTOBER QUESTION: 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?

MY ANSWER: I firmly believe reading is a MUST! Many believe you'll end up copying other writers, and lose your own voice. This may happen to some degree for a time, especially when first beginning or fighting the dreaded writers block. However, reading widely is essential to expanding your skills. Studying the craft in a multitude of formats and styles actually aids in honing your skills and finding your TRUE voice. 

You can read more of my thoughts on this in 5 Myths About Published Authors.

How about you? Do you believe reading is essential?

8 comments:

Sarah Foster said...

I can't imagine being a writer without reading books.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The more you write (after reading a ton) the more your own voice will develop.

lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com said...

It was only on a recent creative writing course that I realised I’d neglected my reading, and I was hoping to be an author 🤭

Rachna Chhabria said...

The more we read the more we learn, and the more we write the better we get :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Reading is absolutely essential!
Happy IWSG Day!
Mary at Play off the Page

Diana Stout said...

I totally believe in what you're saying. Reading as a writer both broadens and deepens my skills and knowledge, plus opens the window to other possibilities of stories not yet written.

Diane Burton said...

Reading is truly essential to good writing. Every genre has reader expectation. How would you know if you didn't read? Hope you have a good month.

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