This month's question: It's been said that the benefit 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?Cohosts for this month are are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
They also say that no one's ideas are new and original, that everything's already been done. I love Studio C's take on it, demonstrating how we can take things that on the surface are similar but in the end are very different.
And let's be real. People had to read books in school. They've seen movies. They've heard stories told by other people. To claim they can write a story that's not been influenced in some way by another story isn't something I can buy.
Humans, by nature, love story. I've learned so much about WRITING and the crafting of words (not just the stories themselves) because I'm a voracious reader.
What about you? Which camp are you in?
Good point. We are exposed to stories and story ideas every single day.
ReplyDeleteYup. Every day.
DeleteYou can learn good structure, dramatisation and characterisation only by reading, and not reading cheap writers and Harry Plopper but classics! The fact that today nobody has dramatisation and characterisation is the proof that nobody reads worthy books today.
ReplyDeleteHarsh. lol
DeleteSo agree with you about the importance of reading and how much you learn from it.
ReplyDeleteAnne McCaffrey taught me so much in her writing about the beautiful use of words.
DeleteThat's hilarious and so true. I used to be anti-trope, but I'm realizing they're like the butter/sugar/flour mix that all great cookies are derived from.
ReplyDeleteOMG! That was just too funny! Which points out the fact that there are only a few basic themes at the root of all stories.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? They pointed out things I'd never noticed.
DeleteThat was too funny!
ReplyDeleteI always say that even though a complete original idea is impossible, there are so many different elements that go into a story that make it unique.
Exactly! Give too people the same basic premise, and you'll end up with different stories.
DeleteYeah, can take it and make it your own and it is important to read and learn indeed.
ReplyDeleteI think so! :D
DeleteI couldn't agree more. Reading is life, and it gives life to writing:)
ReplyDelete