IWSG: Reading and Writing

Another month, another post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. If you're not already a member, learn more about them on their website and Facebook page. They're also on Instagram and Twitter.

Our hosts this month are Ronel Janes Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen@The Cynical Sailor.

Here's our question for the month: 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?

 As an avid reader, I can't imagine giving it up as long as I'm able to do it. I disagree with the premise that avoiding reading will give you original ideas and an original voice. Ideas are everywhere, not just in books, but in movies, comics, games, TV shows, songs, and even everyday incidents. You can't avoid exposure to other people's ideas. To create original stories, I often obtain inspiration from many sources and combine them. For example, my first published short story, "A Reptile at the Reunion," which can be found in Firestorm of Dragons, was inspired by a question prompt for a different anthology (The question was something like, "Say, aren't you dead?") and a letter inviting me to my grad school reunion. Along the way, the dead part evolved into a reason why someone might avoid going to their college reunion. (In this story, a magician who'd lost her magic was reluctant to return to a University of Magic.) I think if you try too hard to create an original idea, it might not resonate with readers. I do agree that your favorite authors can influence your writing style, but I think the best way to avoid copying one author is to read widely, not quit reading.

How important do you think it is for a writer to be a reader? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.