Writing Vs. Reading
Why does there have to be war between the two, when you can't have onewithout the other. It's sort of like the battle of the sexes, while bothare different, they complement one another. What good is a book if there is nowriter? What good is a writer if there is no one to read?
Some people are excellent readers. They can skim through a book,retain all the rich detail, broaden their understanding of the world createdfor them on the page, and then leave the experience of the adventure in aspecial place in their hearts and minds. Then there are poorreaders. These are the people who struggle with color with their abstractminds. The story before them doesn't fit their idealistic molds,therefore leaving them confused, languid, and empty. Then, afterfrustration, rarely venture to pick up another book - often thinking themtrivial, abase. But what of these same types of readers pursue to write -will it make much a difference?
Absolutely! Within two or three paragraphs of a book, regardless ifits fiction or non-fiction, I can tell the type of reader. It's likeknowing if a kiss comes from someone who loves or loathes you - there's adistinct difference.
Not everybody can write, regardless of how much they read. The gift ofa writer is essentially that - a gift. It's not earned or learned,and it's given without consent before the taking of the first breath. While some may learn the rules, characteristics and anesthetics of the craft -they can't manufacture the gift - no matter how much they try, wish or pray forit. As for those who have the 'gift', the differences lay in how muchthey practice, hone and apply their understanding to their talent. Thereare many LAZY writers who never practice, nor apply themselves to learn, shapeand sharpen their gift - therefore frustrating it and becoming bad stewards ofwhat they were freely granted. One of the best sharping tools a writercan have is READING.
Reading is equal to a student learning from the teachers who have gonebefore them, giving reverence and honor to those who've blazed the trails.There are lessons learned in reading that can't be taught in a classroom, witha guide or reference book. Reading is more than grammar, punctuation andtense. Its voice, pacing, structure, weaving, plot, passion andadventure; it is silent instruction by example. It's like love - it mustbe experienced to receive, not taught or explained. You know it and becomeaware of it, because it becomes part of who you are.
So, if you dream of being a writer - my biggest advice is first be anexcellent reader. Besides, you might actually enjoy some great adventures alongthe way. For those who do become writers, never stop reading.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Some people are excellent readers. They can skim through a book,retain all the rich detail, broaden their understanding of the world createdfor them on the page, and then leave the experience of the adventure in aspecial place in their hearts and minds. Then there are poorreaders. These are the people who struggle with color with their abstractminds. The story before them doesn't fit their idealistic molds,therefore leaving them confused, languid, and empty. Then, afterfrustration, rarely venture to pick up another book - often thinking themtrivial, abase. But what of these same types of readers pursue to write -will it make much a difference?
Absolutely! Within two or three paragraphs of a book, regardless ifits fiction or non-fiction, I can tell the type of reader. It's likeknowing if a kiss comes from someone who loves or loathes you - there's adistinct difference.
Not everybody can write, regardless of how much they read. The gift ofa writer is essentially that - a gift. It's not earned or learned,and it's given without consent before the taking of the first breath. While some may learn the rules, characteristics and anesthetics of the craft -they can't manufacture the gift - no matter how much they try, wish or pray forit. As for those who have the 'gift', the differences lay in how muchthey practice, hone and apply their understanding to their talent. Thereare many LAZY writers who never practice, nor apply themselves to learn, shapeand sharpen their gift - therefore frustrating it and becoming bad stewards ofwhat they were freely granted. One of the best sharping tools a writercan have is READING.
Reading is equal to a student learning from the teachers who have gonebefore them, giving reverence and honor to those who've blazed the trails.There are lessons learned in reading that can't be taught in a classroom, witha guide or reference book. Reading is more than grammar, punctuation andtense. Its voice, pacing, structure, weaving, plot, passion andadventure; it is silent instruction by example. It's like love - it mustbe experienced to receive, not taught or explained. You know it and becomeaware of it, because it becomes part of who you are.
So, if you dream of being a writer - my biggest advice is first be anexcellent reader. Besides, you might actually enjoy some great adventures alongthe way. For those who do become writers, never stop reading.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
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