Reading versus writing…

I’m always amazed when talking to other writers who tell me they don’t do much reading. They make all kinds of excuses: I don’t want to steal anyone’s X, where X could be plot, characters, settings, and so forth. Sure, outright stealing is plagiarism, and it’s not recommended for writers, newbies or old-timers. Another excuse: I want my ideas to be fresh, not stale and formulaic. I don’t know how you can be fresh if you don’t know what other writers are doing in your genre. And, if you don’t,...