Craig Zadow
asked
David Wong:
What are some of your favorite horror authors and do you agree with Stephen King's assessment that to be a good writer one must read a lot?
David Wong
Let me turn that second question around: If you're an aspiring writer who is discouraged by that advice ("UGH! I HATE reading!) then why do you want to write? If you're not in love with stories and don't get a thrill out of seeing what other authors do with them, then what appeals to you about writing?
I'm sure there are examples of young writers who didn't have much reading under their belt before they cranked out something great (I don't know of specific examples) but to me it'd be like trying to design a sports car if you hate driving. How do you know what to build? If you don't constantly yearn to hit the open road and take corners too fast and feel the power under your hands, then how will you build a car that makes other people feel that way?
Again: I'm not saying no such person has ever existed. I'm saying I personally can't imagine the mindset of a writer who doesn't read. Same as I can't understand the mindset of people who say they want to write but don't have any ideas for what to write. Then why do you want to write? If it's not a desperation to pour your ideas out into the world, then what's driving you to do it? Don't tell me it's the money - there are lots of better ways to make an income from home.
I'm sure there are examples of young writers who didn't have much reading under their belt before they cranked out something great (I don't know of specific examples) but to me it'd be like trying to design a sports car if you hate driving. How do you know what to build? If you don't constantly yearn to hit the open road and take corners too fast and feel the power under your hands, then how will you build a car that makes other people feel that way?
Again: I'm not saying no such person has ever existed. I'm saying I personally can't imagine the mindset of a writer who doesn't read. Same as I can't understand the mindset of people who say they want to write but don't have any ideas for what to write. Then why do you want to write? If it's not a desperation to pour your ideas out into the world, then what's driving you to do it? Don't tell me it's the money - there are lots of better ways to make an income from home.
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