Can You Be a Writer if You Don’t Read?

[@DTHRocket]

Thanks, I'm one of those don't-like-to-read-but-love-to-write sort of people and never understood why I am like that. Because the one universal piece of advice from writers is read a lot, and that always made me feel like I will always have a handicap.

[@Sriniket]

same, it is so difficult to read sometimes even though I love writing

[@yanoizikawa770]

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[@maliquelovell9093]

I relate to this so much

[@BrandonNinja]

I feel the same. I use audio books though.

[@dinsfire8489]

I'd say just start small with reading other's works. I write farrrr more than I read but it's really important to see what others are doing right (& wrong) in the genre you're writing in. I'm guilty of not doing this enough myself, but I tell you... it only takes one book to change your life forever. you can learn so much from various authors' writing styles. make the time so you can thank yourself for the rest of your life. it will only make you a better writer.

[@Fae05]

If anyone wants to become great at something, they have to study it. You don't have to read books entirely, but you gotta learn what makes a book a book in the first place. Figure out what you enjoy most from them and utilize it in your own way. You're going to read regardless if you wanna get better, but it might just be an article on the craft and not a book written by Stephen King, or J.K. Rowling.

[@maxstravagar]

There are points of views in this video that either oppose one another or leave you at or near the door step. I have not read much books since I was a kid...and yet I am touted as the next William Shakespeare by bloggers and Book awards alike, I mainly watch Movies and rarely read excerpts of other books to get a feel of style voice.

[@T1mesAreHard]

This. Exactly this. Reading can be a good form of study to learn writing basics, but not the only way. Even just picking up a published book, flipping to a specific type of scene you're trying to write, and reading only that particular scene can be extremely useful. In my opinion, reading also doesn't necessarily teach you storytelling skills, which are essential to writing a good book. Those need to come naturally to the person, however that may be. It could be from reading, or it could be from watching movies, tv-shows, or just general life experiences.

[@maxstravagar]

@@T1mesAreHard I agree, so what got you to write?

[@carmenortiz5294]

@@maxstravagar Let me laugh! LOL! I would guess the people touting you, have never read a book by Shakespeare, assuming he indeed did exist. Experts don't necessary agree as to who he was or if it was just one person. Me, I Iike to think he did. Let me quote you: "I have not read MUCH books". I see most of your "books" sell for $0.99. GET OVER YOURSELF.

[@maxstravagar]

@@carmenortiz5294 first off my book prices are a teaser, mostly short or small versions you are talking about, It is a marketing strategy. While I agree Shakespeare in all likelihood didn't exist nonetheless your comment about me fell into the comic sky of trash and debre. People and fans love my works, I can not help it you didn't get there first...try harder next time.

[@elindis]

I used to enjoy reading. My depression intensified a couple of years ago, though, and now I find that I don't have the patience or the ability to enjoy books. Since then, I've only gotten through a single trilogy - and even then, it was often a slog. However, I am by nature a daydreamer. When I find little pools of desire, I can't help but to try to make something out of them. It feels like a waste to use them for consumption.

[@גרשוןפרלמן]

Try writing. You may find one way out of depression is putting your self / feelings on paper - releasing them from the cage of your mind. Then you might even find someone who has done similarly in a book and discover you are not alone.

[@elizabethmolino8262]

@@גרשוןפרלמן ,Good advice.I tried this and it help me.

[@kathrynstubbs4519]

There is a significant body of professional literature supporting journaling to help folks with mental health concerns, including people with depression. Start out by listing three positive things that happened in your life that day. Things as small as birdsong with your breakfast can make the list. As you feel more comfortable with daily writing, describe your positive things a little. Read a few pages if a whole book is daunting, then write a brief response in your journal. Please, please, please consider getting professional help. A little help from someone who is trained as well as willing to help can make all the difference.

[@fairytala]

@@kathrynstubbs4519 getting professional help can be such a game changer! Just being able to talk to someone about your struggles who doesn't judge and doesn't give "helpful" advice you've tried a million times before - that can be such a relief! A psychotherapist or psychiatrist is for the mind what a physiotherapist is for your body. Someone who helps you identify the blockades and their underlying reasons and can help you to gently work through them.

[@saltech3444]

I myself had an episode of depression that lasted 3 years and 13 days, during which time one of the biggest problems I had was the fact that I could hardly read. This was a severe problem for me, particularly as previous bouts of depression had not had this effect. I remember reading Plato's Theaetetus and Aristotle's Politics in succession, and seeing this as a major victory. By the way, one peculiarity of that depression was that, though even watching movies was difficult, watching live theatre plays was weirdly unaffected. It was as if seeing live actors cut through the fog. I saw three plays when I was in London and noticed this effect. Unfortunately, covid might prevent you from being able to do this!

[@mlbullbooks]

I'm a slow reader and don't get through but a few books each year, but writing is still pretty easy for me. Maybe because I'm observant and my writing style is simple. I don't often use the largest of words, which is mostly because I want to make sure just about anyone reading it will be able to understand it.

[@jemajoy8839]

😍👍📚

[@winnmiller6012]

I try to write the same way. Simple is good!!!

[@akaNaz1]

I'm slow at reading and struggle with staying focused. I found reading while listening to audio at the same time really helps me get through books better.

[@maxstravagar]

There are points of views in this video that either oppose one another or leave you at or near the door step. I have not read much books since I was a kid...and yet I am touted as the next William Shakespeare by bloggers and Book awards alike, I mainly watch Movies and rarely read excerpts of other books to get a feel of style and voice.

[@H41030v3rki110ny0u]

@@maxstravagar calm down there Shakespeare...

[@MLG_s3npa1]

This channel is a treasure too few of us stumble upon.

[@ashikanwar8130]

I never got the idea of reading novels until I wanted to write one. As like every other beginner writers, I wrote my first novel like a bad movie screenplay. And then I saw a movie that was similar to my genre, and then came to know that that it was created from a novel. That was the first ever novel I read. Then I began searching for novelisations for movies I liked. It made me visualise what the author was setting up in a scene. And later, I began to read novels that were not made into movies. I have a copy of my own novel, that I began before reading any novel. Now I with my present copy, I feel like I’ve learnt a lot and wouldn’t stop anywhere near Thank you so much for motivating me with all your videos

[@elizabethchen2348]

Hearing Diane telling me I am enough was really comforting, not gonna lie. Thank you for the insightful video!

[@maxstravagar]

There are points of views in this video that either oppose one another or leave you at or near the door step. I have not read much books since I was a kid...and yet I am touted as the next William Shakespeare by bloggers and Book awards alike, I mainly watch Movies and rarely read excerpts of other books to get a feel of style and voice.

[@voices4oppressed]

@@maxstravagar I feel like you and I have some experience in that regard mate 😁😂 How odd it was right?! I'm writing a ten book series and all the while I've only read two books (The Hobbit, a fifty-page in The fellowship of the rings LOTR) 😂😁 Any tip from your side buddy lol

[@maxstravagar]

@@voices4oppressed my advice to you watch movies adapted from books and search query Fantasy Tropes. Write short books with a beginning middle and end then write another and another put it online for free, with a hitch, an email exchange for your book, later expand your book pages and make those for sale.

[@voices4oppressed]

@@maxstravagar you think that will work best for me?! And what site can I put it out?!

[@maxstravagar]

@@voices4oppressed try smashwords and Wattpad.

[@unknownunknown5244]

"Whatever you do, keep writing." With all these doubts inside my head and crazy things happening in my life, these words are such a powerful motivation. Thank you, Diane.

[@totallynameless8861]

There are fanfictions that have changed my life more profoundly than most published novels.

[@maljakkals4737]

Yes, especially if you can identify mistakes they made and learn from it.

[@kennyvalentine6993]

I love how balanced this video is. I love that you presented the importance of reading in a writer's life without shaming the writer for the lack of reading. I'm someone who grew up with videogames, movies and TV shows and cartoons/anime, but not so much with books. Still, I was fascinated with storytelling since I was a child and wanted to tell my own stories, and the only way that was readily available for me was through writing. Of course, I did read some children's fiction growing up, picture books and very short stories, even ones in our school text books, and I enjoyed that a ton, but I just didn't have access to bigger books like novels, the way I did other media. Unfortunately, that made it grow into a habit of mine to prefer writing to reading while consuming every other media except for books. I would think 'why waste time reading when I should be writing?' which is just a bad mindset to have on so many levels. Then when I finally gained access to internet, I started consuming fanfiction, as the idea of reading about characters I was already familiar with was more compelling to me, and easier to access as well. That did help me learn a lot about writing, seeing how different people write, or how they interpret the same characters I love and enjoy differently from me. I also wrote my own fanfiction and shared it online, and it was nice to see people react to my writing. Now, as an adult who is trying to be more serious about my writing with the hopes of getting published in the future, I'm doing my best to kick myself out of the habit of not reading actual books. I am a very slow reader, so it takes me time to consume books, but I also find I get more immersed into a book's world and its characters if I'm not rushing through it. I also pay attention to the style and techniques implemented into the storytelling, trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. My biggest regret as a writer is that I didn't start reading books/novels early enough. I acknowledge some of it was out of my control and due to the circumstances I grew up in, but I also didn't get into the habit of reading books as soon as I could have. Still, I'll do what I can to fix that now.

[@N.Traveler]

Your story is so similar to mine. I especially recognized myself in feeling like reading is a waste of time when you can do something more productive like writing. Very well put!

[@sorenutpal6091]

Same story

[@dubadduwariwari2033]

I planned to become a writer because I enjoyed reading, my favourite authors always provide me inspiration. Whenever I am facing a writing block reading chapter of the book I like provides a lot of help. To me reading is like root to my writing, I don't think that my novel which is like a bud will ever bloom into a flower if I stopped reading.

[@jeremykayprofessionalscree9914]

I really appreciate what a nuanced, intelligent answer you provide. Especially where you acknowledge dyslexia: a mentor of mine was the Dean of a University, and is an incredible speaker and writer--I'd known him for years before he mentioned that he doesn't read because of his dyslexia. If I hadn't known him, I would've thought it impossible to write well without reading, but the world is a complicated place, and when we claim something is impossible, we're normally just saying that we can't imagine how it's possible.

[@maxstravagar]

There are points of views in this video that either oppose one another or leave you at or near the door step. I have not read much books since I was a kid...and yet I am touted as the next William Shakespeare by bloggers and Book awards alike, I mainly watch Movies and rarely read excerpts of other books to get a feel of style voice.

[@jeremykayprofessionalscree9914]

@@maxstravagar Hey, I went to check out some of your writing. Just out of curiousity, what do you mean by: "A three time recipient of a Pulitzer Prize 2019 -2021"? Am I missing something?

[@maxstravagar]

@@jeremykayprofessionalscree9914 I'm not sure what are you trying to get at or what you are asking? In any case thank you for your interest : )

[@Shauna_naturesarboryoga]

I'm dyslexic and I've been a avid reader since 2nd grade. I sometimes even now have to reread a sentence but I've always scored well in reading comprehension as a kid. I am guessing it's cuz I read a ton as a kid. I just learned to adapt and prob read a bit slower than probably someone else.

[@HiddenWhiteFang]

I haven't found time to read for pleasure in a while. Most of my free time is dedicated to writing and not reading. The last book I finished was in January and I have two books on my nightstand that are there for when I can't sleep at night. But I'm also a literature teacher who teaches stories to high school students, and a beta reader on good days. And my commute to work is only 5 minutes, meaning audiobooks take forever to listen to. This video has really helped me feel better about the fact that I might get through 1-2 books a year, maybe three if I have a few long drives. So thanks for that!

[@kmh4076]

Diane, your channel is one of the best in writing advices. I really pity those who hadn't found this channel yet. I wish you may achieve your goals after sharing lots of these advices for free. I don't understand why your channel doesn't have millions of subs yet. :"))

[@g.g.dennis4264]

Thanks Diane, I love you vids.

[@mathiasf.8749]

It's like a filmmaker saying "I want to make movies, but I don't like to watch movies." It literally makes no sense. Why would you write if you don't love the craft? I won't say that no one has ever written something good without also being interested in reading, but my guess is that almost no one on planet earth would fall under that category. In fact, I would be very suspicious of a writer who doesn't read, because it seems like the person is doing it for the wrong reason. No one suddenly starts writing a novel or a short story out of thin air. There is a cause and effect to it, like everything else in the universe. I wouldn't wake up one day and suddenly decide that I wanted to be an architect, because I (currently) have absolutely zero interest in the subject. For that to be the case, I would have to start becoming interested in architecture first.

[@viniz200]

When I was a child I didn't like to read at all, I would get bored, and imagine too much that I would get lost during the process. But I always wanted to create stories. So I would disagree that writing without the love for reading is doing it for the wrong reason. Literature is just a tool to deliver an entire universe of mind from the author to another person. More important than read is wanting and having something to tell.

[@jylietmaddyzpires2442]

"... because it seems like the person is doing it for the wrong reason." I'm extremely curious to know what you think a "wrong reason" for writing would be. Are you saying that people write without reading for... money? Fame? Attention? Awards? Writing is not generally considered an easy or externally rewarding profession.

[@mathiasf.8749]

@@jylietmaddyzpires2442 Anything other than doing it for the love of writing would seem supicious to me. For me, the main suspicion would be that the person writing loves the idea of being a writer more than writing itself, not necessarily for money or fame, but that could be the case, sure. I certainly remember when I first started writing, I started to have these thoughts of being the writer guy, something I never thought about when I was younger and just wrote because I was inspired by other other writers and wanted to try my own takes on different genres and themes and character archetypes etc. I did it because I loved the craft and the art. Again, yes, you can write without reading, but I feel like there is something missing here. How would you ever write a good horror novel, for example, if you never read any? I’m not saying it can’t be done, but I would be very interested to read a novel that has no reference to other literature of its kind.

[@jylietmaddyzpires2442]

@@mathiasf.8749 What's to be suspicious of? I don't get why you think there's some sort of ulterior motive somewhere.

[@KoylTrane]

Easy: barrier for entry is low. Everyone knows how to write and form a sentence. I imagine many of us have these urges to express ourselves artistically that we repress. If you want to write, then all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. Or a computer. You may like to watch movies, but if you want to make movies you have to: write a script, get actors, get a movie set, proper lighting, a camera, know how to use a camera, know how to edit etc.

[@TheMusicscotty]

"you are enough." Can't express how hard that hit me. Love this channel.

[@MuhammadAli-qh8tg]

I'll be honest, I've not read a full book of fiction in over 20 years but I've started writing a trilogy which has been inspired by my love of other media. I write because it's a way of me telling the story I want to tell and honestly I love writing. I actually avoided reading once I decided to write because I do not want to copy some of the incredible lines I come across. I've watched loads of videos as research into how to write better, story structures, psychology, history documentaries but it's games and movies that inspire me mixed with life experiences. I am reading a few books now but I honestly feel that reading is not a requirement to be a good writer but learning how to write is. P.s I love this channel

[@theTeslaFalcon]

I read a lot of fiction in my youth, but as I got older and the pressure to improve my personal life, interactions with my wife and children, and the overarching need to make money to keep supplying my growing family with basic necessities, I shifted from fiction to non-fiction. Yet, while the strongest call by most is to write non-fiction, I don't have a technical career that is conducive to being read. I don't see bookstores bursting with how-to "so you wanna be a truck driver" books. I don't even wanna be a truck driver which is why I've been throwing everything at the wall I can get my hands on, praying something will stick. It was brought back to mind this week in my own writing podcast moments that 99% of success in most of these fields comes in enjoying the process. Whether it be playing with sounds or metal or air or water or paint or light or numbers or stone or wood or whatever, it's the ones who play in a child-like joy for the toy you're playing with that succeed. It's the joy of the process that matters far more than whatever milestone or finish line destination they might reach. Awards? Money? Fame? Those are often DISTRACTIONS from their joy of the craft.

[@lindaharrison3240]

For years my reading goal was more, more, more. But last year I realized that I was finally reading enough books consistently and that quantity is not quality. Now my reading goal is to get more from the books I read, to read closer and see more in the book. My reading goals have progressed as I’ve progressed as a reader and that makes sense to me.

[@Jasonwolf1495]

I literally never read by choice until the last month of 5th grade. I'd never once been handed something that I was interested in. Everything around that time seemed to be really every day stories about "normal" people doing "normal" things in their big hometown or city. Meanwhile I was living out in a rural town and it always seemed so foreign. Then I stumbled onto a chapter excerpt from "My Side of the Mountain" which had details of how to make a fishing hook from sticks and it seemed super neat. I found that book in the library then stopped reading after I finished it. Well I did still read that book over and over... I assume its why when I write I so deeply enjoy writing my characters doing mundane things like sharpening a weapon or making breakfast. After that I was given the first of the Percy Jackson books as it was starting to become clear that I too had ADHD and autism (at least I didn't have dyslexia, that'd have made this path even harder). There was a lul around high school. Nothing really caught my eye for a while. I wrote a lot, read a lot more from roleplay forums. I bought some Rothfuss, but I put it down almost immediately, I don't remember why. Then when I was working for a conservation corps I picked up some Sanderson at my brothers suggestion, and it really got me going again. Since then I actually got stuck with Sandersons most recent Knights Radiant book because I'm too invested and worried how it will turn out, so I haven't read in a long while.

[@mariogreen2213]

I swear you are my inspiration. I was getting tired of reading but now I’m watching your video and editing my graphic novel. Thank you

[@SheegogProductions]

@3:58 As a lover of stories, this screenshot and Diane's comments made me very happy. :D

[@lisagreghi1835]

I love reading!

[@jamesrichey]

I love to read, and I love to write. I always feel as if I don't do enough of either.

[@Splashover03]

I especially appreciate the idea of how many books can get through to you vs. how many books i can get through. in 2019 & 2020 i read almost 300 books, but scrolling through the list now mid-way through 2021, i couldn't tell you much about the book being general impressions. but of the 30 books i read in, say, 2014 when i was reading slower and more deliberately, i still feel like i could have in depth discussions about them though i read them much longer ago. so i'm trying to slow down, reading for myself more. i'm not telling people how much i'm reading anymore. i'm not greedily collecting books on my read list... and I find I'm enjoying each book more.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

I read a lot of mystery or suspense. That is NOT what I write, but dialogue, description, etc. are still all there!

[@laurasukalac555]

As one who watches this channel from “the reader”, not “the writer” perspective, I thoroughly enjoyed this video and was nodding along to a lot of the insights. Thank you for all of the great suggestions to expand my reading and listening consumption. I think it’s important to be pushed into exploring new mediums and genres. Great video, as always!

[@josh.outcast969]

I want to be a writer and I'm writing a book for a portfolio, my goal is to be a writer for movies or tv. So It also depends on what type of writing you're doing. I spend a good amount of time watching tv and movies while not much reading.

[@kelvindzivinski5872]

This video really spoke to me, thank you for making it! I’m new to writing and while writing (and finishing) the first draft of my first fantasy novel I realized I hadn’t really read a whole lot of novels in my life so I have spent the past year trying to read as many fantasy stories and educate myself about literature. Absolutely loving it!

[@silvasilvasilva]

You can, of course. How good your writing is going to be is a different matter. I've been working in editing for some 15 years and can spot a non-reader from miles away.

[@notnow6946]

OMG! You took the word write out of my mouth. Completely agree. I can tell by the first page who is the reader and who is the non-reader. If I have my doubts ( because they polished that opening page so much) it's usually cleared up by the first 1,500 words. You can write, sure. The same way I can 'run' as someone with two functioning legs who hates jogging. As long as you're writing for yourself and don't plan on making it a career.

[@jemajoy8839]

Wow! That's an interesting thing I learned today. Experienced editors 👍 I do read but time to time. First I read for enjoyment, now I read to learn. Writing path has changed me a lot. 🤓 Have a awesome great time!

[@adeoayoola]

I find that reading drags me out of writers block more than any other method.

[@valhatan3907]

When I read something, ideas and words flow to me naturally, but when I stop ... then I continue having writer block.

[@chadsimmons4496]

I’ve been waiting for this video from the GOAT, Diane! I am not a fiction reader. I was a video game-sports junkie boy, and am a movie watcher…. Ugh, I know. Lol But I love story. And I hate that I am not a reader of fiction (maybe five or so under my belt) So, I hope you don’t have to be (or, my started novel and chapter books hope), but more importantly, I hope I don’t need to worry about it by this time next year. I wish I had known of my passion for writing thirty years ago. Thanks for the video.

[@AppleCore360]

I love reading... it just takes me a very long time to read. I've alway's felt the odd one out whith ny reading friends. I ended one book when they've finnished four. Alway's felt like such a cheat when I started writing. This video was a nice confident boost.

[@DreamDetective]

Now that I'm older I find I give up on more books. I use to give a book 50 pages to grab me now it is more like 10 pages. Goodreads helps me decide. I read the comments and if people say something I connect too I will give it a try. I search my library to see if it is there and also on Amazon to check the price if it is too expensive I’ll pass on buying it. There are just too many books to read and I've only got so many years left. Don't wait until you retire old eyes and not as forgiving.

[@jemajoy8839]

Good advice 🙏🏼❤

[@cjpreach]

I couldn't read when I was in elementary school. Poor attention span. Junior High study hall forced me to sit still for 50 minutes at a time. It was there I read my first book - "The Kid Who Batted 1.000". It's still a struggle at times, but, "Hey, Mom! Look at me! I'm a writer!"

[@frannycescaa]

Diane, you're the best!! When it comes to my queries with writing, you are my go to. It's like you've read my mind because you have a video for everything I want to know. Not only that, but the content you provide is of outstanding quality. Thank you, we're lucky to have you!

[@DalCecilRuno]

I absolutely love reading audiobooks and ebooks with a screen reader are my only choice, but I enjoy it this way. I hear you about that feeling of "so, everyone loved this but I just didn't? Am I not a true reader?" Ah! I've felt that many times but it was because I was hanging out in the wrong community, wrong for my reading taste that's all. This year I've hit gold with some of my reads, and it has been awesome to see that I'm not alone in my reading taste. Besides, the new books I've found (new to me) have left me with such beautiful memories and ideas for my own works. It's wonderful. :)

[@katymbeke8400]

I do often read short books, but I mostly read fanfics because I could easily find what I was looking for and they are more accessible. This grew to wanting to come up with my own scenarios, until I came up with my own story ideas.

[@MattGarcia]

Excellent. Great insight as usual. Loved this length too. I'm not against longer videos but I must admit that it makes it much easier to find a slot in which to listen to it. Although your longer videos are also great!!

[@getfit_1.2.1]

Thanks! This audio/video is what I needed to hear. Best seller coming lol but true ..... however, I've delayed getting into discovering other writers' style for a long time. Thanks for the kick up the butt.

[@sambitsamal]

I enjoyed reading novels since I was 15 but all those mostly used to be popular fiction from bestselling authors. But since the last year or so I've gravitated towards more serious literary fiction. And it's an enriching experience.

[@gameaddict7710]

I love Diane Callahan videos, i watch it all, back to back

[@angel.a6844]

Thank you. I do get critical about how much I really do read

[@shulershifty6240]

I am a big fan of video games, I have almost 2.5k hours sunk into League of Legends, but I did start writing a bit as a coping mechanism, as... well, League players can be absurdly toxic. I don't find reading as fun as writing, but I may just be a victim of Myth #4 and #6, and Myth #4 sometimes blocks me in producing music, because I have so many less known songs saved on Spotify. There was actually one EDM music producer who explained that he does not listen to EDM, instead to other music genres - presumably to not be distracted by hearing other songs he would've wanted to produce. I'd say it could apply to books, but it's probably less strict. I am also currently starting with fanfiction, and may consider streaming on Twitch to include days where I read fanfiction of other people.

[@curtismmichaels]

You handled that with remarkable grace. Thank you.

[@envernigmatouline3316]

I borrow how books do prose, inner thoughts and descriptions for sure. But storytelling is borrowed from TV shows that I watched. I like the theatricality of the shows, as well as keeping tension going on until the end, and everyone being against someone else.

[@adamlane8751]

Once I decided to become a writer I certainly started to read less and less. I have very little free time. So when I do have time I spend it writing. Then when I do have time to read I mostly read books about writing. It's quite the catch 22 situation for me.

[@dragonstooth4223]

Reading is not the only path to being a great writer. To think that way is limiting your scope of what it means to be an artist. It's a good idea to read if your a writer, but I wouldn't say its critical. There are other ways to hone ones craft, other ways which I think are better than reading. Like finding friends to discuss these ideas with and joining forums and putting your work up for critique and giving critiques. I think these are better options for learning because they are engaging with the medium rather than passively observing if you catch my drift. Personally I found watching a lot of videos on youtube on writing techniques, tropes and other techniques was way more helpful because it pointed out to me what to look for.

[@the7thseven873]

I don't read much. Must admit. But I do listen to many, many audiobooks.

[@cjpreach]

Audiobooks, when the reader performance is good or excellent, are great contributors to your Writer's "ear." LOTR and Chronicles of Narnia unabridged audiobooks are extraordinarily well done.

[@emeraldqueen1994]

My one rule with reading is if I’m not invested in the story by “chapter X” (a point near the beginning of the story) I put the book down and look for a new one… EXAMPLE : The Girl and the Dragon, the book I’m currently reading, has 350 pages divided into 67 chapters… With my rule “if I’m not hooked by chapter 4, (in this case) I’m putting the book down” I’m currently on chapter 62… Edit : sometimes I’ll put on music that doesn’t have words while I’m reading or writing to block out distractions (DO NOT use music with words, as you’ll be singing along with the music instead of reading / writing)

[@animitasaha2245]

As a kid and a teenager I mostly read short stories more than novels. But as an adult now I am enjoying novels too, however not all of them. I hadn't considered myself as a reader since I never had the patience to read for hours. However, I must admit that there have been a few books which I couldn't put down.

[@candiegray4037]

I've fallen in love with your videos! You give great writing advice, thank you! If I could ask, I would love some advice on how to write multiple main characters! I love stories that have a group of people be the main characters or have complex character arcs, for example with Game of Thrones, but I find that the writing for those type of stories gets messy and scrambled very easily.

[@brandonchapman4532]

I think my case is different. I've always been a visual learner growing up and I've struggled with my school literature projects (which kinda made me not like reading at first). I remember reading books like Narnia, To Kill A Mocking Bird, a handful of Edgar Allan Poe poems and stories, but that was long ago and the topic we discussed in class or that I never truly comprehend what I was taught. I also struggle with words, especially when I'm speaking or thinking of vocabulary so at times I feel discouraged. Something I don't know if I can bring my worlds and ideas out there for others to see or hear. This video helps and encourages me to press on and I give a thousand thanks for it.

[@geologyjohnson7700]

I used to read a lot when i was younger. But now i read a lot for work so don't really want to do it in my free time. Being dyslexic and adhd doesn't help either. I'm definitely more influenced by other media and my life experiences than written works. I find that if I'm reading something I don't enjoy then I don't finish it. But if I'm reading something i enjoy then i still struggle to finish it because it inspires me to create.

[@samlerf]

I think you can, as Karen Traviss is such a person, according to her website's Q & A. But I think one makes it a lot harder than it needs to be.

[@emmamacfarlane8137]

Karen Traviss is really not a good example to take influence from.

[@samlerf]

@@emmamacfarlane8137 She has done some pretty shitty books, especially with Legacy of the force. But her early "Republic Commando" novels were pretty great. Same for her novelization of the Star Wars the Clone Wars film and the tie-in novels to the series.

[@factoryofdivisiveopinions]

Quality over Quantity. Just like this channel.

[@horence2360]

I find that this translates to a lot of creative and scientific avenues as well, I personally don't read books but I've been writing for about 4 years now, there's a distinct sense of progression with how your writing can change and how much easier or longer it becomes, and how much the depth of your writing can get. None of it is professional level quality, but that's usually not enough to stop someone who really wants to write, to doing the writing that they do. Because as it was said, it is a form of self-expression; when I do write I always find myself asking "How I should convey this scene" in the same energy as me trying to find the right words to say, and I believe that regardless of whether you read or not, you do come across this road if you're this invested in your creative field. Now at my 4th year I still don't read books but I do enjoy studying the experiences of other writers without me going through actually reading a book, and I'm sure that at some point I will gather my own interpretations of the books I'll soon read. My friend really says it best when he says: "There's no absolute path to growth in your hobbies or studies, the only thing that is would be how much you love doing what you do." And I really do think that if I didn't love writing, I wouldn't be doing it 4 years down the line.

[@johnatspray]

9:08 That’s very comforting to hear (continues binging Douglas Adams).

[@ulibarriL]

Great video! I really don't have much more to add, but I do want to say that I am guilty of not wanting to plagiarize someone else's work. However, this video helped me realize that if I had published works, it would actually fill me with joy if something I wrote inspired someone so much that they chose to incorporate it into their own story. Putting their own spin on it, of course.

[@zainabsajid3168]

I used to read a lot as a kid, sometimes getting through two books in a day. Now, as a high school senior, I don't have that much of time. I still try to read 1 novel in a week or two, though. Because I've been doing it for so long, I can read pretty fast. The thing is, I hate reading the same book for too long. So I devised a strategy. I read quickly, but the first time I read is for the plot of the book. The second time is to get the setting and the descriptions visualized in my head. And the third time is to feel the taste of the language. This way, I also filter out the books I wouldn't recommend to someone. If I got bored half-way through the second or third read, it's not getting recommended, because there wasn't enough depth for me to feel interested again.

[@koobidew4484]

I have always wished I was a reader. I have all sorts of books that sit on the shelf and I feel terrible that I never read them. When I saw the title of this video I was excited but also terrified. As always, it was very encouraging. I'm ready to better manage my time instead of make excuses and complain about it!!!!

[@HuongNguyen-tr5rw]

I’m soooo glad that this channel’s growing! The last time I checked, it was 10k sub

[@writtenwordsschoolofenglish]

A lovely and motivating video. Yes, reading is an essential tool for anyone who wants to improve as a writer.

[@cheeseisjar3058]

So I used to read a lot, like all the time, but I stopped a while ago. A few months ago I decided it would be fun to try to write a book, which evolved over time into a whole trilogy plan plus inspiration for a prequel and sequel to the main story, but that was all just planning. I finished the first draft of book 1 in July, and my writing did gradually get better with each chapter, with the first few being depressingly short and lacking in information and the last few being about as well written as a filler chapter might be. Then, this summer, I started reading A Song of Ice and Fire (currently partway through Clash of Kings and reading really slowly), which I am enjoying very much and it’s style has effected how my third book will (probably) play out. Earlier today I finish the first chapter in the second draft of book one, and I am so happy to look at it and almost see it as legit. Granted it took me maybe two weeks or something for one chapter (I may have taken a bit too much influence from GRRM), but I’m hoping that will change with time, and it’s worth it either. So yes, you should read, but it’s also fine to ditch reading time for writing/creative time.

[@amitasangeet2913]

I love this video. All experience and everything we observe and enjoy helps writing. As far as reading, audio books are also another wonderful resource

[@PhilipHarwell]

Oh man. The “bookmarking” meme at 5:26 had me laughing pretty hard.

[@ayama7108]

I am not reading particular much, if any at all. Still I believe that everything can be learned. Therefore im studying in a writing school. Writing is a craft, not a talent. Everyone can learn it no matter what, aslong you work on it.

[@ynonreiner5205]

I've Always loved reading, but only in the past few years did I realize the power writing has for me. It's such an amazing way to express yourself. My problem is I'm way too judgemental, and even the smallest writer's block can send me into a spiral of low confidence and certainty that I'll never write anything good. I hope that sticking to it and not giving up will help. Great Video as always!

[@writingwofl5836]

If you would want to master the art of writing, and write an influential, inspiring, original good book, you need to have ideas, inspirations and knowledge of different takes on the genre in wich you want to write. Great ideas are formed by combined inspirations, if one wants to write something that is different, you must have read different books, if one wants to write a great fantasy book for example, you need to have different sources of inspiration to draw from and know the history of that genre: for fantasy means reading some epics, myths and old tales like Gilgamesh, Aeneid, Beowulf etc. Some fairy tale-esque stories like Lord Dunsanys King of Elflands daughter or Grim, and some influential fantasy works: Ghormenghast, Tolkien, Anderson etc. And then the more modern works/ authors like: Susanne Clarkes JS& MN, Neil Gaiman, Michael Moorcock etc. These works were influential, great fantasy literature that had each different takes on the genre. If one would only read Tolkien, he would end up writing eragon/WoT /Shannara. More reading= better writing, but don't only read things that are inspired by one source, try things that differ from what you've read, that challenge your mind and that learns you new things. Ofc, when you write as a hobby from wich you take pleasure and comfort, then great, but just dont publish it

[@chrisdraper5067]

Great video as always. I'd like to refine the issue a little: I cant read fiction while I am writing. I can read voraciously or I can write, but not both on the same week. For me it would be like trying to write a symphony while playing another composers work - I need a quiet mind. However I find watching a movie to relax inspires me when I am in a writing sprint and I can read non-fiction unrelated to my writing.

[@renab.7390]

Same for me. Which is why I haven't read any fiction in almost 2 years. I've read a ton of books throughout my life and now I just wanna focus on my novel.

[@bangruidzioba1696]

I like writing but I read slowly that gets me down,thus I don't want to read much. Thank you for this video that's very helpful .

[@nebiyoumelaku276]

Thank you for saying audiobooks count... There are books I listen to over and over. My appreciation of them grows each time I listen to them...and Your work is awosome.

[@valhatan3907]

I have a request (I never asking for request to a authortube before) can you make a video about filter/filler words?

[@Herbidieheilige]

I find it hard to enjoy reading because I was always pressured to find one and get on with it in my school system. The thing was that if you don't like it, sucks for you, keep fucking reading it. And i don't prefer length of books to be ridiculously over the top. I always found books that just say what they need to to be more fulfilling to read. And its upsetting to me how making a book around that length is hard to do with out self publishing, both for myself and other authors who's book may work better shorter. For me it's always been quality of the words over the quantity, but I feel sad when I realize a 70k word book faces so many challenges just for it's length. I enjoy the writing styles of shorter books. And I even find that they have similar levels of complexity to larger ones. And it doesn't help that all writing advise is mostly for overwriters. If people enjoy long books, good for them! But that doesn't mean shorter ones should be shunned. Make a book as long as it needs to be, no more no less. But that's my soapbox I guess.

[@angeloliver7613]

I do like to read, but after i began to write it became slowly less. Now i really like movies and TV Shows, while I like fanfiction and I like short horror stories, but whole books are so energy draining and I look for mistakes or think 'I would have written that differently'...there is no joy in reading novels and books anymore. The only exception are survivor stories and thriller.

[@sheldonthompson9172]

I love this podcast. I didn’t learn to read till after I graduated from high school with a B in English. I might add. I just wrote my first novel and it’s probably not that good but I love writing. I’ll try to read some more. Thank you again for your podcast.

[@repotra]

Thank you for making this video! I've been thinking about this for months and was uncertain if I wanted to write or not. This video helped me a lot and I hope this message successfully express my sincere gratitude. Thanks again!

[@kstarwalker4905]

I know that one of my main inspiration is a bit, unorthodox, however I've used some of my own dreams and expand on the stories stuck in my head.

[@heerupadhyay783]

Amazing video (as usual) ..........Character driven plot is something I understand little can you/someone explain slightly in detail? Maybe with examples too......... PS: I've loved reading books since I was 6

[@DalCecilRuno]

I re-watched this video today and I just realized that you included Klara and the Sun..that's perhaps my favorite book of 2021. I'm so happy to see that book here. 💜

[@sherylyaseen6719]

I used to love reading when I was trying to escape life. Buuuut since I started using the internet that ability to read just totally disappeared, because it's just a different way to escape. People who read my writing say that my dialogues are the best part of my writing and I guess it's because I still consume a lot of media :")

[@unknownunknown5244]

Oh so true. I used to read books all the time but got replaced by watching KZbin and reality TV shows. I would work on going back to reading though.

[@sherylyaseen6719]

@@unknownunknown5244 I've been walking around with a book and even bought a new one *at the airport* but like... Idk I just can't do it TT-TT it's ok, i'll pull it off

[@michaelcone1729]

Love your vids! And before I watch my answer is no.

[@gamingaddict024]

I love the ending quote of “whatever you do, keep writing.” I’ve had a deep interest in writing ever since I was in highschool. I’d often make screenplays, as other writers would call it. I vaguely remember reading some books like Alice in Wonderland on my tablet and loving it. I also remember reading the Cam Jansen mystery books as a kid too. That’s all I can remember reading as a child, but in highschool, I began writing my own screenplays. I had a lot of them. Honestly, I kinda wish I didn’t use my highschool Google drive account to write them, because now it’s gone. Anyway, I eventually started writing a story about a 15 year old girl who runs away from home so she can escape her not-so-perfect home life. I originally started writing Chapter 1: Part 1 of this story in 2021. I will eventually finish writing the ending Chapter 1: Part 5. But that’s the progress of my story - Including my experience with reading books as a child, and writing screenplays as I reached highschool. Also, on the topic of writing, does anyone else also feel like if they correct their writing based on what someone else told them to do, it wouldn’t feel authentic to them? For example, I am on a writers discord server. I eventually made a forum post asking for advice on what to do with my story. This basically led me to make changes to my story that didn’t feel true to what I’d actually want to happen. Like, it’s become less of me writing because I like it (how it originally started), and more of me changing my writing so others can like it (how it’s kinda starting to feel?).

[@BoldTakes]

Seeing somebody enjoy what they’re reading is one of the most fascinating things to experience. It’s thrilling, like a live reaction to a judge trying your curated dish. Then seeing them express their adoration for the way a book speaks to them is next level affirmation. That’s why I want to write. To experience the delight of my readers. Because the comfort and affirmation it provides them is really that full-circle moment, where everything i did to write XYZ story feels like it paid off

[@nicholasdawn9940]

Beautiful video, as always. Thanks for your wisdom, both accessible and profound, enduringly insightful and timely. Long live, Diane Callahan!

[@Anna-Michelle744]

It's funny I watch these sort of videos (and read articles) to get advice on how to motivate myself and not give up or if I have given up, how to get back to it, how to write more, make intense scenes that pull readers in and help them feel what your characters are feeling and to root for them and the amount of videos I've watched about worldbuilding is breath taking. Not to mention videos about grammar and the like to make up for the fact that due to many different circumstances my education was interrupted a lot. I watch these videos and I have every intention of completing this series (too many ideas for just the one book also I've fallen in love with my characters) but it's only for me. I can't imagine publishing them for a number of reasons.

[@DragonixaHome]

I used to read a lot before I started highschool, but I'd read books of only one author that I fixated on, which is Graham Masterton ^^' Nowadays... If I ever read anything, it's usually a story written by one of my friends or my boyfriend, and those are usually in English. While it expands my vocabulary, it doesn't help my native language skills... And I'm writing a book in my native. I realised I have troubles describing dynamic scenes like fights between the characters (it's a fantasy book), especially when it comes to my dragon characters... I have to say, it's pretty damn hard. I need to hire one of my Polish friends to help me out, she's more experienced in this and she completely tore apart my favourite fragment of my book that I shared with her, so I have a long way to go hahah

[@shadowrodney]

I've reflected on this and I'm not a guy who grabs a book and read it's true, I am however a guy who loves creating characters and a whole universe. But I asked myself "don't I read?" I might not read many books, but I've come to realize that these days a book is not the only think you can read. Sure I've seen and heard it all visually with movies, video games and shows.. but around that I looked up things related to them, all written down. Lore, lines, characters and their development, I read subtitles, I've read whole texts that help me beat a puzzle, I even sometimes during a game just stop and read a whole wall of text because I'm curious about the lore and try to discover what's going on in game. The thing is... I've always been reading, just not traditionally from books (and I have in the past during school assignments and all that) I have been trying to read or more to say "listen" books and it's helped me understand how to put my thoughts into writing in a better way.

[@redsol3629]

Reading as an aspiring writer shows consideration for your creative predecessor's. Reading a poem by Whitman comforted me because in reading it I knew I was not alone.

[@evennot]

Regarding the fears of influence. I think it's a very valid fear *especially* because you won't be possessed by the ghost of Dickens, and *especially* because your own voice will still seep through. You'll be tending to use same tools that the influencer did, same structure, etc. But since there's no ghost possessing you, and your craft can go only so far in mimicking, the result will be worse. Simplified example. Charles Dickens wrote a drama. D had full access to the pool of phrases and vocabulary of the authentic characters of this setting. D used a small most appropriate subset of this knowledge to implement his particular story. New author remembered a subset of this subset. Then this author tries to write own story being influenced by it, but since the vocabulary is too limited by the previous factors, it will be diluted by something else or reused ad nauseam, reducing authenticity and appropriateness of the derived subset, compared to what it was like when Dickens used it. Same goes for other tools, like those used for horror or romance or whatever. Influence will nudge an author to reuse the structure of how the horror unfolds in the story. While author's voice might be suitable only for a much different pace, accents and details. However if an author don't have an ideal result subconsciously derived from an influencer, then author won't have guidance other than some unspoken yearning inside. It may be weak and frail, but manifesting it through the tools and structures others gave you, might be impossible. Or you can be a lucky one, who can even blatantly ripoff an aspect of a favourite author and make it genuinely work as your own. But I think it's a rare and happy exception, if that's the case

[@UZiBLASTER7]

I grew up not being too much of a reader, and I regret it so much. So I’ve implemented it into different spaces in my life: an audiobook on my morning commute, my kindle app during lunch and a physical book before bed. Also, as an aspiring writer, when reading something that really inspires me or helps me “fix” a dead end on my own stories, it’s hard not to feel like I have to read absolutely everything that has ever been written before I even finish my own writing or else I might lose that “inspiration” XD

[@rickblaine9670]

I feel like reading and writing are inextricably connected, good literature is quite literally the food and water, the fundamental source of life and energy of a writer’s soul. Although I don’t want to judge those who have trouble with reading, of course, I myself am obviously still working on it. But I came to this conclusion, and I don’t really feel it’s a truth that can be spoken in softer terms. Like, “yeah, reading is cool and it’ll do you good, but there are other ways…” No, I believe reading is THAT important if you want to write. Even if it takes time, even if some books will literally feel like it’s gonna take forever to finish them. Hell, my favorite novel is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, and some of its passages are really, REALLY slow. But I went on, and it was well worth my patience in the end.

[@spec___]

I only recently realized that when I was younger I saw reading as a fun hobby, and not a task. I would actively seek for new things to read and would spend nights reading them, sometimes forcing myself to stop so I could get some sleep. Time went on, things got harder on every aspect of my life and I just gave up on reading. Nowadays I'm trying to replicate that routine, constantly looking for books that could be interesting, and I feel really satisfied when I manage to finish one, then I realize that I didn't enjoy a single moment of it and was constantly looking at how many pages were left. I don't want to just stop; I started reading again because I started writing again, but at the end of the day it feels pointless. Sure, I may absorve more knowledge on how to write now than I could before, but reading because I liked to and not because I have to was much more authentic and at least made me feel happy. I'm so jealous of past me that it makes me angry, and I think that's kinda funny

[@kevgh3869]

I love this channel. It's almost too good to be true. The presentation and the content is top notch. It's kind of like i fell in a hole filled with word honey!

[@ArkhangelMos]

I’m an extremely slow reader, which is very uncomfortable, especially when I need to read a 50-page article for a seminar in one evening. Wish I hadn’t had to rush my reading so frequently

[@bluehydrangea5506]

Im a super picky reader and tend to read certain books over and over again. When i find a book i love, i will spend 3-4 months studying the heck out of it and applying the lessons ive learned from that book to my own writing. If im stuck on something, ill look at what my fave authors do.

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

This was great advice! Alexa Donne supported this on her channel.. Authortube united! I'd still say Diane Wynne Jones books On Writing & Ursula LeGuin's books on writing are better than Stephen King (because he writes primarily horror, not fantasy, which is the gene I write & am most interested in.)

[@NR_Lawson]

I used to love reading growing up, in fact Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle was what inspired me to start writing, it was through reading his books and many others that ignited my own spark of imagination and creativity. However as I became an adult I had quit reading for years to focus on my own writing even though I often took long breaks from it, something I regret doing. Now I can't read ANY fiction book without feeling like I'm just reading words on a page. The only thing I can read and get into now is anything that's spiritual in nature or something written to teach me something as I feel as if the writer is talking directly to me. Even the book that I'm writing now I can see just about everything in my mind but when I look at the computer it just feels like I'm just reading a bunch of words and it's SO frustrating.

[@rauldempaire5330]

So true! Very useful Thank you so much! ( I 'm a translator and aspiring writer!)

[@jemajoy8839]

Good luck friend! 👍