The Never-Ending Debate: Writers Need to Read Books

 

For the past couple of days on X, there's been a debate raging regarding wannabe fiction writers who don't read books. (The topics that catch fire on X are inexplicable.) This guy's random post seemed innocuous enough: 

 

 

But what started the brouhaha was an insane response:

 

Which resurfaced this old post:

 

To clarify for anyone who's unsure, no, reading isn't "ableist". Also to clarify, having a mortgage and a dog doesn't preclude someone from reading. This is all just internet silliness; I get it.

But to dig further into Aaron Gwyn's post, of course I agree with him. I've even blogged about people on Reddit who say they've never read a book, but they want to author one. First of all, how is it even possible to have never read a book? Is this hyperbole? Did these people go to school, even just through sixth grade? Or third grade? I don't recall reading books as being optional. I realize one can fake their way through a book report by consulting the CliffsNotes, but wouldn't just reading the assigned book be less of a hassle? And if a person is too lazy to read one book, how are they ambitious enough to write one? 

The truth of my existence, though, is that I don't read books...not anymore. I got a biography for Christmas, which I picked out myself, and I've yet to crack it open. I started reading a political book maybe a year or so ago, and I never finished it, even though it was semi-interesting. My preference is to do things other than reading. And thus, I get where these nimrods are coming from. I, too, spend a lot of time (too much, I suppose) online. It's accessible; it's addictive. Most of all, it's easy---no effort required. I also watch a lot of podcasts. I haven't lost my desire to learn; I simply learn differently now.

However, I have been a reader, and that's the difference. It's difficult for some to imagine, but life at one time existed without the internet. Thus, our entertainment choices were watching TV or reading. Music, sure, but music was more of an accompaniment to something else. Rarely have I ever sat and just listened to music. One song, maybe. 

Reading was free, which was good, because I was poor. But I did have a library card. There was a special feeling---walking out of the library with a three-stack of books, each with their plastic covering; maybe a cardboard bookmark stuck inside one, which I'd grabbed off the checkout desk. I couldn't wait to get home, snuggle into my easy chair, and dive into the first book. And every book wasn't instantaneously available. I'd have to be on a wait list for the most popular ones, which made it even more special once I got my hands on it. 

So, I'm not one of those authors who's just winging it. I know "how books go". Yet, on my first few attempts, I failed. Imagine how terrible those stories would have turned out, had I been completely unfamiliar with books. "I'm going to write a song. I've never heard a song before, but I'm pretty sure I can do it."

While there is such a thing as natural talent, all processes have a starting point. While I'm firmly against imitating another author's style, it's helpful to learn the basics: What captures a reader immediately? How the hell does a writer maintain a reader's interest, especially as the story begins to sag somewhere in the middle? How does the end of one chapter make the reader anticipate the next? Then there are the not-so-little things like proper punctuation and grammar. 

The entire debate is silly, but aren't most online debates? There is no believable excuse one can make for not "needing" to read books, at least at some point in their life. Where I disagree with the OP is his insistence on people reading the classics, but he is a professor, as well as an author, so...

If I choose to read, I'll be the one to pick the book, thanks. Telling me what's "good for me" is a surefire way to make me rebel. Just read if you want to learn how to write a book. It doesn't have to be Shakespeare. At least read a couple of books---your pick. But maybe preview them first. There's a lot of crap out there. You'll want a book that has the potential to teach you the right way to write.

And now, back to X...or something else that requires no effort.