Writers are influenced by what they see, hear, and read.
Most writers were and are avid readers. Writers interested in stage and
screen tend to support those media, too. As a result, the works of other
writers influence a writer.
List your five favorite writers and three
favorite genres. Now list five books and five films. List your
least favorites, in any numbers. Explain each.
Writers Read
Good writers have a passion for words. They read because
they enjoy a well-constructed sentence, a powerful paragraph, and a compelling
story. Reading works by talented authors encourages a good writer to
become better.
When a writer tells us he or she dislikes reading, we know this is an
individual courting disaster — and rejections. Books, magazines,
and other media should excite you. Libraries and bookstores should be
your sacred temples.
It’s Good For You
Every writer should expose his or her self to variety
of works by various writers in multiple genres. As the saying goes, it
might not be pleasant, but it’s good for you. By reading across
the literary spectrum a writer gains new insights into what is possible.
The creative process is the act of borrowing existing concepts and combining
them into a new form. Most writing relies upon worn formulas, so there
is room for experimentation. While conservative editors and publishers
will likely reject what is new, it might be wildly successful once published.
Romance writers have found success with vampires, ghosts, and time travel.
The paranormal seem inherently romantic, but the sales of time travel
romances are stunning. Someone read across genres, creating something
new.
Bad, Very Bad
It should be
noted that some theft is intentional and entirely without excuse.
Plagiarism is a crime in some countries… unethical in
all.
Sometimes, in fact usually, a writer accidentally borrows
too much from another. Believe it or not, most literary thefts are accidental.
Failures of human memory explain these incidents.
Reading the same authors and works repeatedly imprints elements of those
writings onto a writer’s memory. As time passes, the origins of
these elements are forgotten, but not the elements. Suddenly a good idea
for a story seems original or an exchange between characters is fresh
and exciting. Unfortunately, the story has been written and the dialogue
pre-dates television.
Even the Greats
Select a popular title that you would not
normally read from a bestseller list. Read the entire book — no
cheating.
Even a disciplined and talented writer fears that some
of his or her writing lacks originality. Maybe he or she unconsciously
borrows a concept or quote. Maybe the writer falls into a formula rut.
Writing daily, you undoubtedly stumble into these traps. The trick is
recognizing a problem page or work and tossing it into the trash. We
challenge any writer claiming he or she has never slipped.