can i be a fiction writer if i'm not so much a reader?

Question

hmm? i've read only 3 books so far.

not in my entire life. 3 real reading. 3 novels!!!

before this, it was either kiddie's books or required reading for school literature studies.

Answer 1

Highly doubtful. Stephen King states in his masterwork On Writing "to be a great writer, you must first be a great reader." A lot of contemporary writing is following trends. Not only do I read constantly, but I spend a lot of time in bookstores looking at what is hot and the first thing I grab on Sunday is the NY Times Book Review section to see what made the list. Could you become a great dress designer without knowing what other designers were doing? A great artist without studying art? Same thing goes with authors. We have to keep a finger on the pulse of readers. They are our clientele. Pax - Ct

Answer 2

Not so much.

Reading is how writers develop a style and voice, how we know what is good and what is bad, how we learn to plot and develop characters. It feeds the imagination, teaches us what some of the universal themes, stories, and conflicts are, and on a more practical side, what stories and plots have already been written (or written too many times), and so are unlikely to sell to a publisher.

It would be a bit like trying to be a chef, but never eating. If you don't know what different ingredients taste like, how will you know how to put them together?

One of the first pieces of advice an aspiring writer will receive from just about anyone with any writing experience is: "Read. Read. Read. Everything you can get your hands on."

Out of curiosity, if you're not so much a reader, why do you want to be a writer?

Answer 3

Yes you can be a fiction writer without reading very much. It might make you a better writer of the genre because you don't have any preconceived notions as to what your book/novel/novella should read like or any other descriptors that you might feel the need to use.

I would, however, suggest that you read a few more fiction book after you are finished writing. It might inspire more writings or further ideas on how to tweak what you have written.

Answer 4

If you've amassed lots of ideas somewhere else and can put it down into words, you can be. But reading generally enhances a writer's skill and source of ideas.

It would be kind of hypocritical if you write stuff and expect people to read it when you are not that avid a reader yourself. But if you want to be a fiction writer, has story ideas you want other to read and believe that they'll enjoy it, then by all means go ahead with it. Nothing should stop you doing what you really want to do. Good luck.

Answer 5

Anyone can write fiction...but it depends on how serious you are about being a writer. If you are seriously considering writing, its very hypocritical to say "I wrote a book, but I dont read!" Its like a rocket scientist saying he designs rockets but has never seen one. Get it? I suggest you read more anyway, you probably just havent found any books that really interest you. Once you find a good one, you'll enjoy reading. And the #1 thing you can do to improve your writing is to read books!

Answer 6

No way. Every good writer is a good reader. Besides, after you write that "Great American Novel" you are going to have to edit and proofread until your eyeballs fall out. I just edited my first, and I read it at least 6 times in three months. Not including my first edits and rewrites a few years back (10+). It is safe to say that my book, which is soon to be published, has been read in its entirety at least 20 times. You can't do that if you aren't a reader. Sorry.

Answer 7

Like, everrrr? In your life?!

Ok, maybe you should read a bit more...


But, anyway, anyone can write amateur fiction!

Maybe it would be easier for you to write short stories, and then you could write a collection of short stories.

But is you want to seriously write something like a book...well, maybe you could do it, but it would be REALLY good if you read some more, you know? It helps get your spelling in shape, and sentence structure, and stuff like that.


Suggested reading, if you really hate reading? Well, those books that authors write, about writing their own novels. They give you tips on how to write stuff, and ideas and advice. They are in the non-fiction section of the library.

Also, you could listen to some books on tape, if reading the books kinda kills you. It's like being read bedtime stories, and it's quite a nice feeling...I listen to books on tape sometimes, even though I love reading myself...


:) Hope that helps, and practice always makes perfect!! >.< Wow, that was kinda obvious.

And listen to constructive criticism.


Just write a lot, and keep rewriting stuff to make it as perfect as you can.

Answer 8

You need to recognize bad writing when you see it, because much of what you write will be bad. The way to learn what bad writing looks like is to compare it with good writing. That requires reading... a lot of it. There are very few trades that can be practiced by amateurs, and writing isn't one of them.

Nothing worth doing can be done without effort. Writing that reads as if it were written without effort... wasn't!

Good luck.

Answer 9

Not a chance i hell !!!!!!!

You just simply HAVE TO put the work in. I write short stories and have been reading roughly a novel a week or fortnight for ten years.

You have to read a lot and write a lot

Answer 10

Reading will only help you if you want to be an author. Most of us can't stop reading. But, truly, there's nothing to stop you if you have a story to tell.

Who may want to read it, however, may depend on how much you read...