Do you also feel the same?

[Deleted member 42060]

I have this mindset that I need to read many fantasy books before I write fantasy. So I procrastinate on writing by reading so that my expertise in lore and worldbuilding will improve—however, I have this annoying, impatient urge to write, convincing me that you can only improve by writing, just like how you don’t passively watch programming videos, but you actually do the programming.

Do you also feel the same? Like before you write sci-fi, you need to read one hundred sci-fi books so that your knowledge about sci-fi will broaden. I consider myself dumb when it comes to writing sociology, urging me to read more first before writing the novel to avoid superficialities. Now that I’ve finished my first novel, which was relatively easy to write, I’m planning to write fantasy, which is out of my expertise (I don’t know feudalism and shit). So…yeah, what do I do? Write while having little knowledge about typical medieval fantasy and read fantasy books along the way (and regret it because I’ll have grasped the knowledge about dioceses and Pastafarianism, and I could have added that to my previous chapters)? Ignorance is a scary thing.

(Sometimes, I just want to be omniscient.)​

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

Y'know, I think that too. I always try to reference mythology and historical literature in my stories, so I feel like I have to be well-read. Although, I feel that, it's better to improve by going ahead and seeing a story through to the end. It doesn't have to be grand with a rich lore and 3-dimensional characters. Not everything has to be accurate with no misinterpretations. Since completing it will make me figure out where I went wrong.


Never really listened to myself on that, since even if I make a simple plotline future me finds a way to make convuluted backstories for the main cast and a fuck ton of symbolism that's extremely hard to write-in. So in the end I barely write anything and have all these good ideas torturing me inside my head.

Oh and just so you know, most fantasy authors(on this website) don't research the medieval period at all, heck most stories aren't even based on that period. Otherwise people wouldn't even mind sleeping in the same bed with like 10 people of the opposite sex. They just take what they saw from the novels they read, usually a JP light novel.

 

[owotrucked]

I kinda do for art. For writing, not so much so I suck lol

 

[Nane]

Funnily enough, I'm writing a low-key and relaxed fantasy story, to improve my writing, so that I can be good enough to write a high action fantasy story.

 

[vish]

I do both simultaneously. I mean, reading some good novel to broaden my knowledge and writing my own, to actually improve my style and vocab.

 

[AliceShiki]

I have this mindset that I need to read many fantasy books before I write fantasy. So I procrastinate on writing by reading so that my expertise in lore and worldbuilding will improve—however, I have this annoying, impatient urge to write, convincing me that you can only improve by writing, just like how you don’t passively watch programming videos, but you actually do the programming.

Do you also feel the same? Like before you write sci-fi, you need to read one hundred sci-fi books so that your knowledge about sci-fi will broaden. I consider myself dumb when it comes to writing sociology, urging me to read more first before writing the novel to avoid superficialities. Now that I’ve finished my first novel, which was relatively easy to write, I’m planning to write fantasy, which is out of my expertise (I don’t know feudalism and shit). So…yeah, what do I do? Write while having little knowledge about typical medieval fantasy and read fantasy books along the way (and regret it because I’ll have grasped the knowledge about dioceses and Pastafarianism, and I could have added that to my previous chapters)? Ignorance is a scary thing.

(Sometimes, I just want to be omniscient.)​

If you want to write fantasy, I'm assuming that's because you like fantasy and have already at least a few fantasy novels already, right?

Then no, you don't need to read more before you start writing. You already have enough knowledge about the gist of fantasy to make an amateur work.

Sure, more research will help you, and you should by all means do some research on things as you write whenever you're in doubt about something... But still, that's no reason to stop you from writing.

To put it simply, you'll improve a lot more as a writer by writing, than by reading. Yes, reading helps and is important, but actually putting your thoughts on paper helps a lot more, because you yourself will start noticing the mistakes you make and will start noticing what you need to do to improve on your next novel.

So yeah, start writing. Keep on reading, but also start writing, you won't ever be a writer if you don't write after all~

 

[Cipiteca396]

This is a very confusing post to me, lol.

The reason I write the things I do is because I've read something I liked and felt inspired to write something. I don't sit down one day and say, "Hmm. I want to write about pirates. Better read a hundred pirate stories so I can write a perfectly cliched and/or interesting story from a genre I have no interest in."

I love reading about mythology, and I've spent hours 'researching' it because of that. Not because I thought it was necessary, but because it was fun.

In the same way, if you have the knowledge, you will be able to apply it to anything. Instead of writing medieval fantasy, write fantasy based on the things you are already knowledgeable about... "Write what you know."

As to whether reading or writing is better for your growth as a writer... It's reading. Seeing other people's mistakes will help you get a better grasp of writing. As long as you realize they're mistakes, anyways. The obvious and vital exception is if you have people actively reading and correcting what you write. If people are willing to correct your mistakes, that is the best way to grow as a writer. Without that, you'll just form bad habits and become a terrible writer.

 

[BearlyAlive]

Write how you want, read what you want. Do both when you want (or at least write when your schedule dictates)

 

[Representing_Tromba]

I am the bane of many readers existence as I will buy books but read the wiki instead of actually reading it so I can learn what gets people interested.

 

[Motsu]

Uh, I read and write, but there's nothing wrong with that. It is like the adage, "Immatures imitates, matures steals." Beginners start by imitating something, building their foundation from there. After that, they make a difference. However, it is a form of stealing when you start imitating without being able to change. So, my point is that if you read to learn something, then take note of their similarity. What they contain, and how they execute the different approaches.

Being able to have the urge to write when you're still at the point of learning is what it means to be passionate. I do that more often than not.

 

[Jet]

You can never know enough. But time works against us too. AI gets better at writing than humans. Humans get worse at art with age compare movies famous directors made at 80+yo with the movies that actually made 'em famous. You do lose the spark. Like you lose the unbound imagination you had when you were a small kid. Another issue is how you can die any die. And you will leave nothing behind then.

The bottom point is there is only now. Procrastination is in our nature, but gotts have some shame. Procrastinating at writing for decades is no good. Many writers never read all that much. Many had no first hand experience about what they wrote about. That's really not necessary in the end. The only thing that is necessary is to sit down and write.

 

[TheEldritchGod]

Thread necromancy!

 

[MansonFD7]

I have this mindset that I need to read many fantasy books before I write fantasy. So I procrastinate on writing by reading so that my expertise in lore and worldbuilding will improve—however, I have this annoying, impatient urge to write, convincing me that you can only improve by writing, just like how you don’t passively watch programming videos, but you actually do the programming.

Do you also feel the same? Like before you write sci-fi, you need to read one hundred sci-fi books so that your knowledge about sci-fi will broaden. I consider myself dumb when it comes to writing sociology, urging me to read more first before writing the novel to avoid superficialities. Now that I’ve finished my first novel, which was relatively easy to write, I’m planning to write fantasy, which is out of my expertise (I don’t know feudalism and shit). So…yeah, what do I do? Write while having little knowledge about typical medieval fantasy and read fantasy books along the way (and regret it because I’ll have grasped the knowledge about dioceses and Pastafarianism, and I could have added that to my previous chapters)? Ignorance is a scary thing.

(Sometimes, I just want to be omniscient.)​

Funny enough that my novel is inspired by action rpg video games. I don't need to read tons of boring sci-fi book if I can just mash my hand on the action rpg games. Like Punishing Gray Raven, Devil May Cry, Nier Automata, etc.

 

[Deleted member 68927]

I have this mindset that I need to read many fantasy books before I write fantasy. So I procrastinate on writing by reading so that my expertise in lore and worldbuilding will improve—however, I have this annoying, impatient urge to write, convincing me that you can only improve by writing, just like how you don’t passively watch programming videos, but you actually do the programming.

Do you also feel the same? Like before you write sci-fi, you need to read one hundred sci-fi books so that your knowledge about sci-fi will broaden. I consider myself dumb when it comes to writing sociology, urging me to read more first before writing the novel to avoid superficialities. Now that I’ve finished my first novel, which was relatively easy to write, I’m planning to write fantasy, which is out of my expertise (I don’t know feudalism and shit). So…yeah, what do I do? Write while having little knowledge about typical medieval fantasy and read fantasy books along the way (and regret it because I’ll have grasped the knowledge about dioceses and Pastafarianism, and I could have added that to my previous chapters)? Ignorance is a scary thing.

(Sometimes, I just want to be omniscient.)​

Every writer is a reader first. That said, until you get your hands dirty, and people point out to you all the things you have done wrong, you will never get better. Write that first flawed story. Pour out your heart in it. Get the feedback you need, to improve the next book. Never rewrite. Edit, but don't rewrite. I can't stress this enough.

If you spend your time on a single book, you will never write a second. Take it from someone who has 23 books under her belt, and is writing the 24th: You will never be perfect. Strive for each one of your next books to be better than the previous ones. Have fun, and don't try to think too much about writing. Trust the process, and you will write many epilogues.

 

[Africanchieftainsson]

Y'know, I think that too. I always try to reference mythology and historical literature in my stories, so I feel like I have to be well-read. Although, I feel that, it's better to improve by going ahead and seeing a story through to the end. It doesn't have to be grand with a rich lore and 3-dimensional characters. Not everything has to be accurate with no misinterpretations. Since completing it will make me figure out where I went wrong.


Never really listened to myself on that, since even if I make a simple plotline future me finds a way to make convuluted backstories for the main cast and a fuck ton of symbolism that's extremely hard to write-in. So in the end I barely write anything and have all these good ideas torturing me inside my head.

Oh and just so you know, most fantasy authors(on this website) don't research the medieval period at all, heck most stories aren't even based on that period. Otherwise people wouldn't even mind sleeping in the same bed with like 10 people of the opposite sex. They just take what they saw from the novels they read, usually a JP light novel.

You are me and I am you now, okay?

Uh, I read and write, but there's nothing wrong with that. It is like the adage, "Immatures imitates, matures steals." Beginners start by imitating something, building their foundation from there. After that, they make a difference. However, it is a form of stealing when you start imitating without being able to change. So, my point is that if you read to learn something, then take note of their similarity. What they contain, and how they execute the different approaches.

Being able to have the urge to write when you're still at the point of learning is what it means to be passionate. I do that more often than not.

I'll be imitating that adage

 

[Fox-Trot-9]

Have you all noticed yet? The OP is no longer on this site.

 

[WeissBlatt]

Have you all noticed yet? The OP is no longer on this site.

OP became one with the wind... Whatever that means. Yes, I watched the Macross Delta movies recently lol.