No Truer Words

Today in my writing fiction class, we were discussing the essential parts of being a writer. Most of it was the same advice that has been given over and over again, but then Professor Freed said something that I have yet to hear anyone say before: If you are not a reader, then you can not be a writer. In my experience, most people tell you to turn away from copying styles from other authors. Yet, here she was, an established author herself, telling the class that if you don't read and search through books to find writing styles that you enjoy, then you can not be a writer. I find this to possibly be one of the most true things I have ever heard spoken.

Reflecting on the ideas of Aristotle and Plato, there is no form of original thought. We are always copying something in our pieces of art, whether its style, diction, ideas, or whatever. So why should we force ourselves to shy away from mirroring the styles of Dickens and Steinbeck? I believe the idea is to take something you see in a book you read and then form it to your own. It's possibly the best thing you can do when it comes to writing. Why not look to the great masters for help? Aristotle looked to Plato, so I shall turn to Dickens, or Vonnegut. Then maybe one day I can find myself on the shelves next to them, to be among the "Breakfast of Champions."

One another note, I shall be posting a new story shortly. It's in its final revisions.