Writers: is reading too many reference books bad?
I'm a writer, and I've been reading a lot of books about writing (mainly fiction/screenwriting, etc.) but I'm starting to believe that I am digesting (for lack of a better term) way too much information. It's like reading a bunch of technical prose on something that should be done from the heart.
Does anyone agree with this? Can reading too many reference and 'how-to' books become bad? Is the old adage "You learn to write by writing" true?
I totally know where you're coming from. I ALMOST asked this question a few days ago, but didn't because of something shiny I saw in the other room (or something... I don't know... SQUIRREL!)
So yeah, I was wondering the same thing. As I began a writing exercise, I questioned my intuition because of the writing books I've read. Then I wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Was I squashing my creativity? Or was I recognizing an area where I could improve?
I really don't know for sure. I strongly believe, though, that you learn to write by writing, but I've learned priceless stuff from various how-to books, that really help when I'm in a jam. As long as you're still writing, I think how-to books are okay, but they should be supplements, not replacements. But nothing should replace daily writing exercises or writing for your stories.
Hope that helps!
ENG 352 Technical Writing - 03 - Ability to Critique
bad technical writing
bad technical writing
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