This is a YouTube video titled "Reading won't make you a better writer." containing a monologue or talk recorded on September 29, 2024. The speaker discusses the misconception among beginner writers that reading extensively improves writing skills, emphasizing that writing practice is essential and reading should only supplement it, not replace it. The content focuses on writing advice and motivation.
They read and they read and they read. And whenever I explain this to beginner writers, it's so hard for them to wrap their heads around. And I find the vast majority of writers really over rotate here and they think that reading is how you become a better writer. And so what happens is they start to use reading as a way to productively procrastinate, because writing is hard. And so instead of writing and doing the hard thing, they read and they read and they read. And the whole time they tell themselves, I'm getting better at writing, I'm studying my craft. But the reality is you're not. You're getting better at reading. And reading is only beneficial when your time spent creating is already locked in. Reading is a supplement, it is not a replacement. Say the same metaphor about going to the gym. It's like everyone wants to know what the supplements are. And if you're not going to the gym regularly and you're not eating consistently, it doesn't matter what supplements you take. The supplements are not what get you there. They help, but they are not the core. And reading is the exact same way.
What Every Writer Gets Wrong About Their Audience #writing #creator #writingtips
