As a writer, I like to read within my genre, both to see what’s trending and also to see what sorts of writers I’ll be facing on the market. I also just like sci-fi stories, of course, otherwise I wouldn’t be writing them.
What are some pros of reading within your genre as an author?
- You see what sorts of ideas are out there in the cosmos
- You see what some other authors are doing with their craft
- You see what’s trending in your genre
- You see how to arrange a story so that it’s well-told and written
- You see how to avoid the old cliches in your genre
- You get a nice bit of entertainment
What are some of the cons of reading within your genre, though?
- You might see an idea that’s so similar to yours that you stop writing that story
- You might inadvertently copy something another writer has done
- You might become discouraged because Writer X is so much more talented than you seem to be
- You really don’t want to write to the trends, but to start a new one
- You only have a limited amount of free time in a day
I personally feel it’s better to read within your genre than not, but anything you read will help you become a better writer. You’ll notice how the author is creating a particular mood or atmosphere, how they handle dialogue and backstory, and how they create tension and conflict within the story. Reading also enhances your vocabulary and improves your ability to communicate your thoughts and feelings. It’s a win-win situation in my book (pun intended), and the pros outweigh the cons.
Do you read within your genre or outside of it?
