Sometimes I go through bouts when I just don't want to read anything, much in the same way I would have 'writer's block'. I have often wondered whether you could be a writer if you do not read, or enjoy reading. What are you views on this? Also, do any of you have periods when you do not read or want to read?
How much and how often you read is an individual thing, but every good writer reads - I think this is a simple fact. Reading isn't a passive thing; even without paying close attention, you learn things, about style and form and what works and what doesn't. Most of what I know about how to write, I got from reading people who are much better than me.
I understand how there can be times when you don't want to read or just find you're too tired to read. I agree with Gordon audio books are great particularly when they are read by a good actor as previously mentioned, they are also good for long car journeys. Sometimes a good film adaptation of a book can be equally relaxing ( depending on how well it's done) or some T.V. adaptations. My particular favourites are the 1970's version of War and Peace featuring Anthony Hopkins and I Claudius featuring Derek Jacobi, both are BBC productions available on DVD. In both cases they led me to reading the books. Enjoy !
At the moment, I read during the week and edit at weekends. But I wish I could find more time to read.
There are so many books I want to read. I never tire of reading.
Unlike Gordon, I am not a fan of audio books, but I have listened to them.
I am more relaxed with a book in my hand, and there is less chance of me being distracted. I concentrate much better reading from a page than listening to audio.