I have been in a writing group for decades. We offer to critique work even when we know the person submitting it is going to leave as soon as we are done. We always hope they will reciprocate. These people have something in common. They are not readers, so they know nothing about how to write a book. Being an avid reader is the best training in the world for a writer. You know how to punctuate dialogue because you have seen it done correctly your whole life. A non-reader has not paid the dues it takes to be a writer.
Hi Barb! Thanks for starting off the comments. Really interesting perspective! In all my years as a writer, it never occurred to me that someone would try to write a book without reading one! Love "paid the dues" too.
I have been in a writing group for decades. We offer to critique work even when we know the person submitting it is going to leave as soon as we are done. We always hope they will reciprocate. These people have something in common. They are not readers, so they know nothing about how to write a book. Being an avid reader is the best training in the world for a writer. You know how to punctuate dialogue because you have seen it done correctly your whole life. A non-reader has not paid the dues it takes to be a writer.
Hi Barb! Thanks for starting off the comments. Really interesting perspective! In all my years as a writer, it never occurred to me that someone would try to write a book without reading one! Love "paid the dues" too.