In a word. YES.
It’s a funny thing. When I was younger I held on to this odd notion that if I read alot while I was writing one of my books or stories I would inadvertently pick up the author’s voice and my story would no longer sound like me. I thought it would hamper me in developing my own voice.
What a foolish idea. I’m almost embarrassed to admit I once thought like that.
Less anyone else hold that notion let me tell you – it’s wrong. In order to continuously hone your craft you should read anything you can get your hands on. Of course you should read what interests you but the point is that reading will help you to become a better writer. You’ll learn about dialogue, plot devices, scene and character development, as well as a million other things that going to a class or reading websites won’t ever teach you. Read, Read, Read, and then when your eyes are tired read some more. They’ll recover.
“Trust me”, I would tell my younger self. “Your voice will develop all on its own.”
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