Reading Or Writing?

**Ristaron** · #1 (**permalink**) 04-26-2008, 12:48 PM

Most of those of us who frequently browse here are partial to either hobby (many of us both); so, which one is your favourite?

Reading, of course, is self explanatory. You could, however, tell us what your favourite genre is.

Writing encompasses creative writing, poetry, blogging, etc. Please share what your favourite genre is to write.

Me, personally:
I enjoy reading (mostly science fiction and fantasy) but my passion is writing. I believe that stories have the power to change the world, and while I don't have any aspirations to create a work of that magnitude, I do write for not only my entertainment, but for the entertainment of others.

I prefer writing in the fantasy genre because I get to make the rules. I would rather tell a rich, deep story than write some fiction and have people dissect it for meaning I did not intend. Whenever we dissect a book that I like in an English class, I find that it loses something. People are arrogant enough to think that they can glean the author's thoughts by projecting their own into minor passages, and I hate that. Thankfully, it doesn't happen in fantasy, unless you count the glaringly obvious ones such as Lord of the Rings, where the ring represents temptation (which is why it had no power over Tom Bombadill, the embodiment of happiness).

So, that tangent aside... reading or writing?

**Opunaya** · 04-26-2008, 01:02 PM

I pretty much agree with everything you said about the fantasy genre, though I enjoy reading just about any genre, one thing I can't do is read a write while in the process of writing, thanks to me having a crippling-low self-esteem.

Also, I guess my comics can be considered writing as well...in the long run, the comics are a little easier to do since I can be even more wild with what occurs in there with little to no explanation of why.

Ol' Patty · 04-26-2008, 02:45 PM

I absolutely love doing both, but I suppose I enjoy reading more. I think I have amazing talent to write but I hardly ever exercise it. Probably because I associate any sort of writing with school projects and whatnot. When I need to express something though writing really does it for me, and I believe I am able to communicate the meaning in my words very well. I don't have a very good understanding of grammar though and that kind of holds me back too.

Reading: I love science fiction and fantasy. Lately, since I have entered college, I have really enjoyed non-fiction, historical accounts, and educational books as well. Our library is amazing! I have access to books on just about any subject I could think of. Anything on philosophy or scientific theory I find interesting also.

Oh yes, I also really enjoy a good manga.

Writing: Whenever I write it is normally poetry, free-writing, or expressive(such as in a blog or journal) I record my experiences on a regular bases. I used to really be into writing short stories but school pretty much suppressed that.

I hadn't really thought about this stuff until reading this thread. I think I am going to try and exercise my writing ability more. Maybe write a few short stories.

breakmydreams · 04-26-2008, 04:43 PM

My most faveorite would have to be writing in the fantasy genre of spanking fiction...

I like to read stories that have stuff that deals with real issues that people deal with on a daily basis...

sca · 04-27-2008, 06:16 AM

I enjoy reading - mostly (auto)biographies, true stories in general, or science fiction. I suppose because people fascinate me, so it follows that their lives, other peoples' take on other peoples' lives, and where people see people years from now would interest me.
I also enjoy reading amateur poetry (as again, it's an insight into humanity that people would otherwise tend to keep private).

How-ever, I mainly write. I find it an almost meditative release of my own emotions regarding my own experiences - it gives me the chance to analyse myself. Reflect on my positives and shortcomings, identify my anxieties so I can deal with them in a healthier way...

I hope that's coherent. Long story short I voted "writing".

=> Jess

**Arcángel** · 04-27-2008, 09:50 AM

I like to write more to be honest. I mean, I've taken in some pretty good reads - Dostoevsky, Flaubert, Shakespeare, etc - but, I'm more a poet than anything else.

On long trips, or trips to work, I carry a little spiral notebook with me and whatever comes to mind, I'll just jot it down. Hell, that's exactly how I got that Far Rockaway poem down to begin with.

To me, when I write, it's more like being able to channel not just emotions - but actual happenstances - onto paper. I started writing when I was about 14 (give or take a few months) and since then, I've always kept a little pad and pen with me, just in case.

I feel that if you conform to the rules of structure, it somtemes makes you think that you have to shape whatever you're writing into construct, which may or may not diminish the emotions involved in the writing.

I dunno...call me a free spirit.

**Ristaron** · 04-27-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sca

I also enjoy reading amateur poetry (as again, it's an insight into humanity that people would otherwise tend to keep private).

Funny... whenever I write poetry I am too obsessed with scansion and scheme to pour my emotions into it. When I write stories, however, I can take the time to build up the appropriate setting to simply let my emotions write the rest of the chapter.

**SeaStone** · 04-27-2008, 01:24 PM

I enjoy thinking or planning for stories far more than I do the actual writing process.

I love reading, but the main character(s) has to be lovable. I have to like 'em.

SenzaSerenade · 04-27-2008, 03:05 PM

My vote went to "Reading."

I rarely leave the house without a good book in hand. I guess if I had to choose a genre, it'd be fantasy. I'm big into the Twilight Saga, Harry Potter, and more than a few lesser-known novels. However, I also enjoy historical fiction books too, especially those about the Salem Witch Trials.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a writer too. But most of the time when I write I have to be in a specific mood/mindset. Most of what I write is poetry, but I've written several short stories as well. And I absolutely ADORE writing character descriptions. I have tons of them written down in a folder I keep in my room.

everyone's favo · 04-27-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaStone

I enjoy thinking or planning for stories far more than I do the actual writing process.

This is one of the best things about film making and screen writing for me - it's plotting everything out for the characters. I don't mind the actual writing process either because I know all the fun stuff is about to come up ^.^ The only thing I hate is the proof reading aspect, as I have a problem of reading my stuff and always hating it, which forces me to rewrite the script. And then I rewrote the script at least 4 times before the project is actually due.

My favorite genres to write is comedy and science fiction, as I can go anywhere with it and everyone can interpert as something different. I have been doing some more serious stuff as of late though, mainly because thats what a lot of my clients want.

As far as reading, I love a really good science fiction story. It opens up my mind to several other ideas and space that I never thought was capable to explore.