Writers as Readers Response

When you read, what do you need to be comfortable (environment, snacks, lighting)?

When I read I like to be relaxed. Relaxed to me means to be lounged out on my bed or a couch, in loose fitting clothes, with my Spotify playing at a low volume in the background noise. I like having a drink to sip on and a snack. I also love to read in the evening more than any other time of day, because that is the time that I feel I can relax with the least guilt on my productivity. 

What genres (types of writing) interest you? What specifically about this genre interests you? 

Historical fiction, fantasy/nonfiction, and sci-fi has always interested me in literature genres. Historical fiction draws me in, because I love the feeling of being transported to another time. Fantasy has a similar impact on me, as it not only can change the time, but also the rules of the universe we live in. I think there is a true art in being able to bend the rules of reality in a way that still makes sense to an audience. 

Who was your first reading teacher? Why do you remember her/him?  Was it a “teacher” or someone else (a family member?) who “taught” you?

I don't recall a specific person necessarily teaching me how to read, but if I were to credit anyone I think it would have to be my older brother. I would sit in his room when we were kids, watching him play video games, and usually he'd put on funny voices to narrate the texts as they popped up on the screen. However, sometimes he just wouldn't be in the mood to put on the act, and he'd zoom through the dialogue without so much as muttering it out loud. Not always being able to follow the story frustrated me so much that I think it forced me to begin decoding the meaning of the words, and before I knew it I was able to understand what street signs said and of course the stories that books held in those tiny, inked letters. 

When you write, do you continually envision the “reader” of your piece?  Who do you think would be interested in reading your work?  Does having a reader in mind affect how you choose your words, themes, ideas?  What’s different if you just write for yourself knowing no one else will ever read what you come up with?

I think it is incredibly important to envision the reader while writing. Doing so helps you decide exactly what you need to say and with how much detail. You never want to drown someone in descriptions of something that they can already clearly envision on their own. Likewise, it is never a great hook to mention something that has never been discussed, and not offer an explanation for it (Imagine if you were to tell an inside joke to a stranger).

Do you think that someone who reads a lot might become a stronger writer?  Do you think we pick up vocabulary, sentence structures, themes, etc. from the books we read that come out directly or indirectly in our own writing?

I believe that writing can certainly help a writer grow. Much like a scholar who absorbs information from textbooks, authors can broaden their vocabulary and grammatical structure by studying the styles of other writers. We should not be ashamed of being influenced. Inspired by is not the same as plagiarized. Just make sure that while you're writing, your ideas are unique enough for you to sleep well at night if you were to publish them with your name on the cover.