[Leisha]

Well said, Teresa!

In some cases, the reason is obvious: either they don’t read very much in the genre -- or if they do, it’s all of the same kind (usually heavily inspired by role-playing games). They have a very narrow idea of what the genre already encompasses; as a result, they think that something actually quite commonplace constitutes a major revolution. (“I have this crazy idea: I’ll write a fantasy without any elves or orcs.”)

Honestly, I fall into the former category.

I want to read (I used to as I grew up), but since my concentration has gone rapidly downhill, I'm finding it extremely difficult to stay focused in certain books. I wish this wasn't the case, because I know I might not improve as a write if I don't absorb influences and such, but I get to the bottom of a page and find 1-2% of the text has stuck, the rest...

Of course, I'm hoping this won't always be the case, otherwise I know I don't deserve to be a writer; I don't read much.


Anyway, I like what you say about the rules of literature: It's good to know them -- and when to ignore and bend them, too -- but a writer should not follow them religiously. However, I'm seeing a vast number of aspiring writers that don't even know these basic rules, which is why I used to try and drum it in over at Critiques.


But I like what you say. This information is very helpful for people, thank you.