Writing can be many things, and it can be used in many different forms. There are some people who write for themselves as a way of expression, as well as those who write to inform as a way of passing on knowledge. Then of course you have people who write in order to escape. They use writing as a way for them to indulge in the lives of others, whether they be fictional or nonfictional.
What ever the case may be, most people would agree that writing is essential in life. No matter what someone is writing about, they are taking the time to think about what they are producing. It is the process of thought in writing that makes it so powerful. Writing is skill, a skill that can be perfected with practice.
The ability to be a strong writer is something that not all people are fortunate to have. However, in order to be a good writer you must read a lot. As children, people are taught that the two most important things in education is reading and writing. It is these two components that give people the skills they need in life to advance in life.
Because reading and writing have such a strong connection, it is sad to say that we live in a age where reading seems to have lost its importance. It is because of this, that writers may fear writing will lose its importance as well.
4 comments:
I certainly hope reading hasn't lost as much of its importance as you suggest.
I'm going into book publishing, so forgive me if I disagree.
I think reading is changing, certainly, but I don't think it's losing its importance. Many people 'read' on their computers - classical newspapers are giving way to electronic news sites; ebooks are becoming more popular; blogs are further proof that when there is someone with an opinion to express, and that someone is willing to write it down, others will read it.
That said, it certainly isn't empathized as much as a pleasure activity anymore. Reading used to be one of few possible recreational activities available. It used to be elite - not everyone could read (not to say everyone can now). Now, it seems to be almost taken for granted.
I think reading has in a way lost its importance. Sure everyone reads but not everyone reads the whole piece of writing, and a lot of college students sometimes don't even glance at a book. I think reading is fun but only when I come across something that interests me, and for most people they are forced to read things that don't really interest them. So I somewhat agree and disagree.
You're right: more people are choosing electronic books and the internet is becoming one of the most popular media (if not the most popular). I see so many people on the train reading from their Palm Pilots or from the Sony e-reader. I think this is a great thing, but I think I'll be disappointed if e-books become more important to us than the actual hard copies. I think it changes the whole sensory experience of reading.
I like how you connected writing with reading in that how it has always been a big part of our life. However, I don't think writers have much to fear because even though people are using the web more, there is still a ton of reading material on the web.
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