Controlling what we're exposed to...

[burntpunk]

Recently, I've become more conscious of what media I am exposed to, and what effect it can have on my own writing. Many people reject reading whilst working on a project of their own for fear of being influenced, and not tapping into their own sources of inspiration. Given that I've made a conscious effort to read the best books available, the concept of being influenced is a blessing. Quality control is an important factor in what I am exposed to, there are thousands of brilliant books waiting to be discovered, I've made a list of the best books ever written, from all ages, backgrounds, genres and styles -- I've tailored these to my interests, hoping to extract the elements that make these books brilliant. Of course, this list is subjective, and I am always going to miss out certain authors, that isn't important, the concept of learning from the great authors is though. Furthering this concept I've done a similar plan with movies, at present I am considering this with anime, with graphics novels, with manga -- are there any other forms of media that contain the kind of narrative quality that novels do? I am told that Eastern Media (i.e. anime, manga etc.) has a more sympathetic approach to emotions. Do they? Are they up with the quality of novels?

Do you take a conscious decision to control what you are exposed to, I feel that it is essential in the development of aspiring writers.

[twilight661]

Good shout BP.

It's important that when reading that you get a diverse range of books down your throat. Don't just read the classics, despite their merits, a lot of them are overrated due to the fact that the critics at the given time that these classical lists began was when they had a minute demographic range that isn't representative of the general population i.e. a shedload of white upperclass men. Exceptions being Jane Austen.

[Delta40]

My daughter is addicted to manga. She is also a fanfiction writer. I had no idea about this genre of writing, which is highly popular amongst anime. have you checked out the sites?

http://ff.adultfanfiction.net/
http://www.fanfiction.net/

I don't think I'm addressing what you're asking at all.....but you sound like someone who is eager to expand on everything!

[sprinks]

I must admit that these days I do not write much, but I am involved and interested in filmmaking. At present, I'm not exactly doing big things, seeing as I am still at school, but regardless the same thing applies to my films. Different directors and editors use different techniques, and I find that watching work by certain directors will affect my ideas and production.

[prendrelemick]

There are a couple of newspaper columnists that I would cross the street to read. (Thomas Sutcliffe and Debbie Orr). Of course they are working in a different discipline, but talent is talent and always worth looking at.