We're all familiar with the phrase, "You are what you eat." But what about a somewhat related axiom: "You write what you read"? If your aspirations lie in the direction of writing, it's something you should take to heart.
Twentieth-century author William Faulkner said,
"Read, read, read. Read everything--trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write."
I would update Faulkner's exhortation to include categories for listening and watching. Find books, stories, music, theater, TV shows and movies that spark something in you and zealously consume them. Analyze why they work, what they evoke for you, how they're structured.
For myself, characters in shows and lyrics in music are the parts I find most compelling. I'm drawn to strong, well-developed characters in nearly any genre of television and to clever, engaging lyrics in most any musical genre. The form of the show or song is much less important to me than the content.
But not everyone is that way! For many, form matters a great deal. There is no right or wrong answer here. If we all had the same tastes, the world wouldn't be filled with nearly the wondrously eclectic array of creative expression we have. This is a deeply subjective exercise, as much of creativity is.
So figure out what it is that captures your attention and imagination in the media you spend your time on. Then consider how it's influencing--consciously or otherwise--your own creativity.
Now go forth and absorb, absorb, absorb.
And then write, write, write!
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