Is It Possible to Write a Story Without Reading One?

Premeditated fiction is a staple in most school curriculums, but have you ever paused to ponder whether writing a story is possible without reading one first?

Understanding the Necessity of Reading

Pretty sure fiction is required reading in most grade/middle/high schools. Just because you haven’t read it voluntarily doesn’t mean you haven’t read it. Possibilities abound, as literature is everywhere, and stories come in various forms, from books to life experiences. Practical limitations, however, suggest that at least a foundational understanding of what the reader may want is crucial. Without this understanding, a writer might fail to grasp the market dynamics and audience preferences, jeopardizing their chances of success.

The Freedom to Express

Of course, you can write a story without reading one first. All you need is a pen and paper, a typewriter (if you prefer the traditional route), or a computer. Collect your thoughts over time and reach the end of your story. Then print it out, take it to be proofread, and find a good publishing company to publish it. If all goes well, you might sell many thousands of copies and even catch the attention of a Hollywood writer, leading to your story being adapted into a film. You could retire wealthy, and the rest would be history.

But can a story be written without reading? As the great wisdom of Ecclesiastes 12:11-12 and John 21:25 reminds us, creation and understanding are both products of experience and learning. Born into a world of sensory information, we learn how to talk through babbling, understand our surroundings, and experience life. We might even experiment by trying to make sense of a book, even as a baby.

The Connection Between Experience and Storytelling

So what is my point? My point is that, at the most fundamental level, you have likely already experienced some form of a story, whether it be through your own life story, oral traditions, or the stories you consume daily. If you can communicate, you’ve learned to do so from somewhere. If you can write, you’ve learned to do that too from somewhere. This means that you already have something to write about—a wealth of experiences and lessons. A story is merely a channel of expression for these.

The Importance of Reading Before Writing

Now, I would highly recommend that an aspiring writer read a lot of books first, especially in the genre of interest, to learn how to craft more skilled stories. Stories come in myriad forms—oral, visual, and written—and a story translated into writing can be as enjoyable to an author and readers alike. But it is my opinion that the idea of writing a story without reading any is likely not feasible. However, you can still write a story that is rich and engaging, drawing from diverse forms of storytelling, even without reading extensively.

In conclusion, while it is possible to write a story without reading one, the experiences and knowledge gained from reading and life itself offer a wellspring of creativity and insight. The act of writing is a blend of both internal realization and external learning. So, whether you are just starting out or an experienced writer, both reading and writing are essential to storytelling.

Keywords: writing, storytelling, fiction, creativity, literature

Tags: #writing #storytelling #fiction #creativity #literature