When you are torn between reading or writing, which do you choose?

1. 84

   Cyndi10posted 10 years ago

   When you are torn between reading or writing, which do you choose?
   
   I'm almost positive I'm not alone in this dilemma. Write or read? You love both, but maybe one just  a little more than to other. What do you choose to do?

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2. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   For me reading often leads to writing.
   There have been times I have started to write a comment on someone's hub for instance where I disagreed with their take on things and explained why and before I know it I realize my reply would make a a good hub! LOL!
   I end up not posting the comment but instead post a new hub. Reading questions and answers also sometimes generate ideas for writing as well. Reading thought provoking material always puts me in the mood to write.

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   1. 84

      Cyndi10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I find it very impressive that the writing inspires you to write and that you follow through, especially with writing new hubs. I get so caught up in the reading that I don't want to stop. Thanks for your answer.

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3. 60

   Sunny Riverposted 10 years ago

   It always depends on how much energy and brainpower I have. If I don't have a lot and its too late for coffee, reading will win out, but otherwise I usually prefer writing.

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   1. 84

      Cyndi10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This is often what it comes down to with me, the energy and the brainpower. So I try to get the writing done in the morning and the reading very late at night, although lately I fall asleep on the reading. Once upon a time I could read all night.

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4. 72

   lburmasterposted 10 years ago

   Reading is what I choose mainly because it's easier to read than write. And writing can be a little stressful instead of freeing.

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   1. 84

      Cyndi10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I often feel the same way about the stress of writing. Reading is certainly easier and is a wonderful escape.

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5. 0

   CalebSparksposted 10 years ago

   I make time for both. Reading is much more convenient (especially on iBooks) and yet writing allows one to impact others.

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6. 84

   M. T. Dremerposted 10 years ago

   I'll choose writing if I'm on a deadline, or I'm on a roll. Finding inspiration to put pen to paper isn't always easy, so I try to seize it when ever it's there. Otherwise, if there is nothing pressing me to write, I will try to read. I've noticed that I've started separating my writing and reading by the time of year. November (NaNoWriMo) is the time for new projects. The summer (June-August) is for reading like a maniac. And the rest of the year is editing. I'll have to get back to you how effective it is in the long run.

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   1. 84

      Cyndi10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I like your idea of devoting the majority of your time to one over the other according to time of the year. That could eliminate conflict of choosing one over the other.

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7. 73

   Abby Campbellposted 10 years ago

   I love reading more. It's more relaxing, and I don't have to use my mind as much. LOL.

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8. 87

   Sunshine625posted 10 years ago

   Reading. When I read I learn more. I then write. It's always helps to replenish ideas for writing.

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9. 0

   Ghost32posted 10 years ago

   There's almost never a conflict between the two for me.  I treat writing as a job, no options, one Hub must be produced between the time the sun goes down and the time it comes back up again.  Reading fills in the gaps--on the toilet, while eating, when waiting for my wife to come out of the doctor's office or for the mechanic to get done with the Subaru, whatever. 
   On occasion, the two will combine.  I'll read a book and decide it's worth a Book Review Hub.  And I'll use bits of inspirations from the reading to spice up a Hub.  But otherwise, there's no interaction between the two (reading and writing).
   Truth be told, my preference would be to have a life of luxury, complete with an eager harem and a 52 inch screen TV, then try to figure out which of THOSE I'd prefer to be scoping out at any given time.  But since that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon, I'll have to settle for the system I have now.

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10. 83

    tillsontitanposted 10 years ago

    After looking at the answers here I'm embarrassed to say for me it has come to writing first.  I have been an avid reader all my life with latent writing desires.  Since I started at HP I am consumed with writing, I lay in bed at night and think of what I am going to write about.  I'm thinking it will shift back to reading once I settle in (I've been on HP for two years, but have been reading all my life). 
    Reading is always a love, its just taken a backseat for a while.

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    1. 84

       Cyndi10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Maybe we go through some kind of shift in focus. Even though reading is the easier, I feel like I'm cheating if I take the time to read and ignore the writing.

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11. 57

    Aadom23posted 10 years ago

    I chose reading because i love to read; without reading i am unable to gain knowledge based on the different genre of books i read determines how well i write. Reading improves a persons writing skillls so to be a great writer you must read.

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12. 85

    wychicposted 10 years ago

    Write. No one pays me to read, and the bills have to get paid no matter how I feel. If I'm good and get a bunch of writing done, then I may reward myself with a good book and a soak in the bathtub .

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13. 60

    Breanne Ginsburgposted 9 years ago

    I think it honestly depends on what I'm reading. For example, I'm now reading this book that for some reason I can't seem to really get into, so I'm doing a lot of writing instead. I also think it depends on whether or not I have something to write about. Overall though, I think I like writing better.

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