Sandro Botticelli, “Madonna del Magnifcat” |
Do you ever have that creeping feeling that if you added up all the hours people in the world spend writing books and all the hours people spend reading books that writing time might win?
Are there more people out there writing right now than reading?
What do you think?
(And don’t look at me, I probably spend more time writing than reading these days too.)
Bane of Anubis says
Counting texting, twittering, facebooking, blogging, etc… probably.
Jonathon Arntson says
I think the fact that writing is harder for me than reading makes this an interesting comparison. Are we all self-loathing weirdos and reading is our rare reward?
Liberty Speidel says
Considering the fact that it probably takes at least 1000 hours to write (and rewrite and edit) a decent novel, and it takes about 8 – 10 hours to read said novel for the average person, I'd say that assessment is probably spot on.
Ashelyn Nicole says
That's a really good question. I mean, what do you consider reading? Most of my day is spent reading newspapers, magazines, blogs (and the Dewey Decimal System at work). I think that people still find more time to read than to write—but perhaps they do not read books. The nooks, kindles, and ereaders have probably shifted this since it's conception, though, and if the US economy hadn't banked so terrible, I'm certain that less people would frequent the library for a free trip to Narnia.
I guess it really all depends on what you define as "reading" as to whether or not the general public writes more than it reads.
Ted Fox says
Well, I didn't think about it before, but now I am. Thanks a lot, Nathan.
Seriously, though, even if it isn't true for books on their own, if you add in social media, it would seem like there has to be more people writing than reading. Perhaps that's why the quality is always so (cough) high.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to blogging my thoughts on automated customer service reps.
Jen Zeman says
Most certainly writing. Although I really wish I had more time to read – I love it.
Matt Sinclair says
I think there are more readers of books than writers of books. Assuming that all writers are also readers (and if they aren't, shame on them!), and not all readers are writers, it stands to reason that there are more readers than writers. Still, there are never enough well-written books. So keep writing!
Justus R Stone says
In terms of time, yes, more writing than reading. Let's face it, I can polish off a novel in a day or two. Doubt it was written as quickly.
But more writers than readers? I wonder. I think everyone has a story to tell. As Bane said, throw in bloggers, tweeters & all forms of written expression as "writers" and I'd agree, yes. But narrow that field into the context of those who are writing for some form of publication (ebook, traditional), I'd say no.
In the end, is it a problem anyway? I think it's wonderful that the written word is getting so much love. I think too, the more people who write, the more appreciation those who do it well receive because joe-public realises how difficult it is.
Istvan Szabo, Ifj. says
It's true in almost everything, not just in writing. It's because of the time of development. We're writing books for months, sometimes for years. But you can read every novel within days, sometimes within hours. Same applies for tv series, movies and computer games. Time of development = year and above, true time of entertainment = hours.
Reena Jacobs says
On a whole, I doubt it. There are far more readers out there than writers in the general public. Of the people I know (face-to-face), I know three people other people who write. One is seeking publication, another writes amateur porn for fun, and the last is in the stage where he wants to be a writer, but hasn't made a commitment. There may be others out there who haven't let me in on their little writing secret. But still, three people amongst all I know, really isn't that many… and only one of them serious about writing. Plus, I know the two causal writers are avid readers.
I think because writers often hang with other writers, the numbers seem a bit skewed. Most of the authors I associate online are so busy writing, they don't make time to read. Many who were avid readers say they've cut back so they can write. I think I'm one of the few authors who still reads more than I write.
Matthew MacNish says
I do currently probably write a bit more than I read, but I would have to write several novels to make up for all the reading I've done in my lifetime. Several long novels.
Mercy Loomis says
I know quite a few writers. But I know a heck of a lot more people who read than write. (Although I also know a lot of people who "would like to" write but don't, of course.)
Most of the writers I know are also readers. Several of them do book reviews, and probably spend just as much, if not more, time reading than they do writing (not counting blog posts and reviews and Twitter).
I think reading has gotten more portable too. Lots of people read on their phones now, and where they might not always have a physical book with them, they pretty much always have their phone. Plus audiobooks in the car or on the train or while cleaning. I listen to audiobooks at work, which has made it a lot easier for me to keep up with my reading.
And if you want to count blogging and Facebook and Twitter, people probably spend more time reading on those media than they do writing on them. (Most people, anyway.)
Laura Drake says
Tell me about it. . .my TBR pile is reaching epic proportions.
writerjmk44 says
I think more people read than write because writing is much harder than reading. However, there are a lot of people who think they can write who cannot. If you can read, you can read.
Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy says
As an author (my third novel debuted over Memorial Day weekend) I myself spend far more time writing than reading but that seems to be the lot of an author.
That said, however, since my books have been out I have discovered to my delight that far more people seem to be reading than not, very encouraging for the writers, myself among them.
I think that the ease and spread of e-readers such as the Nook and the Kindle have spurred more people to read.
I have senior citizens reading my books down to kids in high school and everything in between.
I have every level of the social strata reading and commenting to me about my books from servers at the local family restaurant to CEO's and elected government reps.
People ARE reading, more than writing.
Mr. D says
My reading time is almost exclusively for research regarding my next novel. I've found that time spent reading just for pleasure is time I could have been writing.
Laura Pauling says
It does take longer to write a book than read a book. So if you are considering just the population of writers, I'd say yes. But if you are going with the population as a whole – I'd say no. But if you'd scale and compare writing vs reading with writers, I'd hope they'd equal out b/c all writers should be reading – a lot!
The Red Angel says
In the past I used to read A LOT more than I wrote, and actual reading became a form of procrastination for me. Since the summer began though, I've definitely balanced out writing and reading, and invest roughly equal amounts of time for both. And I think that there are definitely more readers than writers in today's society.
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
aplaceforwriters says
Excellent question!
My absolute first instinct was that I write more than I read, in sharp contrast to the time in my life when I worked (retired, now) AND before computers.
However, in thinking, perhaps I am still reading more than writing. The difference is that I'm not reading BOOKS as much. I read nearly all day – articles, blogs, emails, etc.
But, I write, too. I answer the emails, I blog, I'm working on my book.
So, short of stop-watching my day, I'm really not sure whether I'm reading or writing more.
One thing I do know – I'd rather be writing more.
Regards,
Julie
Mister Fweem says
A writer who doesn't read a lot is a poorer writer, in my book. I spend a lot more time reading than I do writing. I still read for pleasure. I've got three books I'm reading right now. It's part of my percolation process on writing. I'll read for a while, then suddenly a sticky problem with my own writing comes into focus and I'm able to get through it.
Landra says
It used to be way too much time writing vs. reading for me. Now though I find myself running for a book instead of logging into twitter or working on the story.
Guess I just want to spend a little time getting lost.
Therese says
Outside of writer-world, the majority of people spend their time reading. I know opticians, accountants, cosmeticians, massage therapists, chefs, nurses, architects and people in many other careers who are avid readers and don't write more than a few texts a day. Even those are only for work.
Outside of writer world, people have lives. Reading is something they enjoy.
Dan says
For me it goes in waves. I'm about to start writing a novel. While I'm writing it, I probably won't read a lot of fiction, mostly because all my spare time will be dedicated to writing. However, in prep for writing, I spent months reading and re-reading many books. Overall, I've spent more time reading than writing.
Jack Skye says
I don't think so.
We as writers forget that there are many people who love to get lost in a story but would rather gnaw off their dominant hand than write something themselves.
Barbara Watson says
I hope there are more readers out there than writers! But yes, as a writer I spend more time writing than reading – now. But spread over my lifetime, I hope reading wins out.
Ted Cross says
I read a LOT more than I write. I try to finish two books a week, unless one is really long. I sit down to write only after my mind has mulled over everything about a new chapter and I am satisfied with it, so I might not type anything new for a week or two. Sometimes, though, I get the bug and slam out three or four chapters in a week, or when I get close to the end of a book, I generally polish it off really quickly. Still, I always read way more.
Stephanie Faris says
I work with quite a few women who are voracious readers but never write a word. Mostly they read romance and legal thrillers, though… And they're of the older generations. My niece and stepdaughter both read constantly…the younger generations seem to have not embraced electronic technology yet…and they seem to be more aware of the fact that they can get FREE books from the library than adults are.
1000th.monkey says
I'm a fast reader, so I tend to take breaks from writing to read… so, I'll take a weekend off and read 3 or 4 books in one go.
In the last 6 weeks I've finished 22 books and will be finished #23 today or tomorrow.
So I definitely take more time to write than read 🙂
April says
That is always my delimma, especially when reading a really good book. I love writing, obviously, but I love reading. I'd have to say, I spend much more time reading than writing. I'm ashamed to admit it. If I ever want to get published, I have to write more. A lot more. But for some reason, once I can finally settle down for the evening after the homework and the dinner and bathtime and bedtime and dishes…I just want a glass of wine and a book to take me away. If only I didn't have to work a day job…
Eric says
I can't say I'm doing more creative writing than reading, but I am doing more writing in general (blogging, writing essays and papers, etc). It's kind of funny, since writing is so much harder than reading and yet we do more of the former than the latter.
Caroline says
I am definitely writing more than reading right now. Sadly, as I have continued to polish my work and read on the mechanics of writing, I have become very picky in my reading. Three out of five books I pick up just aren't compelling to me. The voice is off, or I don't care for the writing style. I did not used to be so sensitive to these things.
I have begun to wonder if learning more about writing has killed my love for reading. I certainly hope not!
Julia Darcey says
I think it feels this way for everyone steeped in the writing blogosphere, and particularly for agents who spend their work days surrounded by writers.
But when I remember my "normal" circle of 100 or so friends and family (who are you people again?) I realize that 1 (me) is a writer, while 50-60 are voracious readers. So based on my highly significant anecdotal evidence, I'd say there are far more readers. It just doesn't seem that way on the internet.
Anonymous says
There are more reading than writing. Trust me on this. With e-readers, people can't wait to buy books and read them on their e-readers. Readers of all ages are now communicating with authors, asking when the next book is being released…even suggesting to authors that certain books would be great as a series. Readers are very excited nowadays and some can't seem to get enough books.
Neurotic Workaholic says
I used to work in a bookstore, so I know for a fact that there aren't enough readers out there (at least, not enough readers who will pay for books rather than sit in the bookstore for two hours and read for free). The new craze over e-readers, though, gives me hope that more people are going to start reading.
Sommer Leigh says
I am sure there are lot more people writing than reading, especially since I know several writers (who drive me crazy) who don't read because it takes away from writing time.
I consider reading just as important as writing. I try to read at least one book a week, even if I lose one night of writing time. It is for pleasure but it also makes me a better writer.
Lauren says
Love the question, but I'm with the reading camp. It may slow me down, but my writing isn't nearly as good when I'm not constantly feeding myself a heavy dose of a wide-range of books.
BTW- just finished The Paris Wife last night by Paula McLain & it's like porn for a voyeurist like me enchanted by the modernist era. Pre-published Hemingway as seen by his first young wife. Love. Also liked Lili Wilkinson's Pink about a teenage girl struggling with sexual identity from earlier this week, and now getting into Karyna McGlynn's award-winning poetry chapbook I Have to Go Back to 1994 and Kill a Girl. I especially need to read a lot of poetry if I want my writing to be tighter.
The Desert Rocks says
I think if we read other people's blogs that counts for reading.
I love reading novels, the newspaper, bios, even junk mail. Some people read nothing and some people read everything they can get their hands on–turn the cereal box around and read it, what does your coffee cup say? There are more people in the world writing and reading, but the ones who write and don't read anything, drive me nuts!
Kimmel Tippets says
Writing is more time consuming than reading, so it makes sense that there would be more hours spent writing then reading.
However, as a writer I can say that I spend quite a lot time reading. It gives me much needed breaks and it helps prevent writer's block.
salima says
Definitely more writing time, for which I feel oddly guilty sometimes, especially if we consider reading our education.:)
L.G.Smith says
Lately I've been really crunched for reading time. Writing has taken over my days. In a weird way I feel like I'm falling behind on current books because I can't read fast enough. Can't write fast enough either. I need more hours in the day!
Woman says
LOL!!! Me too! I spend way more time writing than I do reading. But don't get me wrong, when something is good, I sink my teeth right in.
Bethany Elizabeth says
I definitely write more than I read. Scratch that, I spend more time editing. But summer's coming up, and I will read read read read read!!!
Aimee Bea says
I definitely spend more time reading than writing. I've been trying to write more; I'm one of those procrastinators…
I think it's the writers that are doing most of the reading in the world. All those normal people out there, or at least the ones I know, they don't seem to read very much. It makes me sad. 🙁
abc says
I'm voting for the Reading vs. Writing. Just because I happen to know everything.
D.G. Hudson says
Great photo, Nathan.
Judging from the many clubs, writing groups, author pages, and blogs — it would seem that more people are writing. That may be misconstrued due to the self pubbed or indie pubbed selections – something not as easily available in times past (resulting in much more choice & visibility).
Choice is a daunting thing for some people who prefer to choose their books on the advice of reviewers or the stone-cold bastions of taste (you know the ones). I would trust book reviews from a blog more than the ones where many of the reviewers are there only for self-gain (Amazon, etc).
I have a physical stack of books to-be-read and lots of people on this blog have said how big their own TBR stacks are (of course, some are digital).
We live in a reading 'time of plenty', but a lot of those are classics or the old masters of literature. We need new & untried (debut) authors to help cull the hordes of celebrity books which consistently clutter the market. We need NEW voices. So if there are more writers – that's a good thing for readers, not so much for writers.
More writers are turning to other avenues to gain momentum or to satisfy that passion to write. Blogs are a great way to test your wings. For me: I'm writing more, and reading when I can, very selectively.
https://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.com/2011/05/rainforest-pickings-5-book-reviews.html
Anonymous says
I love this question. I spend more time writing simply because writing takes way longer than reading does. Though I do read at least two books a month.
What always shocks me are the people that want to be writers that don't read at all. I mean, isn't that like being a chef who doesn't eat or a seamstress who doesn't wear clothes?
Laur says
I'm sure if you compared the amount of people talking and listening far more people are talking at any given time. It's a similar comparison.
Zan Marie says
I'm one who reads more than writes. It's so easy to distract myself from my work with a good book.
cookie says
I don't know. I read a lot more than I write. Not that everyone else is the same as me. Also, there are definitely more readers than writers.
If it was just constrained to writers, I think it might be equal, considering that some writers read more, while others write more.
Mira says
Okay, let's look at this logically:
So there are two groups:
a. Don't read, composed of:
1) people who don't read and don't write
2) people who write and don't read
b. Read,composed of:
1) People who read but don't write
2) People who both read and write
Now, there are 6,775,235,700 people in the world.
Unfortuately, I can't give you the number of people who are writing. When you google that, it comes up: Too many people are writing about cricket, which wasn't helpful.
Therefore I will make an educated guess.
Group A, people who don't read at all consists of about five people.
Group B, people who read consists of the rest of the 6,775,235,700 minus five.
Not only that, but with the accessibility of immedicacy of e-books, I think those five will probably be won over soon.
So, there you go. Logical proof!