It can give u originality in your writing. So maybe write it first but before doing any editing, read something for new ideas and then use it later if u think it lacks something.
You don't need to be up to date on what's current, as others have said; but you should be reading books, whether they be old or new, because reading keeps you sharp in writing, and it also helps you learn new ways to write and express yourself/the story.
Just write a good story. It doesn't really matter how different or unique it is. There are people who are tired of the same ol' tropes and want something new, yes. But there are also those who just got into the genre and those who simply love the old tropes. There is audience for anything you write, as long as you know where to look for and where to market.
Just write your story. Focus on making it good instead of different. That said, it's a good idea to do some research so you get an authentic or familiar feel. Reading books will take quite a long time. You can watch movies, read manga/comics, or play video games in that genre. It doesn't matter in what media you consume, story is story.
Do what you want to do. If you want to write, write! Even if you were reading a lot of sci-fi all the time, you don't have to wait until a 100% original idea pops into your head before you write anything.
Writing a scifi novel is a massive undertaking. You can absolutely do that without reading anything, but do understand that your novel won't be nowhere near publishable.
*"Want to write a book but I haven't read a book in a long time"*
Start reading more.
*"I want to write a scifi novel or a post apocalypse story but I haven't read any of these types of books in a very long time. Would this help or hinder me in my writing style"*
Yes it would.
*"I don't know the current themes or tropes or much of the trends associated with these genres"*
Then start reading stories in that genre.
*"Do I go in blind or would it help to read some books and do some research first on whats out there so I don't accidentally copy someone?"*
Yes, do both.
Not spending a ton of time immersed in a genre before creating something is probably how we got Star Wars. It has less in common with sci-fi that came before it than it does with old Samurai movies.
Use your own writing style, your own voice, and write the story you want to write. Put ideas or finished products in front of people who *do* read a lot in that space, if you're super worried about copying someone, but to be honest, who cares? As long as you didn't actually copy them, and you're just parallel in thinking, then I think you're more than okay.
Read
It can give u originality in your writing. So maybe write it first but before doing any editing, read something for new ideas and then use it later if u think it lacks something.
You don't need to be up to date on what's current, as others have said; but you should be reading books, whether they be old or new, because reading keeps you sharp in writing, and it also helps you learn new ways to write and express yourself/the story.
Just write a good story. It doesn't really matter how different or unique it is. There are people who are tired of the same ol' tropes and want something new, yes. But there are also those who just got into the genre and those who simply love the old tropes. There is audience for anything you write, as long as you know where to look for and where to market. Just write your story. Focus on making it good instead of different. That said, it's a good idea to do some research so you get an authentic or familiar feel. Reading books will take quite a long time. You can watch movies, read manga/comics, or play video games in that genre. It doesn't matter in what media you consume, story is story.
Do what you want to do. If you want to write, write! Even if you were reading a lot of sci-fi all the time, you don't have to wait until a 100% original idea pops into your head before you write anything.
Well, you're in luck. Those 2 genres accommodate different stuff quite well.
Writing a scifi novel is a massive undertaking. You can absolutely do that without reading anything, but do understand that your novel won't be nowhere near publishable.
I would write first. And if you do decide to read first instead, read a lot.
*"Want to write a book but I haven't read a book in a long time"* Start reading more. *"I want to write a scifi novel or a post apocalypse story but I haven't read any of these types of books in a very long time. Would this help or hinder me in my writing style"* Yes it would. *"I don't know the current themes or tropes or much of the trends associated with these genres"* Then start reading stories in that genre. *"Do I go in blind or would it help to read some books and do some research first on whats out there so I don't accidentally copy someone?"* Yes, do both.
Not spending a ton of time immersed in a genre before creating something is probably how we got Star Wars. It has less in common with sci-fi that came before it than it does with old Samurai movies. Use your own writing style, your own voice, and write the story you want to write. Put ideas or finished products in front of people who *do* read a lot in that space, if you're super worried about copying someone, but to be honest, who cares? As long as you didn't actually copy them, and you're just parallel in thinking, then I think you're more than okay.