Reading short stories might have hurt my writing

I've not had the same thing happen to me as such but I do follow certain 'rules' (self inflicted rules rather then any that are set in stone) when it comes to my writing.

If I'm writing in a particular genre or with a certain goal in mind I try to keep away from reading anything of a similar type whilst I'm writing. This is because I get worried I might accidently borrow the plot or characters names without realising. Also since if I'm not reading how everyone else has done it I'm not worrying as to how my story compares.

Once I'm not writing that genre I'll quite happily curl up and devour tales in it.

I find the distance helps my writing so perhaps taking a break from the reading might work?

It's a personal thing either way so just experiment until you find a balance that suits you.

I hope that helps!

sure. I read the lit journals religiously and will catch myself getting depressed. (that's so good, I'll think. I can't write like that.) So, I have to kick myself in the tush-awkward at best-and remind myself I'm right, I can't. I'm not them, I'm me. And I go and write.

It's a balance. Because I do believe reading is essential to writing, but you have to keep your self-esteem and ego out of it, you know? Not so easy, but.

It's not uncommon to slow down from your own writing while reading others. I've had it happen, especially when I see a more effective voice, mood, drama wrench upside my head, etc.

Then again, some folks find it envigorating to read another writer's work. Either way, don't let it steer you from the course. Free write for a while. Dabble with character concepts. Find a stranger and write a backstory about them. After a while, you'll find that bug nibbling at your ear, telling you to hurry and write something down.

Pike

I read the work of others and think of it as study time. That sounds so much better than 'procrastination.' But eventually I come back to a place where my writing takes over again and that's all I do.