I've read a few times that while reading classic literature can be helpful in some aspects it can also harm your writing when writing for a contemporary audience.
It seems to make sense, especially in terms of dated dialogue, lengthy descriptions, and archaic prose.
Would you agree?
Do you read a lot of classic literature? Do you feel it has a negative influence in some way? Or perhaps it has a positive one?
And just to clarify when I say "classics" I generally mean anything pre-twentieth century. But for the most part people will probably think nineteenth century writing - and that's fine.
It seems to make sense, especially in terms of dated dialogue, lengthy descriptions, and archaic prose.
Would you agree?
Do you read a lot of classic literature? Do you feel it has a negative influence in some way? Or perhaps it has a positive one?
And just to clarify when I say "classics" I generally mean anything pre-twentieth century. But for the most part people will probably think nineteenth century writing - and that's fine.