I would rather read than write.

Q I love to write but hate to read my own work, because I feel I have read it before. What should I do? J. Joyce Dublin

A. Most writers can read, whereas many readers cannot write anything beyond a shopping list.

Complications abound when a writer can write but is unable to read, in which case a third party may be enlisted to read the written words to the author.

This state of affairs can cause an editor to ask an author to explain what is meant by a particular piece of writing.

It is at this point that high art may be invoked and, depending on the editor’s grasp of reality, may lead on to a book being chosen for promotion as a modern classic.

Other writers feel that re-reading their own work will in some way lessen the import of the words.

Where a writer does not like to read their own words, perhaps with some reason, few others may be inexorably moved to acquire that work for their home library.

You could always change your real name and then read your books as if you were somebody else, if that would help.

Eddie.