Unpopular opinion: writers also need to read. Writing, as important as it is, isn’t quite enough if you want to become better at your craft. Therefore the study of the works of your colleagues is needed.

And by colleagues I mean writers who are infinitely better than you.

So read all the classics and all the ones that interest you. It’s also a good idea to read writers who write in the same genre as you. It’s equally important to read a genre that’s your polar opposite.

You’ll see where others come short, and can learn from their mistakes.

You’ll see where they succeeded, and can emulate certain elements of that success to your own advantage.

You’ll be inspired and get new ideas for new stories.

…but of course, if your point is not to be influenced in any way by other writers – even beneficially – and to see what happens, then by all means, don’t read.