There are various reasons why writers should strive to study and learn about the world, particularly teen fiction writers. And I’m not just talking about things like art or music, which creatives might normally be drawn to.
Learning about subjects like biology and physics helps creators understand how the world works and gives them ideas for new creatures or technology. Studying history can give them inspiration for events and wars and help them understand how culture and politics change over time. Subjects like psychology and logic can help them understand how people think and how to craft great characters.
I do my best to be inspired by all subjects to help my stories feel more realistic and relatable. Some of my fantasy races have traits such as being cold-blooded, or regenerative, abilities I wouldn’t have thought of if I hadn’t studied biology.
Perhaps the only subject not necessary for writers of speculative fiction to study is math. But math is cool, so you should study it anyway.
In short, writers need to understand this world, in order to create their own. But we can extend this further. Great characters aren’t just stereotypes; they feel like real people. Stories aren’t just theories or ideas, they’re filled with heart-pounding action and realistic descriptions.
In order to write well, not only do we need to read great fiction, but we need to study nonfiction. And we need to interact with the real world and people around us. The best writers don’t bury their heads in books, they shape their tales in the likeness of the tales that are shaping them.