Self-improvement is key 

Knocked out at a speed of 5,000 to 10,000 characters a day, without editing, the stories on professional online literature platforms have been the subject of rigorous criticism, especially their poor language and illogical plotting. Now, online writers are trying to improve their creations through extensive reading.

Zuo Lei is a full-time online writer. He works seven to eight hours a day at most and spends the rest of his time recharging his batteries. "I can write more than 10,000 characters a day, but I choose not to because it's too exhausting. Usually I work four to five hours a day. If the work is not good enough, I will revise it, but my total working time doesn't exceed eight hours," he said.

In his leisure time, Zuo tries to take in information and ideas by reading and watching movies and TV news programs. Because he specializes in fantasy, he spends a lot of time studying Western fantasies such as A Song of Ice and Fire and The Lord of the Rings.

"Now when I go out to the street, I automatically observe the passersby, their styles of dress, their speech and behavior. Sometimes I can get inspiration from them," he said.

Yang Hao, a popular online writer who uses the pen name Sanjiedashi, which means Master of Three Commandments, has developed the habit of reading historical materials, especially those about the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the period in which he usually sets his stories. One of his favorite books is The Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government by Si Maguang, a writer from the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

"I love books in classical Chinese. I also love the operas in South China, such as the oldest extant form, Kunqu Opera," he said.

- Yang Yang

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