I wrote before I could read what I had written. My mother had to read it out loud for me and begged me to put spaces in between my words. I found that very difficult, and she suggested a little dot in between words, which proved easier for me. Today I use spaces and I love to read.
I always wrote fantasy. When I was eight I wrote a 200 page story inspired by viking's slaves, when I was thirteen I wrote about a jungle tribe using color-coded clothing (like any young teen girl would like, they wore pastels).
I'm almost afraid of writing, but I can't help myself. I worry about authenticity and about how much of myself I reveal when writing. I'm scared to death that other people will read what I write and even made up an alphabet to use when I write on paper. Yeah. It's safe to say I don't write to publish, or make money, or to have others read my words. I write because I can't stop myself and it's just something I have to do.
My best advice to anyone who writes, is to keep a notebook and a pen by your bed.
I guess writing and reading is mandatory. I also weave and knit, paint, and do tarot readings.