When you are writing, of course, you have to do all that writing and correcting for yourself. When I was a librarian it was expected that I would know about a wide range of books. I was able to work out all sorts of attitudes to style and event and character, all of which affected the way I came to think about my own writing. I believe that all good writers are original. At the same time, I think books create a sort of network in the reader's mind, with one book reinforcing another.
Some books form relationships.
Other books stand in opposition. No two writers or readers have the same pattern of interaction. At this stage I am not involved with young adults as closely as many other writers. My children are grown up and my grandchildren are still quite young. I stay in touch after a fashion through reading and listening in.