Reading the work of other authors is a staple part of my education. What I enjoy most is that it draws me a picture of what the particular author's world is. I can't look at the world of Edgar Allan Poe from a twenty-first century mind but from someone who lives in the nineteenth century.
Each author has his or her own style. I learn something from whoever I read. When I read Theodore Roethke's poems, I was struck by the clarity in his understanding of nature. His love of nature connected with me personally. In contrast I found the work of Jack Kerouac a bit disjointed. This was how he wrote, yet I find his work invaluable.
I don't criticize another author's writing because another person may like it. It's important to try and walk in the author's shoes. I did this with Kerouac and came away with a greater understanding of him as a person. Learning from anyone and anything can prove invaluable.
I suggest that you read as many different authors can you can. Try reading their biography then their work. Try a different genre. I'm sure that your work will benefit from this as mine has.
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