I have aphantasia and read a lot of fiction (basically everything except for romance and horror) and non-fiction (mainly memoirs and random subjects). Even though I can’t picture anything, I still enjoy reading mostly everything.

Describing how I picture books in my head while I read is difficult. I don’t have any mental imagery, but somehow I just “know” what the author is trying to show. It’s like an extremely weird sixth sense.

As far as writing goes, I focus on environments more than mechanics, but they’re both in there. I feel like I’m a better writer due to the aphantasia because I only think in words.

I guess in a way it doesn’t really affect me since I was born with it. I only found out a few years ago that the majority of people can actually see things in their imagination while awake. I just assumed everyone thought of things like I did. Imagine the shock that was haha. It took me awhile to get over the disappointment. I’m still slightly jealous of people who can just picture a cow or whatever off the top of their heads.

I have insanely visual dreams though! I got that going for me at least. ;)