No one who writes a good book is really dead.
The written word is redundant on the high seas. Why? Because paper gets wet too easily.
Stealing from one author is plagiarism; from many authors, research.
Writers are there to write, not experience things. If you want to experience things, become a pirate or a Bookhunter. If you want to write, write. If you can't find the makings of a story inside yourself, you won't find them anywhere.
never trust a Troglotroll
Wine is drinkable sunlight. It's the most glorious summer's day imaginable, captured in a bottle.