I am an avid reader and have a collection some have called a library. I've been writing both stories and poetry for over 20 years and have had some published.  Once my imagination is engaged, whether it's reading, writing, or editing, I can visualize the story like a movie in my mind. Perhaps a little quirky? I know. :-)      
If there was only one piece of advice I could pass along to all writers out there it would be this -- No matter what anyone else says never stop writing ... never stop creating your world.