I didn't read Western novels much until I was in my twenties, but I had a diet of them on film and TV, as well as other things, of course.

In this quote, Joe R. Lansdale reflects on his early exposure to Western novels and how his understanding of the genre was shaped by film and TV rather than through traditional reading. He admits that he didn’t engage with Western novels much until his twenties, yet the genre had a significant influence on him through visual media. Lansdale suggests that while books are a crucial part of one's literary diet, other forms of media, like movies and television, can play a formative role in introducing and shaping one's appreciation for a genre.

Lansdale also acknowledges the impact of this diet of Westerns on his understanding of the genre. He notes that, while his primary introduction to Western themes came through film and TV, these mediums provided him with the cultural context and narrative framework for Western stories. This aligns with the idea that media consumption, whether through books or visual storytelling, can significantly influence one’s artistic tastes and shape creative interests.

The phrase "as well as other things, of course" suggests that Lansdale’s exposure to Westerns was just one part of a broader cultural diet, indicating that his interests were influenced by multiple sources of media. This shows that an individual’s tastes are often a result of a diverse combination of influences rather than being shaped by a single medium or genre.

Ultimately, Lansdale's quote highlights how different forms of media—whether books, films, or TV—can influence one's creative journey and understanding of various genres. It reflects the idea that literary influences are not limited to books alone, and that visual and auditory media can have a profound impact on how stories are perceived and appreciated.