Shakespeare told us “To thine own self be true.” Nick Horby’s advice to readers could be paraphrased, “To thine own taste be true.” He asserts reading should be fun, not enforced.
I don’t think he means no one should write literary novels. Clearly some people like them. Writers, and readers, should pick the genres they like. There is no “should” about what to write.

Can’t get into highbrow novels? Ditch them, says Nick Hornby – Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/authorinterviews/11141627/Cant-get-into-highbrow-novels-Ditch-them-says-Nick-Hornby.html

Not all of these tips for public relations professionals apply directly to other types of writing. But they are a reminder of a kind of research you may need from time to time.
They also could spark an idea for a character or a workplace that might fit something you’ve been thinking about.

How using the research skills you learned in college can pay off | Articles | Home

http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/4fd748a6-2800-4f24-b777-b18df036bf0e.aspx

Ideas come from everywhere. Some sources are pretty direct — murder mysteries from real life crimes, for instance. Here’s a case of a creative leap. If you want to twist a tale, don’t worry about it. Follow Disney’s lead.

The Inspiration For Disney’s Robin Hood Wasn’t Actually Robin Hood

http://io9.com/the-inspiration-for-disneys-robin-hood-wasnt-actually-r-1637183737