Monday, June 29, 2009

Why I read

Posted by: Jessa Slade
Currently working on: The last 48 hours of Book 2 revisions -- hooah!
Mood: Utterly sugared out

Once upon a time...

I love those words. They launch me in ways and to places few other words can. The promise embedded in those words makes me ignore family members, eschew sleep, even -- gasp! -- sign off Twitter.

It's not just that a good book takes me away from real life. I actually like real life quite fine. But I find reading a good book is like looking out at bright sun on the ocean. The world seems so vast and sparkling that even when I look down again, that perspective, those sparkles, stay in my eyes, changing the way I see the world at my feet.

Once upon a time...



Those words are also why I write.

I haven't quite launched into the wide open ocean yet. In fact, I'm still sort of floundering around with water wings. But I have my maps and a compass that points... Well, anyway, I have maps. I'm eager to walk new shores, meet the natives (who hopefully go easy on the spears), maybe unearth some treasure. I imagine I'll get lost a time or two, maybe sail off an edge occasionally. It happens to all of us.

And it makes a better story, you know. Which is why I write.

Once upon a time...

2 comments:

therese patrick, author said...

I think you speak for many.

When the conflict and drama are in my life, I don't read fiction. That's why I love reading and writing again! The conflict and drama are going into my stories!

Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel said...

I have to agree! When I hear the words, "Once upon a time..." my entire being settles in for a good story.

Thanks for the wonderful word images!