Monday, May 4, 2015

My Writing Journey - Then Came the Magic of Story - Part 2



Once I nailed down reading, a whole new world opened up to me. I'll never forget how entranced I was when I read the story of tiny people, who lived in a child's dollhouse. For the first time, I didn't think about how thick the book was or the "work" of reading. I cared about each character and their dilemmas.

Many other books followed from The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, the Sue Barton nurse series, Cherry Ames to early Christian Fiction books for children. Every month, I looked forward to the catalog of books for sale and begged my parents to get me the titles on my Wish List.

The library became my favorite hangout place, and the workers all knew me by name. Every week, I'd pick out 7 books and rush home to read my treasures. It became difficult to find new books after awhile, and I began taking out non-fiction titles as well. Biographies and books on hobbies and ballet caught my attention.

The Internet didn't exist, so I couldn't search Google or read about my favorite authors. Wherever books were sold, I searched for more reading material. We are blessed to have a wide variety of Christian fiction available to us now.

One important lesson this rite of passage taught me: Learning the technical skills needed for reading opened the door to great books. In the same way, when we take the time to hone our writing, it creates a pathway to stories that will reach a reader's heart.

Writers:  What important lessons have you learned on this journey?

Readers:  Was there a special book that hooked you forever on reading? Please share.

Photo Credit:  iamWahid

5 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

My favorite book ever was Little Women. I still am upset that Jo didn't marry that boy who liked her. Ouch that twist hurt. But I also learned to love reading at an early age and lived in my stories.

Karen Lange said...

I read many of the same books when I was growing up, and I agree, it opened up new horizons. I think being a reader makes the writing experience not only possible, but much richer.

Have a great week! :)

Unknown said...

I think one of the first books to ever catch my heart was Jack London's "The Call of the Wild". I remember that my Dad recommended it to me. After that, I was forever hooked on the wilderness of North America. I finally had to make it over here!!

quietspirit said...

I rediscovered reading when I chose to pursue writing. I also read the Bobbsy Twins and Nancy Drew. I received an "F" in English class for making a book report on a Nancy Drew book. I got grounded for the next grading period. In college, I couldn't keep up with the assigned reading in literature classes. I had not been exposed to Plato, the Greek Tragedies, or to the idea of analysing a work for its deeper meaning.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri - I loved that book as well. :)

Hi Karen - When a book totally engages me, I try to figure out why and learn the techniques the author used.

Hi Tony - We can travel so many places when we read. I'm glad you got to see North America in real life.

Hi Quiet Spirit - Yes, teachers weren't fond of students using series books for reports.