As an author, we write books for many different reasons. Part of those reasons are selfish in the sense of I write because I'd go crazy if I didn't write the stories/characters in my head, and writing is a source of income to help take care of my family, although, as with many authors I have a day job that pays the majority of my bills. But another big reason authors write is to give the reader an escape, to help them lock away the world and enter a place where they can forget the stresses of work, of bad health, or family issues, of financial issues, etc. Storytellers tell their stories because of you, the reader. Because we love to spin a tale that tugs at emotions--good, bad, scary, etc. Sometimes we accomplish our goal and sometimes we struggle hitting those write notes.
This morning, I was an author needing an escape from all those icky things, and reading this article put my muse back into perspective a bit. Books touch lives and make a difference in so many ways. I've read books over the years that stand out in my mind as 'my happy place' books. Books I go to because I know they are going to take me on an emotional journey that leaves me satisfied with whatever that chosen journey was--romance, adventure, thriller, science fiction, etc.
Have you ever read a book that you felt was life changing? I think the Holy Bible is a given for many people, so I'm going to add the caveat of other than the Bible. I'd love to hear which book and why if you're willing to share.
And/or, do you have one or more books that are your 'happy place' stories? Books you go to over and over because of the way they make you feel?
Y'all take care out there and I look forward to reading your comments. If you'd like to read the article, here's a link to the story: Korean War Veteran Receives Quilt of Valor
USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author JANICE LYNN lives in Tennessee with her Prince Charming, their kids who think they're all royalty, her vivid imagination, an adorable Maltese named Halo who's the true princess of the house, and bunches of unnamed dust bunnies that moved in after Janice started her writing career. In addition to writing romance, Janice is a nurse practitioner, a quilter, an exercise queen, a military mama, and an avid supporter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Just kidding on the exercise queen. www.janicelynn.com WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS available at AMAZON Barnes & Noble WALMART
The Bible the the primary one for me. i do have certain authors I love to read and escape in their stories—example James Rollins. I don't reread books (except the Bible). There are so many books I have in my To Be Read pile.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Janice Lynn. I've always loved the book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.
ReplyDeleteJosie, I'm going to have to check that book out. :)
DeleteJanice, thanks for that inspiring post. I don't reread books other than the Bible, because as Margaret said, I have too many books in my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteInteresting on not rereading books. I definitely have a pile of my favorites that I go to over and over.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I read Rosamunde Pilcher's "Winter Solstice" every December. It's women's fiction with a cast of characters of all ages and backgrounds, and takes place in England and Scotland. I have re-read all of Ms Pilcher's books (though not as often as W.S.), for the very reasons you state. Thank you for your work in the trenches, and for taking time to write here!
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