Harnessing the Power of Books

I don’t have a favorite genre. I mean, I do. I love YA, generally paranormal and dystopia, but I also read issue books. And religious books. And adult genres, specifically romance, but not always. Depending on my mood, I might read a drama, or an inspirational, or a fun little middle grade book. My kids will even tell you that I have my very own stash of picture books that they are not allowed to touch without asking. (Yes, sad, I know.)

But why should you care what I read? What does it matter?

I’ve discovered that even though I know what genre I’m writing (no really, I do!) everything I read—be it inside or outside my chosen genre—affects my writing. It does. Okay, so probably not directly, because a writer isn’t anything if not original, but think about it.

Poorly written books help me learn from the mistakes of other authors so I don’t make those same ones.

Excellent writing gives me the desire to reach higher out of my comfort zone and try new methods, or points of view, or styles.

Books that leave me thinking about the characters for days afterward give me reason to delve deeper into my own characters. That way my readers will become so attached, they’ll have the same problem as me.

If nothing else, every book is written in a different voice and style, both of which can be full of lessons for writers.

But what about those of you who aren’t writers? Reading a variety of genres is good for everyone, for many of the same reasons. When something is done poorly, you learn how to not make that mistake yourself. When something is done with extreme excellence, you inherit a desire to stretch farther and reach higher. When you read something that affects you deeply, you’ve generally learned a lesson about self or relationships. But if absolutely nothing else, readers generally have a better sense of life, the world, and, well, the universe. Oh, and also words. Can’t forget those. Readers know how to use words to the best advantage.

Guess what? Reading is a pretty powerful weapon. Regardless of your genre favorites, never be afraid to use your powers for good.

Who knows? Maybe something you’ve read will help you save the world someday.

It could totally happen.

What's Your Super Power?

I’m writing this book—a sequel for another book I’ve already finished—and some of the characters in it have special gifts, or powers, which are unusual to normal “accepted” human ability. Because of said gifts, most of my characters often feel like complete social misfits with an unfair amount of responsibility for the rest of the cruel world.

After spending so much time with these characters, I can’t help but wonder. If I had a special ability like the ones in my books, what would it be? I know if I got to choose an ability, hands down I’d choose teleportation power so I could zip from place to place in the blink of an eye.

Wanna go to Hawaii for the day? No problem.

Need to see that pyramid in Egypt for research? Sure, why not.

Got a hankerin’ for fresh Maine lobster? Great. On my way.

Watching the food network and want to eat at one of the restaurants featured there? *Blink-blink* “May I take your order please?”

Yeah, that would be the best. Power. Ever. I’d so totally be writing this blog on a beach right now instead of in my bedroom listening to my kids play Xbox in the other room.

What about you? If you could choose one super power, what would it be? Think hard and choose wisely. Your special ability can be anything you can think, but hopefully not completely obvious super-hero-esque-already-been-done type skills.

Because, well, that would be boring.