First off, I have a post at The Scribblers Cove today, too. Check it out.
Second off, (okay this should probably be first, but it looked better on the page this way) today is Kid D's Seventh Birthday. She woke up expecting magic. You could feel the anticipation in the air, see it in her missing-the-two-front-teeth grin, and taste it in the cake-and-frosting-rich air.
I asked her if she felt older, and she told me,"Yes! My legs are even longer. You can tell, see? My pajamas don't touch my feet like they did last night."
I smiled and smothered a laugh. You don't laugh at seven-year-olds on their birthdays, even if they are amusing.
Kid D's excitement made me think about books and writing. Don't act all surprised. Most things make me think of writing and books because that's how I roll.
Anywho, every time I pick up a book, I'm like Kid D. I expect magic. Not necessarily real magic with spells and wands and elves and such (though that doesn't hurt), but the magic and wonder of fantastic stories and amazing characters. I want to be transported to a new place, time, and setting. I want to feel like I'm seven and grew during the night only to wake up to balloons and cake. All of it for me.
I want to feel the emotions of characters. I want to experience fear, longing, love, adrenaline spikes, and warm fuzzies. I want to live between the covers with the characters.
I want the magic of a book.
What about you? What do you want when you open a book?
Leisha Maw
14 comments:
Typically, I want a good sweet love story and believable characters. Because I read a lot of historicals I also like to be transported to another time and place. I want challenge and conflict and emotion, but it darn well better end happily! :)
Stacy, the ones that end badly tick me off. And what could be better than a sweet love story? :)
I want to be moved, both physically (if only in my imagination) and emotionally. I want to be dazzled by characters that I come to love/hate, and can reasonably compare to someone I know. I want to go on a journey into another life/culture/place and feel like I learned something. I want to reach the end of the story and go 'aaah', because it's so satisfying. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Oh, and Happy Birthday, Kid D!
Jonene, I love going ahhh at the end of a book. I never want the good ones to end.
I'll pass along your birthday wishes to Kid D. Thanks. :)
We're almost twinners, Leisha. I expect magic and I always find it. That's the real wonder of reading books. In fact I feel like part of me is missing if I don't have a book with me -- almost like heart failure.
Thanks for reminding us of both the magic of birthdays, but also of books.
YOU are magical with your writing, too.
Hugs,
Irene
I want characters I love, a villain I hate, and a story that I don't want to end.
I was thinking about that the other day too. Maybe some people like giving negative reviews,but I think most of us detest it. It means we wasted time reading a book we didn't like. Really, we want to fall in love w/ something new that sweeps us away and makes us forget its not real.
I always like to forget I'm reading a book.
Irene, thanks so much! Heart failure is right. :)
Heather, I always hate it when the end nears and the pages left to read dwindle. Part of me whispers, "Read slower. Make it last." The other part yells, "What happens next? Turn the page!"
Tamara, I like that take on negative reviews. I'd rather be swept away, too. :)
Elena, I love that, too. Living the book is the best. :)
I want great plot, well written sentences, and action. Plus an awesome ending so I'm not throwing the book across the room. =)
Carolyn, oh, I hear you! Book throwing endings are the worst. :)
Ahhhh, Leisha. I absolutely love the two blogs about Kid D. Very precious. Lifetime memories are made of these.
I'm so glad you came into my life.
Irene
Irene, hugs and thanks!
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