Friday, March 11, 2011

* Journal 3 ~ Readers & Writers *

Reading and writing has been an extensive part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a young child, I loved to read, and did so every day. It offered me an escape from this world into another world where I did not have any problems; bringing me relief and security. It offered me sanctum, as it continues to do to this day, and I honestly cannot say which book--out of the hundreds I have read--is the best, I love/have loved so many!

My interests and favorite books shifted constantly, changing which books I enjoyed most at the time. When I was really young, I earnestly enjoyed 'The Magic Tree House' series by Mary Pope Osborne, and would read several of them a day. Not long after I discovered the 'Nancy Drew' books by Carolyn Keene, and to say I loved them would be an understatement! I became obsessed with mysteries, and even considered becoming a detective when I grew up; with a light blue convertible of course!

In the next few years my dominant interest shifted from mystery to suspense, focusing mainly around ghost stories; I loved books that would keep me on the edge of my seat with fear. Shortly after, I discovered the 'Inkheart' trilogy (which, at the time, was the Twilight of books, everyone loved it) and that remained top on my favorites list, until I discovered Twilight. I loved the entire franchise until I realized how ridiculous the hype floating around in the air was, and slowly fell out of "Twilighter" status (however I do still enjoy the novels occasionally).

Since then I have discovered many books I love, however there are two that I continue to read repeatedly. The first of these is 'Scribbler of Dreams' by Mary E. Pearson. This book keeps me intrigued and involved in the story every time I read it, sucking me in without fail. I get caught up in the romance, the suspense, the intrigue. It slightly resembles a modern day 'Romeo and Juliet' and will keep you caught in its papery grasp until long after you finish reading it.

The second one of these is 'The Secret Journal of Brett Colton' by Kay Lynn Mangum. This novel has such a captivating story line; not only are you flipping each page, itching to discover what will happen next with Kathy, but you are also following along with her deceased brother Brett's life. Two different stories cooperating with each other to keep you on a journey; with all the different story lines going on at once, you are enthralled on each and every page. I read this novel to my Grandma this summer, who is extremely ill, and during every second of it the novel held her attention without falter, showing to me that it is for everyone.

Currently I struggle finding time to read, which to be honest, depresses me. I love reading, and I ache to do so more often! I recently started 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, but I have not made much progress in it. Meaning, it's too early for me to say what I think of it yet, as I am only on the first chapter. Although I have heard from everyone--including my orthopedic doctor--that it is amazing! Due to the amazing reviews I cannot wait to read more.

In conjunction with my passion for reading, I have always loved to write. I still find notebooks lying around my house with little short stories I had jotted down; many of those mystery (because of my passion for Nancy Drew). I still love to write, however I struggle putting what's in my head down on paper. I attempt writing novels based on interesting dreams I have, or experiences I have in my life, however they always lose their flare in the transition from my mind to my hand.


I strive to keep a journal, however that isn't anything spectacular or novel worthy, simply just my thoughts. I do blog as well, however these blogs (one for my Digital Photography class, my personal blog, and my English blog) are not my best writing, simply reporting on things in my life. (However my English blog could be considered good writing, I suppose...)

Despite my best efforts, I seem to be unable to start a novel and finish it, no matter how vividly I am able to picture it in my mind. Who knows, perhaps my writing will improve this year!