Can we talk about the magic that happens when a reader opens a book and dives into a story? It’s phenomenal, actually. Not only does the reader watch the story, as they would when consuming a TV show or movie. Within the pages of a book, they become the characters. They step into the hearts, lives, and setting of the novel.
This lovely poem captures it well….
I Opened a Book by Julia Donaldson
“I opened a book and in I strode.
Now nobody can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
My town and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king
And dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends.
I shared their tears and laughter
And followed their road with its bumps and bends
To the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came.
The cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
But I have a book inside me.”
When my most recent book, Sweet on You, released a few weeks ago, I was reminded again of this bookish magic. Readers have been kind enough to take pictures with my book and tag me on social media.
I’m amazed by how many places my book can travel, that I cannot.
I’m amazed by how many ways readers can interact with my book, that I cannot.
I want readers to engage their own imaginations when they read my books. Be my guest! I think it’s wonderful that readers have the power to envision the characters and the settings their own way.
I have an experience with my story that is unique to me when I’m writing it. But you also have an experience with my story that’s unique to you. Every single reader brings her own personality, history, and viewpoints to the reading of a novel.
I may have written the book, but when it’s coming alive in your mind, it’s yours.
Over the years, readers have reached out to me to tell me that the Lord spoke to them in a specific way through a specific book. Sometimes, that’s not the way He spoke to me through the same book. Sometimes, I never even realized, when writing the novel, that the Lord might use that aspect of a story to communicate the message a reader heard.
Here’s to you, readers!
Thank you for taking the work authors create and giving it thousands of distinctive and beautiful lives, through you.
What is it about a story that makes it come alive for you?
To celebrate Sweet on You’s release, I’m currently offering the above giveaway! For more details and the entry form head here.
Becky Wade
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When I was six, I started having asthma attacks brought on by wheat and hay. I was a little Kansas farm girl! 🙁 For the next six years, while my brother and sisters played in the wheatfields and hayloft, much of the time I was stuck inside struggling to breathe. When my mom introduced me to the wonderful world of books, she introduced me to all the things mentioned in Julia’s poem. I no longer felt left out… I was traveling the world…no, the UNIVERSE!
P.S. We’re traveling for the next couple of weeks and Sweet on You is in my suitcase! Can’t wait to read it!
What a wonderful story!! My mother instilled the love of reading in me too!
Ditto! I loved this story, too. What a wonderful way for a indoor girl to take amazing adventures. 🙂
I love this, Becky. Thanks for the poem.
My pleasure! I had a hard time choosing between several wonderful poems about reading.
Love this poem and the truth of it! I have loved reading since a child. Congratulations on the release of Sweet on You!
Thanks so much, Betty!
The poem is wonderful!! It expresses my thoughts on why I read perfectly! I can get rid of the stress in my life and hop into someone else’s for a little while. A small escape, but a big release for me. Thanks for sharing your gift with us!!
“A small escape, but a big release for me” Same for me, Kathy! It’s entertainment and relaxation in one.
Two things that ultimately make a story come alive (for me):
1. The CHARACTER(S). First and foremost, I have to connect with and sympathize with the main character. I may not necessarily like her/him at first, but I have to be able to attach myself to her/him at some level.
2. The SETTING. When I can picture the scene with clarity, I’m able to put myself there and immerse myself into the story. Give me a small town–I’ll become part of the community. Give me a big city–I’ll walk the crowded streets feeling a bit overwhelmed. No matter where the story takes place, I want to FEEL it.
What a fantastic response, Cheryl! Thanks for articulating that so clearly. I agree! I think that those two priorities are gateways into a book’s world.
Books come alive for me when I believe the characters are real (they act real). I also love the perfect settings, whether it be a bakery, a castle, a bookstore, or the beach. Ahhh. Because then I can get away!
SO, so true! I want to visit wonderful, beautiful, charming places through books.
What a great poem! Love. God does amazing things with what we do, and I know He always speaks to me through your books.
Have a great weekend.
You, too, Becky!
What a perfect poem! Each of your books have touched my life in different ways. From the escape I needed during my husband’s health issues, to the emotional healing I needed by connecting with certain characters. What a blessing and encouragement you have been. 🙂
Husband’s health issues … I can so relate to that, Rebekah. ❤
This is why I love writing Christian fiction! Like other books, it can provide escape to someone who needs that (which is so very valuable). But, additionally, the Lord can use Christian fiction to encourage and speak to His people. Which is mind-boggling! Only in His power is such a thing possible.
What makes a story come alive? That’s a tough question … hard to put a finger in it. Likeable characters and settings … people I can root for and melt over!! ❤ Thank you for including me, Becky! I’m so glad I found your books. And I cherish your mentorship.
*on it … lol. 😂 I’m at Mugs with my daughter, deep discussions, and my mind isn’t fully in the game!
🙂 I’m so grateful for our friendship!
Such a Beautiful Poem Becky Thank you for sharing ! Congratulations on your new book!
Thanks, Sarah!