Writing--what a glorious thing

Telling the story is the thrill of being a writer. I would rather sit down and write than do anything else, I think. I learned very young that writing was a great way of communicating. It is a way to be heard without interruption. It is a way to think before you say. It is a way to really say what you mean without sticking your foot in your mouth. It is a way to get the right meaning across to the listener/reader. There is nothing like picking up a book or a newspaper and reading what someone has written. I subscribe to many blogs to read with other writers write about. I love to see what they are thinking and feeling about the industry. In some ways, it is scary. Are hard copies going to be a thing of the past. I don't know? So many more people are buying e-readers. My kids, who are only in their teens, love feeling a book in their hands. They love the smell of the book. Most adults are getting away from that. We are so used to that fast paced computer age. It is easier to just flip a switch to read a book. Dont even have to turn a page. We can carry many books with us in less than a few pounds. Borders closed many stores. They filed bankruptcy. CD's are a thing of the past. People would rather download on their ipods. Well, whether it is an ereader or a in the hand book, there is nothing like reading what someone else wrote. One of the things I love about writing is becoming someone else. I recently read the book, Room: The Novel. Wow! It was from a five-year-old's voice. This kid told the story of being held hostage in a room with his mom. He had never known outside of that room. He was born in that room. His entire world revolved around four walls, the furniture, his mom, and a man who would bring them food and have sex with his mom at night. What an amazing experience to get in the head of a five-year-old and write from that perspective. I recently wrote a 90,000 word novel from a 14-year-old's voice. I am looking forward to its publication. What I loved the most was being able to tap into that teenager in me. I could feel her and sense her within me. Writing can take you into any character. Whether you are the reader or the writer, it can take you into a world that is not your own. You can experience a life you have never known. You can also relate with those who have experienced similar experiences and know that you are not alone. Writing is a gift. Whenever my editor calls me and says I have a story for you. I get excited on the inside. I know that I am going to be able to meet someone new. I am going to be able to listen to their journey and write about it. There is nothing more glorious than that.