Words for Readers: Read for Life

Today I had planned on doing a blog aimed at writers, but on my way home from work I got an idea.

I read many many blogs designated for writers. Some bloggers chronicle their journey of their writing experience. Others offer advice and input hoping to help someone else become better at their craft. I have no criticism for any of the blogs. I love them and check them all multiple times a day - I'm obsessive like that.

Sadly, I haven't found as many blogs catering to readers.

It may be because I haven't searched out such blogs. It doesn't really matter. Now, that I've resurrected the Madhouse you can expect a weekly post entitled, "Words for Readers." I want to invite you to journey with me in my life of reading.

Reading is as serious as writing. Without the reader you can't have the writer, and vice versa. The writer owes his life to the reader, and the reader owes the same to the writer. Some look at this as a business, but it's more than that. If the writer looks to the reader as his job, or the way in which he brings home the bacon, then the reader has been cheated. If the reader looks to the writer as a form of escapism then the reader has cheated the writer.

The writer is the reader's avenue to a life unexperienced. A writer's biggest priority is to stretch the soul and the imagination of those that dare to read his work. The writer is opening a door of life that the reader has yet to open. The writer, in fact, holds the key in his hand that allows the reader to go places he has never dared.

For the writer the reader is a challenge. The writer must offer the reader a slice of life that may be undiscovered, or maybe he's making the reader's life better in some way. A writer can offer the reader: pain, excitement, happiness, comfort, love, friendship, and life.

As a reader seek out books that let you taste all the different flavors of life. You can't get that by reading only your favorite author, or closing yourself off to one genre only. Read every book that you can get your hands on.

I love fantasy. I read fantasy more than anything else. At one point, fantasy was the only thing that I would read. Reading one genre only would be like eating ice cream and nothing else. Sure it tastes good, but it's not very healthy. I branched out and started reading genres I didn't think I would enjoy, and since have found some writers that I adore. Joe Hill, Charles Portis, and Kurt Vonnegut are three such authors I have an affinity for. If I hadn't veered away from Brandon Sanderson or Robert Jordan I would not have discovered these three amazing authors. I'm glad I did. Each of the five authors I've listed offer something that no one else can. They offer me life in different shapes, sizes, and styles.

The next book you read make it one that isn't necessarily your style. Find an author who has something to say that you don't want to hear. Read words that are written in a way you haven't read them before. You won't do that by reading the same genre or writer over and over and over. If you only read fantasy then pick up some Fitzgerald. If you only read the classics then check out Patrick Rothfuss. Go boldly where you never have gone before.

Be daring, Reader!

Don't read for pleasure or entertainment only. Read for life!