How Reading and Writing Inspires Me

There are few things that give me more pleasure than totally immersing myself in (a) reading a book, and (b) writing a book.

Reading has saved me in many ways. It’s made me smarter, more empathetic, more worldly, and a better writer. It’s given me a sense of purpose. As a youngster, I was too busy playing all the time and being active; I didn’t really fall in love with reading until my senior year of high school, when I read a novel that opened up my world. From that point on, I became a reader. Reading has allowed me to visit places and see things I have yet to see; it’s given me a stronger understanding of other people, cultures, and places and not left me narrow-minded; and it’s helped me nurture and develop ideas of my own. I’m constantly inspired to read something good–and I continually seek recommendations from others.

Writing has helped me just as much, if not more so. In college, after being inspired by several writers I was reading, I wrote myself a note that read, “I want to be a novelist,” when I realized that I wanted to be a writer. It was a goal of mine at that age, and I wrote the note in a class on a paper I had gotten back from an admired teacher. I just recently found the manuscript and was flabbergasted that I actually wrote the words on paper. I made a pact with myself that I would someday publish something worth reading, and I’m proud of the fact that I set a goal and lived up to it.

To date, I’ve published four works of fiction, and one academic textbook.

I love writing, and couldn’t imagine a life without it. It’s the thing I turn to in free time and in scheduled time, because I love it so much. It is my number one favorite thing to do outside of work and spending time with family. I’m constantly inspired to write.

As part of #NaNoWriMo, I am writing a fifth novel, one that I may seek representation for. I will know better when I finish the darn thing.

Until then, I urge you to open the doors to reading…and writing…if you can find a place for them in your life.

Below is a video of my fiction books that are for sale. I hope you’ll check out what I’ve been writing lately. For more information about each, click here.