by Vanessa D. Alexander

Created on: March 17, 2009

Surely why I write and have chosen fiction novels to pursue as a writer began with a love for reading. I would read almost anything while I was growing up, at least a few lines. Books, magazines, newspapers, comic books, the front and back of cereal boxes...

If a book does not capture my heart within the first few pages I start skimming. If it doesn't get me in a few chapters I close the cover and it goes on the shelf. A book I'm not taken with never goes in the trash. It could be my mood. It may be my age and it could be where I am in life at that point. All subject to change. So it goes on the shelf.

In high school I would sometimes cut afternoon classes to go to the library, sit in the back at one of those long wooden library tables and read until school was out. When my mom found out, she nor the school principal believed my story. Off we went to the library. The Librarian recognized me and smiled. I was relieved-until she heard I was cutting classes to be there.

They both looked at me. No, they stared. Extreme perplexity. The kind of look when you don't have a clue to what you're dealing with. I on the other hand was petrified. I was shy, quiet, an introvert. My first reaction to attention was usually tears flooding my eyes. Then shaking inside which I of course thought everyone could see, which petrified me even more. Yes I would risk this to go into my world to be left alone to explore.

What saved me from that fateful day and my mother's wrath? She loved books. Whew! She understood. In fact it became a new story to share with her friends across the fence, on the phone and at the grocery store. She was actually quite proud I cut classes to read books at the library. It wasn't my only destination spot. But she didn't have to know everything.

One of my favorite fiction reads of all time I found while at the bookstore for another book. They were out of stock and seriously I heard the still small voice of the Lord tell me to turn around. I saw this book cover and title standing out from the other books on a shelf as you come into the store. My eyes hovered.

I walked over, picked it up and read the first paragraph of the first chapter. I had a date. The whole weekend cover to cover, my heart pumping. I was giddy, intrigued, entertained and totally immersed in that story. I turned the pages like someone with an addiction. I wanted more. Needless to say, I could not wait for the next book by this author and the next. Never disappointed once, though I liked a few of

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