I was a reader long before I ever became a writer. I had my favourite writers. The ones who wrote books I could never put down. The ones I would never give away but re-read at least once a year.
I've always been in love with 'magical storytelling'. This is a phrase I use to describe a novel or short story that whisks me away from myself, takes me to another place, a place where I lose myself in the story. A place that evokes strong emotions. A place where I shut out family and friends as much as I love them.
When I've discovered a new writer who has this gift, I am thrilled, pleased beyond reason. I squirrel the treasure away until I am able to crack it open and read without interruptions. And I'm selfish with it, I don't share it (other than verbally or e-mail with the writer if possible, with my friends, and other writers, but I never, never part with it.
Over the years, there have been surprises. I never had read any Stephen King as I do not care for the genre however I did begin his new book, 11/22/63, on the weekend and I was instantly hooked. The man can write; he's up there with those magical storytellers. This is probably no surprise to most of you but it was a delightful one to me. He has fun, he plays fair with the writer, he is a master of plotting, his characters are real. And on, and on, and on.
So to those genuis's of writing, I say: keeping on writing, please. And for those writers like myself, who love the craft and are committed to developing their talent, I say: keeping on writing, please and who knows, someday, we, like them, may enter the realm of magical storytelling.
Who is your favourite writer, who do you believe reaches the magical summit?
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