The Power of Story

Thanks for taking the time to read my latest journal article. Much of my day now involves writing my next book, and I’m often surprised I haven’t posted in a few weeks.

Today, I reminisce about the power of story, and why I craft the novels I do.

Let me tell you what drove me to become a writer and storyteller. I wasn’t always this way. But even as a child, the love of books was part of my nature.

I grew up with books, but not always fiction. At a young age, I loved encyclopedias. Through them, I discovered a vast world beyond the confines of the small, rural town where I grew up.

Fiction soon opened another world for me, one where I could experience the life of another time or place. Fantasy and science fiction become my favorites.

At a young age, I would read books by Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury, to name a few. In college, a friend lent me his copy of Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 1 of The Lord of the Rings, and I was hooked on fantasy. I became captivated with other places and enchanting characters.

Most of all, I fell in love with words. I became fascinated with an author’s talent to string them together into sentences and bring them to life. The feeling has stayed with me to this day.

After college, life happened. A career, paying the bills, working on the house or the yard, everything that comes with being a parent—all those practical things took over. I regretted none of those, but my love for words never left me.

Today, I strive to instill the joy and wonder I once felt as a child in my work. And with each book, I learn a little more. I’m super excited about my third book. More details to come as I approach its release.

Thank you for staying with me, posting reviews on my books, and for your moral support. I am grateful for all you do.

To your good health and happiness,

John