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The Feel Of Pages

Good Morning Everybody,

Well, this Saturday morning is a bit overcast, but that's okay since it means it's not blisteringly hot. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather. I'm not a huge fan of snow (although growing up I was) so I'm glad that it doesn't usually snow here, but I do like colder weather. There's something so cozy about adding that extra blanket in the bed or putting on long sleeves, a sweater, jacket or sweatshirt. Tossing a scarf around your neck. It's just one of those warm-your-toes-in-front-of-the-fire feeling.

This brings me to the feel of a book (or manuscript) in one's hands. The smooth texture, the sight of words across the page (blank pages are hard to deal with, as most of you well know!) Reveling in having an adventure in your hands. It's heady stuff.

One of the reasons why I adore bookstores and libraries. All those shelves and shelves covered in books. It's nirvana for a writer because writers are also readers. All the many options, the choices, the selection! Aside from actually having a polished manuscript ready to go (and an acceptance letter from an agent and/or publisher) there's no better feeling for a writer. Obviously there's no way to embody the myriad of emotions a writer feels when his or her work is going to be published (I have yet to achieve that "golden moment" as I call it, but I have hopes to one day).

Until then I settle for enjoying each little accomplishment. A story coming together, a character I've fallen in love with and the excitement of entering a bookstore or a library on any given day. (Especially bookstores! I love being able to purchase a book I want to read).

Okay, maybe I sound a bit obsessive, but honestly, I can't help it. I love books. I love reading books, I love writing books, I love making up characters and meeting others' characters, the whole thing is just where I feel I've found my little niche in the world. (I know, I've overused the word 'love' but oh well LOL).

Granted, I'm blessed to have my son and my husband and family and friends, but outside of that, it's wonderful to know the writing and reading world exists. Open to possibilities, impossibilities and everything in between.

What's your favorite part about holding a book in your hands and/or holding a manuscript in your hands?

Have A Splendid Saturday!

Comments

Joshua McCune said…
Yeah, that's one of the reasons I'm scared about the whole e-reader thing. I actually like the technology and idea, but I've always enjoyed the feel of books, too, and, a bit selfishly, would like to be able to feel of my own book one day, not an electronic copy.
Unknown said…
I like real books too. There's something comforting, magical, and beautiful about having a book in your hand. It's like you can feel the love within it. It's magic.
Bethany said…
Bane,

I know the whole e-reader is beginning to become more popular, but there is something about feeling the actual books in one's hand. I think we have to look for the positive regardless...the positive being that the more techno-savvy people might be more interested in reading books with an e-reader available, therefore, more people buying books, therefore more opportunities for authors. Besides, I don't think in-print books are going to disappear...at least not anytime soon, so there's another positive.
Bethany said…
J.J.--

You hit the nail on the head! That's how I feel about holding a book in my hands. :-)
Joshua McCune said…
Bethany -- that's an excellent point... though, eventually there'll be a day where books are like scrolls -- i.e., relics -- displayed at today's equivalent of Renaissance Fairs)... hopefully not too soon.
Bethany said…
Bane,

I doubt it'll be very soon LOL. Plus, we authors have to be flexible...willing to go with new technology. Besides, Ciara Gold was e-published, first, now she's got a few books in print. I hear e-books can be very nice. I've never used one, but I'm curious about them.
Stephanie Faris said…
It may sound odd but I just love looking at a book and seeing that bookmark right in the center, or 3/4ths of the way through. It gives me a sense of accomplishment that I've made headway in completing yet another book. It's the same with the manuscripts I write. Of course, no feeling is as good as that buzz you get as you type The End!
Bethany said…
Stephanie,

Doesn't sound odd to me. I feel that sense of accomplishment, too. And you're right, it's a pretty huge feeling when you type "The End" on a manuscript knowing you finished the story!

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