Chances are if you are on this writing journey, you not only love to write, but you also love to read. Today’s prompt is all about the books you love, or have loved, to read. Originally I wrote the prompt to focus on a favorite Devotional, but as I considered this further, I realized that the power of a great book to speak to us is not limited to Christian literature alone. The power of great literature or just a timely read can speak volumes to us personally, and sometimes great insight and inspiration can come from unexpected places.
For instance years ago I read The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. I was heading off to Washington D.C. for a Personal Training Conference and wanted a book for the trip. I picked it up on a whim, but it remains to me one of the most amazing surprises I have read. The imagery of New Orléans painted in the amazingly vivid writing of Rice etched its way into my mind forever. I have been to New Orléans thanks to the detailed descriptions of her writing!
I love books and my love is not limited to one genre. I especially love classic children’s books, memoirs and biographies. My favorite childhood book was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.s. Lewis. My mom gave me The Hobbit to read at 12 and I just could not get into it. I have since tried again, and although I love the Lord of The Rings movies, have not been able to get through Tolkien’s tales…yet! I never get through Chapter One. Sigh.
So, today we delve into our love for great reading of all kinds. From Oswald Chambers to Stephen King. Hans Christian Andersen to Suzanne Collins. From Classic Literature to Current Creative Writing. From Harry Potter to Jesus Calling. Let’s have fun considering the reads that have stayed with us, the stories that speak to us, the words that minister most to us and WHY. What draws you in, fascinates you, challenges you and causes you to say YES, I love this book or author!
Recall (one at a time for focused pondering and writing) your favorite book or story. Describe and explain what it is you love about this book or story. Include personal insights and take time to reflect on what makes this work especially significant ro powerful to you.
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Explore the background and biographical information of one of your favorite authors. Note the details in your journal and make it be like a mini report or essay for yourself. Are there similarities in your tastes, style of writing, genre, history? Doodle it or Mind Map the details if you wish.
or
Write about your favorite Devotional Book. Why is it your favorite? What does the author do that is unique? How does it draw you closer to God?
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Same as above with your favorite Devotional Author. Look at their background and contrast the reality of their real lives with their writing. Record what you discover.
Have fun, discover your author influence, be inspired by your biggest inspirations!
This post is part of a series:
To find out more or see all posts for The 21 Days of Journaling in June Click HERE
Also, I will be serving up alternative prompts and thoughts daily on the Facebook page!
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
Life happens — busy morning, afternoon & evening all week. Now I have a slow day & it looks like rain so weeding may be out. That means that I can ponder on your prompt(s) for today. Already I’ve been able to catch up & journal a couple this morning. Thanks Dawn, you’ve made me focus on so much from the first of the month. It’s been good!
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Dawn, I love your idea about literary loves! Certainly, a journal is a great place to explore the books you are reading and how their themes coincide with your own life. Yes, journal-keepers are literary readers. I often write down quotes from books I am reading in my journals. I indent the quotes from both of the side margins, for easy identification, and I always cite the quote source (author, book, publisher, year, page #, even sometimes the city) in case I want to use it officially in a publication. It is also fun to write in response to literary quotes. Dialogue with them. One thing that I am doing this summer is organizing my fifty-million books. My husband bought me some sturdy metal bookcases, so I can take the books out of boxes and access them more readily. No doubt I will explore books in my journals. Also, remember that marginalia is valuable. Interact with your books and their authors in the book margins. I journal in my books and in my bibles! And I’m sure that you will end up writing your own book, gleaning your own quotes from your journals!, Dawn!
Blessings,
Lynn
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