By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Has anyone ever said to you that reading fiction is a waste of time, money, and brain matter? That’s hogwash! Yes, I’m passionate about fiction, and here’s why!
- To enjoy an entertaining adventure for readers.
- To learn about the world and people in an unthreatening environment.
- To be encouraged in our own lives by characters overcoming adversity.
- To focus our minds on something other than ourselves.
- To stimulate our mental capacity.
- To gain new insights from others’ beliefs different from our own.
- To explore creativity.
- To enhance our imagination. As we grow from children to adults, our imagination dwindles to accommodate the reality of what our parents, caregivers, and teachers prefer.
- To understand others and their personalities.
- To develop relational and social skills.
- To improve memory.
- To sleep better. Although if the book is horror, I might change my mind!
- To discover different genres and establish a reading preference.
- To increase our vocabulary.
- To be inspired to try something new in our lives.
- To shape our minds for a willingness to learn and ask questions.
- To force us to slow down from our hectic life and relieve stress.
- To broaden our topics in conversation.
- To strengthen our thinking skills.
- To enjoy the adventure of a well-written story.
Why do you read fiction?
Before I was saved I read very sinful romance novels. After I was saved in 1977, I quit reading novels altogether for at least 12 years. I became a student of His Word and began using my spiritual gifts of teaching and shepherding. Gradually I eased into Christian novels as they became more prevalent.
I love mysteries!!!! I love to reward myself with them as I unplug my mind from my day. The Christian characters are excellent and I love how they frame what the LORD can do in our lives, DiAnn. I love the way you are using your talents and gifts.
Vee, you have blessed me with your kind words. Thank you. And Thank God for calling you into His kingdom.
Vee, your testimony sounds SO much like mine. I’ve been a “READER” since I was very small and later on I did read some things I shouldn’t have. I was saved in 1971 and couldn’t get enough of The Word and Bible Studies and eventually being used to minister to others. I’m so glad Christian Authors started writing mysteries…..my favorite thing to read…other than The Word. I thank the LORD also for gifting DiAnn with the ability to write great stories with the LORD involved.
Vondia, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. Praise God for His redeeming power!
I loved your comment. Great post. I write Christian fiction and I enjoy creating characters and building new worlds. It’s pretty cool. Mystery books are ways on top of my reading list.
KD Williams
Author, The Mysteries of Woodland Academy