Faerie Stories and writing

It's such a beautiful day out, here in Berkeley. It's sunny with a breeze, perfect weather. Not too hot but not too cold either. I'm sitting on a wall outside, in the shade of a tree, with a stack of books on a chair to my right with coffee. Hehe. I'm such a writer...

Speaking of writing, we've been having some very interesting discussions about writing, Faerie Stories, and reading. Given all the great books I've read in the last few weeks, I've had a lot of interaction with different writing styles and opinions, especially considering the authors and also the household of people I'm with. It's been such a blessing to me that I can have so many different opinions and thoughts, especially being a writer.

"We do not enjoy a story fully at the first reading. Not till the curiosity, the sheer narrative lust, has been given its sop and laid asleep, are we at leisure to savour the real beauties. Till then, it is like wasting a great wine on a ravenous natural thirst which merely wants cold wetness. The children understand this well when they ask for the same story over and over again, and in all the same words."
~Lewis, On Stories~

"It is, of course, a good test for every reader of every kind of book. An unliterary man may be defined as one who reads books only once."
~Lewis, On Stories~

Both of those quotes surprised me and challenged me. I love Lewis! Hehe. He challenges me to go re-read books and write well. I think that's what most of these past few weeks have done. They've taught me a lot, and I've made so many good relationships. One of the main things though is to push me to be better in my writing, and strive to be a good writer.

Another thing I haven't noticed till now is how much I've grown. I'm completely at ease being myself around people...I don't worry about pleasing everyone, or trying to 'fit in'. I'm content in growing in God, through whatever means that is. I've noticed that through the comfortability of being myself and talking about things I, before, would never have talked about. I'm full of joy and Peace. It's an amazing thing.

Well...enough musings for now. I have need to read Tolkien.

Under the Mercy.