The written word is a medium that knows no boundaries. The page is yours to fill with new worlds, captivating characters, and winding plot lines. You can write for yourself or for an audience. Our minds play the part of a movie director, bringing the author’s words to life within the realm of our imagination.

*

Many books inspire, and continue to inspire my writing. I remember my weekly visits to the classroom bookshelf in elementary school, excited to see which new novel had been added. Then in high-school the heated discussions about what message the author was trying to convey. In university, the arguments about literature only became more nuanced, but still kept that same passion. My earliest and most treasured memory related to literature will always be my father reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, to me before bedtime as a child. The way he brought the characters to life with distinct voices for each one captivated me and taught me the power of a good story. From lulling a child to sleep, to inspiring readers to action, books hold an integral part in our culture, that even in our digital age, cannot be replaced.