Do you ever stop to think about how powerful words can be? It’s amazing how far a good book and a little imagination can take us.

by Kim Lengling

What beautiful worlds words can take us to, or how words can make us feel!

Do you remember the first book you read, or do you have a word that feels fun to say out loud? Here’s a good example: hullabaloo. It rolls around and flows like a ride on a sled down a snowy hill. Speaking of snowy hills and sleds, what about the word toboggan? Another fun word to say!

Words woven together in specific ways can take us places we never thought possible. Imagine traveling to distant lands, meeting fascinating characters, and embarking on an adventure without leaving the comfort of your favorite chair.

Well, that, my friend, is the amazing world of words. A world where a writer’s imagination comes alive.

Are you ready to take a short journey of writing, reading, and the magical world of words with me? Let’s go!

Words have power

The journey begins with words—all the words a writer weaves together for readers.

I view books as a tapestry, with each word being a separate thread. Writers are the weavers who combine all the threads to create beautiful tapestries and moving tales.

Writers use imagination and skill to build a world where you can meet new friends, experience new adventures, and step outside your world for a while.

In a way, a writer guides you to places you may have only dreamed of visiting. They have created the place to visit and the people you will meet, and now it is up to you to let yourself sink into the story and let your imagination flow.

Making new friends

An exciting part of reading is getting to know the characters a writer introduces us to. Writers get to know their characters intimately in the hopes that those characters, in turn, will become the readers’ friends. Each character has feelings, flaws, and dreams, just like you.

Have you read a book and felt you knew the characters personally by the end, and were sad to flip the last page? Yes, me too!

Plot, twists, and adventure

Oh, the surprises and adventures books can give us!

Imagine flying on a magic carpet through a dark forest. Your carpet twists and turns to navigate the trees as a cool breeze blows across your face with the sound of night critters all around. And everything is cast in a full moon’s blue light.

The forest feels filled with suspense, excitement, and surprises. That is what a good story feels like.

Writers weave their plots to keep you engaged, then throw twists and turns you never saw coming. Oh, the thrill of not knowing what will happen next!

Reading is not about reaching the end. It is about enjoying the journey.

Reading is a collaboration between you and the writer. The words on the page are an invitation, but the magic happens when those words come to life through your imagination.

The magic of imagination

You must fire up your imagination when picking up a new book. With the words the writer provided, you get to paint pictures in your mind, hear the characters’ voices, and imagine the scents and tastes of the story’s world.

That is the beauty of reading—it is a collaboration between you and the writer. The words on the page are an invitation, but the magic happens when those words come to life through your imagination. How cool is that?

The lessons in every story

As I am sure you know, aside from thrills and adventures, stories also carry life lessons. Many books explore friendship, courage, faith, science, history, and more. There are lessons—nuggets of knowledge you can uncover as you journey through the pages.

Don’t just read books; let them teach you something as well.

The love of reading

The more you read, the more you will want to read. It can become a lifetime hobby, passion, or pastime.

Once you have experienced the magic of a well-written story, you may want to explore more books and genres. From mysteries to fantasy, there is a book out there for everyone.

The magic of words on paper

Do you still enjoy the feeling of holding a book and turning the pages? Or using a bookmark that your child made to mark your space?

We may live in a digital age with e-books and audiobooks, but there is something special about holding a physical book in your hands. The smell, the feel of the paper, and the sound as you flip each page are all part of the reading experience.

I hope you were fortunate enough to have a library nearby in your younger years. Do you remember the first time you walked into a library? The smell of thousands of pages just waiting to be read. How exciting!

Whether you prefer the feel of a book in your hands or the convenience of an e-reader, the magic of reading remains the same. You are diving into the writer’s world and coming out with a head and heart full of stories and lessons.

Embrace the magic of the written word. Pick up a book and go on a journey. Let your imagination flow. You may be surprised by the places you will visit and the characters you will meet—all through the power of words on paper.

Don’t forget to share the magic with others! Recommend a book to a friend, or better yet, give a book to someone.

From young to old, pass on the joy of reading. Adventures and life lessons are waiting. How exciting!

Extra: tip from a bookworm

Reading can be your companion through life’s difficulties or a quick getaway when needed. It is as simple as turning a page or swiping left on an e-reader. From the first word, you are off on a new journey. So … remember to keep a book nearby!

Kim Lengling is the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative three-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two standalone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023). In addition to writing, she hosts the podcast Let Fear Bounce, spotlighting people who make a difference in the world, whether by writing, film production, philanthropy, teaching, founding nonprofits, and more. You can regularly find Kim drinking copious amounts of coffee and taking long walks with her dog.

Connect with Kim and learn more at her website.