Why do you read?

Reading is truly magic! I read because I want to visit other realities and worlds. I read because I want to share and learn about others” perspectives and experiences. I read because I want to laugh, cry, and feel an adrenaline rush. I read because I want to gain knowledge and maintain mental wellness and strong brain function. I read to appreciate the beauty of writing and to improve my own craft. Whether improving your own life, expanding or changing your worldview, or taking you to another world altogether, reading is powerful and thrilling! Magic!

Has your relationship with reading changed over time?

I have read books my whole life -since I learned to read and with others before that. While my reading frequency has grown and waned over time, depending on my responsibilities, I have ultimately fallen more in love with reading over time. Reading has grown from something entertaining and exploratory, to a healthy obsession and a way to learn and grow with the world and improve my writing craft. Reading to me has always been magic!

What would you say to someone who thinks they’re not a reader?

Pick up a book, magazine, anything! Start with what interests you, whether it’s an article, a blog post, a short story, nonfiction, fiction, poetry. Once you find your thing, you will know and will want to keep going. Also, make time to read every day, even if it is only ten minutes.

Ashley Elizalde