Why Read?

In this age of web-based information and entertainment, twenty-four-hour news, cell phones and portable video, we are deluged with information. Often, we lead such busy lives we barely find time to reflect on the greater world around us, much less our interior selves, and the emotions, illusions, fears, and dreams that make each of us unique. As human beings, we are far more than our jobs, our possessions, our incomes. We share common experiences and feelings; we are both unique and astonishingly alike.
Books remind us of this.
Writers are part of a tradition that stretches back into pre-history: We have always told stories to illuminate the darkness in and around us; to share with others our hearts so we will not feel alone; to provoke dialog; and help us to explore others, the larger world and ourselves. Writers challenge superficial perceptions and compel us to look deeper, within, down to where our passions and dreams live. Writers have been a pivotal part of important societal changes, as well, by exposing our injustices and failings as well as celebrating our virtues and courage – all in an attempt to enlighten and broaden the common human experience.
Hill Kemp said, ”The flood of input from electronic media is just a din without the needed skills developed by reading. It's like having a mouth but no stomach; we can take a lot in, but not benefit from any of it. Books create a space for quiet reflection, a place where understanding is nurtured, ideas are formed and change is made possible."
We invite you, our reader, into our provocative world of words and dedicate this book to you.
Diane J. Newton
Larry Pontius
C.T. Adams
Hill Kemp
Kathleen Strelow
C.W. Gortner
Cathy Clamp
A.P. Fuchs
Carlene Reed

Note: I've included this on the "Secrets, Fact or Fiction?" page, but this forum seemed a likely location as well. I hope we've made you think, just a bit about our craft.
Diane