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I didn’t grow up reading like many authors. I grew up on films. I loved movies and not just current films. I watched films from the black and white era, mysteries, musicals, and more. I made my parents rent the film The Labyrinth every time we went to the video store. (Some of you have never rented from one of those. They’ve become extinct.) Instead of reading stories, I was watching them. I learned about plot and character from film.
Even though I didn’t read much, I liked the idea of books. The first book I read, other than children’s books, was a Nancy Drew mystery. I sat in my room on a Saturday and read the whole book. After that, I didn’t read for a long while. But eventually C.S. Lewis and Frank Pertetti caught my attention with their stories. My lack of reading had to do with my endurance. I would lose my place on the page and daydream if I got bored.
To this day, I have difficulty finishing books if they don’t draw me in.
So how does a non-reader become an author?
There is no doubt I loved stories. I even earned a BA in video production, and became photographer as well. I’ve lived behind the camera for years.
But about 7 years ago, I stared reading young adult novels and I never quit. Over those years, I didn’t keep count of how many books I read. However, I read so much that it inspired me. And over two years ago, I started writing once again.(See my blog post: Why I stopped writing.)
My biggest hope is not that people will love my book, although a few fangirls would be nice. Instead, I hope someone like me, who lost their passion for something they enjoyed, will find their way back and create something that surprises them.

You are so inspiring Angela! I was definitely a ‘reading kid’, but I also was very blessed with that natural ability. It’s so amazing to see someone overcome so much to accomplish so much!
Thank you, Stefanie!
Go you!!! (loving the use of GIFs here, esp Space Boy/Earth Girl at the end 😉 )
Doctor Who is my favorite.
I like Nine and Ten. I caught an old episode with Ten and Rose the other day, from the end of the season and the ‘Next Time on Doctor Who’ at the end made me bawl because of what happens… *sigh*
Your biggest hope is so sweet and it’s inspiring me so much!! ❤ Your message + the use of the Doctor Who GIF has brought tears to my eyes. It made me think of when I was younger. I was so full of dreams before I yanked myself from the clouds of hope, I don't know why I've been so cruel to myself. You're inspiring me SO much!!
WOW! Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes we are the hardest on ourselves. I love Doctor Who. 😀
Oh I was (am) a movie buff as well.. How hot did David Bowie look as the Goblin King? I have always loved film but I love books as well, so I had a slight advantage. Welcome back to the dark side 🙂
This blog comes across as brutally honest and it is awesome. Congrats on your book! And P.S. My husband got me The Labyrinth for Christmas after we started dating and I fell in love with Jareth! Such a great movie. 🙂
Wow! Thanks!