Blog Everyday in August #4 - I love libraries.

I don't know what it is, but whenever I step into a library I feel excited. It might be because it is filled with so much wonder and amazement. So many worlds, and characters and rooms and events. I just feel at home.

Every single book is like a window to a different world, and we've all felt like escaping one time or another, haven't we?

Recently I complained about having to pay for reserving books at my local library. The ones I have outside of stockholm is a branch os different ones, so you can easily ask them to send it to the one nearest you. But last year they started charging for this, and my library reserving went way down.

But a few days ago, after complaining, I realized what an idiot I was.

Libraries do amazing things. They offer the chance of reading to people who might not afford it otherwise. Personally, I think that is one of the best things you can do in today's society when children spend most of their time playing video-games. (This is something I too enjoy a great deal, but reading is important.)

So, after thinking this through, and counting the amount of books I have borrowed from libraries during my short time here on earth, 10 SEK per reserved book is worth it. I don't mind giving money to the library. In fact, I wouldn't even mind just giving them some money once in a while. They're doing a great job.

If only they would expand the English section a little bit, and I might move in there.

The Thing of the Day: The books I got from the Library this time was 'From a Buick 8' by Stephen King (A re-read because I loved it, and it was a while ago since I read it), 'Rebel Angels' by Libba Bray (because I rather liked the first novel and should finish the series before school starts) and 'Wicked Lovely" by Melissa Marr (I usually don't pick up books by people I have never heard of, nor ben recommended to read, but this looked quite nice.)

What IS experience?

My dream in life is to become a published author. No, technically that's not true, though it does play in. I want someone to read my work not because they love me, and want to see what I have accomplished, but just because they want to. I want them to read it not caring about me.

I want them to read it for the words.

Of course I know this is a very common dream, and one that not many ever live through. But dreams are quite hard to just put out. I'll keep working, even when I hate it so much I feel like just deleting all of it.The reason I am starting like this, is because I have been reading a lot about "experience" lately. About how old one much be to be able to write anything of value. Apparently I am too young for this.

Personally I don't think there is an age-limit for creativity. Some of the things children have told me, things they make up as we are talking, are much better, and much wilder, than what some adults could make up. It's the ones who never lose their childish side that can do the best.But yes. One does have to have experience to write something good.

Children may be thinking of great things, but can they properly describe people? Know how relationships work? What do they know of death, and of life? It's difficult.

I am seventeen years old. I turn eighteen in three months. Have I too little experience of the real world to write a good story? Have I not seen enough? Have I not gone through hell long enough to tell you about it? What do I need?

I've experienced loss. I've gone through dramas, and heartache. Joy and fear. I know what it is like to feel all alone in the whole wide world, and realize that you actually are. I've experienced love, and what it is like to be humiliated. I've woken up day not wanting to rise because I just can't face a day.

I've been bullied, loved and hated. I've cried, laughed and fainted.

How is this not enough experience? How old do I have to be, to be old enough?

Free Uglies!

Here you go, all Scott Swesterfeld fans.

Uglies will be available for free download until September fifth, as a preparation for the release of Leviathan, his new book.

Technically it's only available for US. residents, but Scott was so kind to inform us about the fact that a US. postal address has five numbers, so any one can get it.

I will have to admit that this will be my first Scott novel, and from what I have heard, I will love his works. I do hope it's true, and since I have problems with leaving a series unfinished, you can count on me getting these books when I am done with Uglies.

I just hope that my expectations are not too high, for I have really heard a lot.

Let's find out.

The book can be found here: http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/?p=1294

I hope you enjoy it. I am pretty sure I will.

Sarah