I just love the stories! I’m not too picky about genre as long as the writing is passable. But why?
- I love looking inside people’s heads. Yes, it’s creepy but you know you do too. (And I don’t mean the X-rated stuff. That kind of thing is so overdone.) What a person says and does reveals a lot, but what they care enough about to put on paper is something else. The ideas are refined and thought-out, and they are something important. They may not be 100% honest, but they are usually sincere. Some writers don’t even write based on their conscious thoughts!
- People are unique. Duh, Kate. Of course they are. But…it’s fascinating. Nobody will do exactly the same thing as I would in a certain situation, and I want to see what they think they would do in a situation. I compare it to what I would have done and what makes a good story. (Those are often different.) I like fiction, in particular, because it is entirely from the author’s head with maybe just a reference to reality. I can really see the author’s point of view from that angle.
- It inspires me. I think of it as “input” that fuels my “output” of my own writing. There is a mystery balance there that I have to maintain. Hearing others’ stories, real or fiction, fuels up my writing batteries for later. I get ideas of things to do and to avoid.
Why do you love stories?
Kate Policani 
Kate – I share the love of ‘the story.’ This is a terrific thought provoking post. Thanks for putting your thoughts out there.
What do you love about stories, Sheri?
Wow, Kate. Do we have a week or so to discuss why we love stories and how they keep us spellbound for any number of reasons. I love to learn how characters treat situations the authors set up for them and how they tackle problems head-on or does the character need a little help. I’m always looking for the angst factor. I also read for the sheer pleasure of the story–to walk into someone else’s life and take up residence for the length of the book. Then, I often read a book I want to write a review on – but I’m a reviewer that prefers to review books of my own selection – reading and the stories that come with the act of reading is a great way for me to relax – and a great story can do just that. I can’t imagine not having a book or three available for reading at all times. Of course my TBR stack had to be turned into my TBR room.
Great reasons, Sheri! I love Kindle and other ebook formats because you can have a “room” full of books with no dusting!