+8000 words since Jan. 24. It’s almost like I’m a writer or something. 

When choosing a book to buy, what do you base your decision on? Do you look past the cover and start reading a random page? Or do you rely on the recommendations of friends?

I must admit that the cover is often the thing that first catches my eye. But before making a decision I always read through the first few pages to make sure the book is for me. These are the things that I look for:

1. Characters that make me smile. Whether they’re gushingly romantic or cuttingly sarcastic, a little bit crazy, a lot bit charismatic, wickedly clever, or charmingly cranky, I want to read about characters that are engaging, memorable, and fun.

2. Diversity. This can come in many forms; race, gender, sexuality, creed, culture, class, species, or philosophy. New and balanced points of view are important. Nay, they are necessary.

3. Poetry. Beautiful words have a way of making me fall in love. Lush descriptions, rhythmic sentence structure, poetic endings, a smart use of similes...Use any of these and you will win me over. Promise.

4. Magic. The very best stories instantly sweep you up and paint a lush and vivid world in your mind. Not only can you feel it come to life while reading, but it actually stays with you long after. That’s what I hope to find every time I pick up a book. If you can capture that, you’re golden.