No Time

I like books, but sometimes it's hard to enjoy them as much as I used to. Why? Are you busy? Well, I'm busy and that's what is keeping me from reading books. But when I do read books, I get really into it.

After years of reading, I have quite a bit of things to tell you that might make reading (or writing books) easier.

1. When you see words that look like this or this, usually it means that they are really emphasizing that word.
2. When people are having a three way conversation, you should clarify who is saying what. Thinks can get a little confusing.
3. When you are reading (or, again, writing) someone's writing in a book, and see a word that looks like this, (this) it means that the person crossed it out (you probably already know that, [most likely] but just saying, in case you don't know).
4. When you're writing a book and someone in it has an accent, make sure that you don't make it too hard to read.

You might already know all this, but sometimes it's nice to just have a brush-up.

When you don't have time during the school year to read, then that's what summer is for! Reading! Although, you might be busy during the summer, so at least there's night reading.
Whatever the schedule, I'm sure that you can find time to read.
Besides, a good book can make you scared, excited, or happy. So, if you're feeling stressed, sometimes a good book can make you feel better. 

- Maria

Authors

Brandon Mull is the author of Fablehaven, The Candy Shop War, and The Beyonders.
I think that he is very good at luring you to the edge of imagination. He uses words in a way that makes the story seem real, his sentences really describe what is going on, his ideas are superb, and he makes his characters seem real. Brandon Mull, along with many others, is a great author.
Shannon Hale is another great author. If you are only fond of books with action, she'll make you think differently. One of her books, The Princess Academy, isn't action packed, but that's what makes her book great. She really takes time showing you what the main character's personality is. She really takes time telling you how the character is feeling, what she's thinking, and how and why she decides to do what she does. She does have action at the end of the book, and it's exciting. The Princess Academy is a book as great as her other book, The Goose Girl. The Goose Girl has exciting moments, ones that make you think, "is she going to make it?".
Eloise McGraw, author of Moccasin Trail, also really tells you what's going on in the main character's brain. She really makes things exciting. Her books make you curious, not just the kind that makes you wonder what happens next, but also the kind of curiosity that makes you want to know more about the main character. Another of her books, The Moorchild, also make you curious. She has a twist. She makes things a bit sad, which I think makes a good book. Her books really make you stay up reading late into the night.

Great authors are ones that work hard on their ideas. Ones that want to show you what is in their imagination. These are great authors!  

- Maria