The book characters that I loved from the stories I read in 2014 would have to include James Potter from the new James Potter fanfiction series by G. Norman Lippert. I think that it is the coolest thing to make books about Harry Potter’s kid and his journeys at school. His creative personality helps him discover the secrets of the riddles of the castle and the weird occurrences at his school.

Another character that I thought was cool was from the Divergent series by Veronica Roth; Four (Tobias). He is an incredible spy/agent that works on his own agenda and works to take down a corrupt government with a group of rebels. Four is the ultimate hero and I thought his skills deserved a place on my list.

Also on my list of awesome characters in stories from 2014 is Eragon from the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini. I thought that the concept of the book was so cool because I love science fiction novels, especially ones with such a developed and exciting character like Eragon. He is a really amazing fighter and dragon rider that saves his world from annihilation. Eragon is the definition of a hero and with so many plot twists and surprising turns in the story, he constantly has to adapt to different circumstances.

These characters really impact my life as I try to be more like them in having goals and meeting them with success. My new year’s resolution is to read more books with heroes like these and to become more like them!

-Kyle H., 8th grade

Part of the reason I read is for the thrill of living vicariously through the characters in my books. I am able to delve into this completely alternate universe. A universe that is full of fictional characters, unrealistic fantasies, and imaginary places. I can escape the misfortunes and stresses of my own life, and instead experience the failures and successes of fictitious characters. However, this thrill is not the same when the book is a bore.

Not all books can be interesting, since everyone has his or her own unique taste. Therefore, if a book that I am reading for pleasure is boring then I will search for something that isn’t. I don’t believe that people should be forced to finish a book that they started, especially if that book is utterly dull. Why suffer through a boring book when you could be reading something that is much more enjoyable? Personally, when I am reading a book that bores me I have a difficult time paying attention. My brain tends to wander off and come up with it’s own wild adventures, since my book is so lackluster. There are so many different books out there, don’t waste time on something that isn’t worth your time.

-Olivia S.

photo by flickr user LMRitchie

I have been writing for more than half of my lifetime, but because my family moved to the US four years ago, I had to start over. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling to have to hold back something you know you have due to language barrier. For a long time, I begged life for a group of people to share the worlds I created with my pen and soul, but at the same time I worried that I wasn’t good enough to have one. As an international student, I felt that I’m locked, and buried alive.

That was why I was surprised to be accepted by Juniper Writing Institute. I knew this nine-day trip to UMass would greatly influence my life (cliché!), but really, I didn’t expect to receive so much from it.

After spending two months doing a writing sample but changing my mind last minute, flying across the whole country at night on my own with a crying baby on the plane, arriving six hours early and forcing myself to swallow a turkey sandwich that had too much mustard, how can anything be more satisfying and exciting than realizing that I finally met a group of people just like me? “What kind of writing do you do?” is how we start our conversation. Sitting under the shade of the fancy chapel and reading each other our own writings is how we relax. Snapping with big smiles when we hear juicy ideas get read out loud is how we enjoy life and appreciate our talent. I found “my people” for the first time, and even though we were only together for nine days, I found where I belong.

What I love the most was the writing workshop–we discussed each person’s writing sample for 45 minutes. For me, not only did I see many special and unique ideas and styles of writing, but also, I experienced something that changed my view on my own writing. My pod (our small group of twelve people, where I made great friends) surprised me by commenting that I describe things in an uncommon way. I never realized that combining writing style in my first language with English in fact resulted in something different and strong. Through this workshop, I found my strength and self-confidence to write more and better.

One of the most important things I realized from the experience with Juniper is that, a group like the Juniper writers is where I want to belong for the rest of my life. The vitality, intelligent, and possibilities within this group is what I was looking for all my life. Juniper Writing Institute helps me clarified my goal for the future. As young writers, we look at the same world but see differently and argue different sides–the energy from the crashes between angles is what pushes the future forward.

-Wenqing Z., 12th grade

Ever since I was little, I have loved to read and write. My desire to read a compelling book is very strong. Whenever I find one that I cannot put down, I find other books by the same author, knowing I could read it for hours. Everywhere I go I carry a book, whether it is on my phone, tablet, or the real thing. Reading is my getaway. When I read something that really captures my attention, it is as if I am sucked into the pages. I feel like I am in the story with the characters, seeing everything they see, being where they are. I forget everything around me and put all my focus on the story in front of me. This can go on like this forever before I realize I haven’t moved in hours. Does anyone else experience this? This feeling of being trapped in the pages of my books inspired my passion for writing.

photo by flickr user LMRitchie

I love creating settings and story lines for my own books and stories. It is fun to come up with characters’ personalities. I get to write exactly what I want them to do or say. Sometimes the characters end up creating themselves, and that is really exciting for me, when they do what they want. Does that make sense? To me, it does. It means my story is really coming together.

I also love to think up interesting plot twists and cannot wait for it all to fall into place in the end. I have considered being an author in the future and would always think how amazing it would be for people to read my own books. I would love to know if they are surprised by the twists or in love with the characters like I am in some books that I read. If I ever need to get inspired for another story, I always read something of the same genre I am writing. Many of my favorite books have inspired me to start a book or continue a story with fan fiction. I am currently writing a book, inspired by The Host, titled Cyber People. I have also written fan fiction for Divergent, Percy Jackson, and The Mortal Instruments.

When I found out about the Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice blog, when it started about two years ago, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to express my feelings about books and writing. I joined the blog right away, and I have come to love it.

-Sabrina C., 9th grade