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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Book Store/Library (06/03/10)
The pelting rain runs in cold rivulets down my face as I push against the heavy wooden door seeking entry into a magic world. With cold stiffened fingers I show my card to the sentinel standing guard at the entranceway. As a citizen of the Otherworld I am welcomed into this secret place.

I have come to find shelter for awhile within this treasure house of knowledge. Peace settles like a warm blanket around my frame. I am at home here. Old friends greet me one by one as I gently touch their spines as they sit on open shelves.

A new friend is waiting for me beside the crackling fire. This Otherworld has no spoken language and as I settle within the easy chair words begin to dance upon the stage of my mind. Myths and magic weave their spell and lead me to another time and place.

Soft footsteps of the sentinel break the hold of this new friend upon my mind. A magnetic force pulls me back from the pathway that had taken me to another world. Making sure that all is well, the sentinel continues his patrol through this secret garden of delight.

I need what this Otherworld can give me for within its sacred walls ideas are birthed. The Otherworld is much more than a repository of books. It is a place where writers can live feverishly between the pages of old and new friends. Imaginations are fueled and fledgling writers grow wings.

Writers never die here. This is where they come and find rest after their work is complete on the other side. Ancient friends are given places of honor upon the hob where their old spines are kept warm by the fire. Their wisdom is shared with all who seek.

My allotted time within this world has too quickly run its course. I gather up my belongings because nothing of the other side can stay. I don’t regret the leaving because I will soon return. My fingers are warm now and I can easily hand my card to the sentinel who waits by the exit portal.

The sentinel smiles as he stamps the card allowing my new friend to come with me for awhile. One month is set aside for us to become acquainted and then he must return to be included in the periodic census of the Otherworld.

After making sure that my friend is warm and protected for his journey I push open the heavy wooden door. I re-enter the other world and find that the rain has stopped.
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This article has been read 1210 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Terry Lee
06/10/10
What an awesome interpretation of the topic--absolutely unique and creative. Your writing style is a pleasure to read. Loved your descriptions, and the scene was set well--I could feel the mood.

My only suggestion is this: In paragraph one, there's a lot of adjectives used--pelting rain, cold rivulets, heavy wooden door, magic world--all in one sentence. All are great, but when grouped so closely, they take power away from each other.

Having said that, I thought paragraph two was magnificent, and absolutely perfect. And, I thought the entire piece was fabulous, a joy to read, creative, and very well done.
Timothy Klingerman
06/11/10
I liked your descriptions, especially this: "...old spines are kept warm by the fire. Their wisdom is shared with all who seek." You seemed to make the authors of old came to life again.
E.J. Swanson
06/12/10
I absolutely love this article. I traveled every step of the way with you through the doors and to the shelves. I experienced your delight. What a beautiful expression for the love of a library.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/13/10
This is so beautiful I love the description. The first paragraph had my mind playing the music heard in the background of a movie when danger lurks. But I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the music changed to safety and joy. Good job!
Troy Manning
06/14/10
Nice job of evoking an enchanted atmosphere! Though I love libraries, I haven't quite viewed them this way before. Thanks! :)
Verna Cole Mitchell 
06/15/10
Very creative and well written story.
Seema Bagai 
06/15/10
Beautiful descriptions here. I agree with one of the others who said the first paragraph contains too many descriptions. Other than that, this is a well-written piece. Good work.
Sarah Elisabeth
06/15/10
Awww, I liked this! A creative look at a trip to the library from the eyes of one who is truly in love with it...which is all of us :-)

Perfect touch on the ending!
LINDA GERMAIN 
06/15/10
I liked the whole thing...first paragraph and all. :0) (You described my love of the library that began in childhood. Sadly, I'm not sure as many are drawn to the magic of that "Otherworld" these days). Well done.
Marita Thelander 
06/15/10
What level am I reading in? I had to look again. This is well written, well paced, creative, and wonderful take on the topic. I loved it. Scoot over advanced level and make some room.
Patsy Hallum 
06/16/10
Wow! I am hooked..a very unique take on the library being its own world. Watch out Masters..
Virgil Youngblood 
06/16/10
Thoroughly enjoyable. Well done.
Edmond Ng
06/16/10
A very creative approach on the topic and nicely written.
Susan Montaperto
06/16/10
What a very creative approach to what a Library is! Thank you. Keep writing.
Rachel Phelps
06/16/10
Amazing. Loved the spin you took here. Felt like you had been inside my imagination as a child.