Guest blogger and First Book supporter Mindy Klasky is the author of ten novels. Her most recent release, HOW NOT TO MAKE A WISH, launches the As You Wish series, which chronicles a mischievous genie and his effect on various theatrical productions and the people who run them. Mindy also wrote the Jane Madison series, about a love-struck D.C. librarian who discovers that she’s a witch. Visit www.mindyklasky.com to learn more about Mindy’s work and her support of First Book.
Last week, my newest novel hit the stands. HOW NOT TO MAKE A WISH is the story of Kira Franklin, a stage manager for a down-and-out dinner theater. When Kira discovers a wish-granting genie in a magic lamp, her entire life is turned upside down. I had a lot of fun writing Kira’s story, but it was challenging to come up with some aspects of her world. No, it was easy enough to depict Minneapolis, a city where I lived for several years. And it was easy enough to show how staging plays works – I spent a lot of time as a stage manager in college. Specifically, it was challenging to come up with limitations on the magic in Kira’s world.
How do genie wishes really work? Why doesn’t everyone just wish for more wishes? Why doesn’t everyone wish for infinite money, which would make a lot of other wishes come true? World peace, perfect health for everyone, the end of hunger – why not just embrace those possibilities and make them real?
In Kira’s story, the genie offers some very good reasons. (Short version: the genie has an attention-span problem. Major wishes take major time to implement, and the genie can’t concentrate for long enough to complete the task.)
Nevertheless, when writing the book, I started to wonder what small time-limited wish could have the broadest impact on society. My thoughts were gelled when I watched a segment on CBS News Sunday Morning, about long-time adult illiterates who found the courage to step forward and learn to read. Every single one of those adults said his or her life changed radically, once they overcame a lifetime of hiding their inability to read.
People often ask me what I would wish for, if I only had one wish. I have a whole long list of selfish things that I want. But, if I were making a wish to better the world, I’d ask for everyone to be able to read. (And if they chose to read my novels, well, so much the better! ::grin::)
How about you? What would you wish for?
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