Caught in the Magic of Stories

There’s something delightful about the phrase “getting caught reading.” It suggests reading is so enjoyable, so absorbing, that we lose track of everything else around us. We become so immersed in another world that reality fades away.

I remember being a child and getting caught reading well past bedtime. I know we see this done in TV shows or even in books where the kid is literally caught under their covers with a flashlight.

I can’t claim to have been caught in the same manner (mine was much more mundane), but I do know the “gotcha” moment of wanting to eke out as much time as I could before succumbing to sleep.

My mom would find me completely transported to whatever adventure was unfolding on the pages, oblivious to her presence until she cleared her throat.

“Just let me get to the end of the chapter, Ma, please!”

That was always my plea when she found me disobeying. And I think I understand her plight. On the one hand, I was disobeying her rules. On the other, my misdemeanor was committed in the name of literary enlightenment.

And how do you punish such a worthwhile crime endeavor?

Well, that’s the magic we’re celebrating this month — that wonderful moment when a story captures you so completely that nothing else matters. When you miss your subway stop because you’re racing through the final chapter. When you stay up way too late because you absolutely must know what happens next.

In our constantly connected world, reading offers something precious: pure, undiluted escape. No notifications, no interruptions — just you and the story. It’s meditation disguised as entertainment, therapy wrapped in adventure.

Whether you prefer romance that makes your heart flutter, mysteries that keep you guessing, or literary fiction that makes you ponder life’s deeper questions, reading transports you somewhere else entirely. And in that transportation, we find renewal.

Short stories are literature’s perfect appetizers — small but satisfying, quick but complete. In our time-pressed world, they offer full narrative experiences without the commitment of a novel.

I’ve recently fallen in love with writing short fiction myself. There’s something incredibly challenging and rewarding about crafting a complete emotional journey in just a few thousand words. Every sentence must earn its place, every detail must serve the story.

Short stories teach us that powerful storytelling isn’t about length — it’s about impact. A well-crafted short story can haunt you for years, change your perspective in minutes, or provide the perfect emotional release during a coffee break.

They’re also perfect for discovering new authors. Not ready to commit to a full novel? Try a short story first. It’s like sampling different flavors before choosing your favorite.

I recently wrote my first short stories, and the experience opened my eyes to this art form’s unique demands and rewards.

My first was a prequel available exclusively to my email subscribers — a little gift for those who’ve joined my reading community.

My second? I just finished a compilation of short stories that will become my lead magnet for new subscribers. These bite-sized tales allow me to explore different characters and situations while giving readers a taste of my storytelling style.

What excites me most about combining these two celebrations is how they highlight the beautiful relationship between readers and writers.

Every author was first a reader who got caught up in stories and thought, “I want to create this magic too.”

This is why I love offering exclusive content to my email subscribers. These are the readers who don’t just want to get caught reading my published books — they want to get caught reading stories no one else has access to.

My email list isn’t just about book announcements and updates. It’s about creating a community of people who understand the magic of getting lost in a story. Subscribers get exclusive short stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing process, and eventually, access to books and content that won’t be available anywhere else.

Every time someone signs up for my newsletter, they’re joining a circle of story lovers. They’re saying, “Yes, I want to get caught reading. I want those exclusive stories. I want to be part of this literary community.”

And for me, knowing there are readers eagerly waiting for my next story — whether it’s a short piece exclusive to them or a full novel they’ll discover first — motivates me to keep writing, keep creating, keep spinning new tales.

So how will you celebrate Get Caught Reading Month and Short Story Month? Here are some ideas:

And if you’re ready to get caught reading exclusive stories that no one else has access to, I’d love to have you join my email community. You’ll get that compilation lead magnet I mentioned (even though it’s not up yet, I’ll make sure you have access to it if you want it), plus future exclusive content that’s just for subscribers.

Because the best kind of getting caught? Getting caught reading something special that was written just for you.