I say it every time I finish reading a good book: I need to read more fiction. Normally, check I read non-fiction: theology books, no rx commentaries, patient philosophy etc. I poo-poo the need to read fiction, until I actually sit down with a good book, and then I say to myself, “self, you need to read more fiction. This is fantastic!”

I finished and submitted my papers last weekend, and spent the next four days devouring Storm of Swords, the third book in G.R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire Series. I’ve now started book 4, and book 5 should be arriving in the post any day now. If Chuck’s not careful, I might end up getting to the post office before him and reading A Dance with Dragons before he does!

This week also saw the blogosphere abuzz with the latest tizzy about comments that a celebrity pastor made on Facebook. As I read through my google reader every morning, I couldn’t help but think “bored now“. (And you know that whenever a red-head says ‘bored now’ you need to watch out). I had more exciting things to read, like finding out what happens to Tyrion, Arya, Brienne, and Jon.

I get the appeal of controversy. It’s great for blog hits. I learned this after Rob Bell’s book came out. The posts I did on that hoopla still generate hits for my blog.

But, maybe the difference is that this new celebrity controversy occurred while it is summer. I want to be outside in the backyard, enjoying the heat and sunshine and a good book. It’s not winter. I’m not trapped inside while it’s 40 below. There is life outside the house! There is life outside the blogosphere! There is life outside theology! (Hey, wait a minute…life outside theology?! Let’s not go too crazy).

The keepers of all things biblioblog have reorganized and set some parameters on what constitutes a true biblioblog. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been contemplating moving to a more biblioblog format. That way I could be part of the rankings. But, no. I like writing about random things. I like ‘cheese-wearing‘ aspect of my blog. If I want to write about theology, I’ll write about theology. If I want to write about biblical studies, I’ll write about biblical studies. If I want to write about crazy random thoughts that pop into my head, I can do that too. It’s about creativity and having fun. If I’m not having fun writing on my blog then it no longer serves its purpose.

And that’s what I like about fiction. It allows me to read something ‘other’, to get lost in a world far far away. It activates my imagination, and gives me ideas to explore.

So how about it? Care to join me outside in the sunshine? Find a good long book and sit out in the backyard with a nice glass of lemonade, and lots of sunscreen and bug spray. How different would the next blogosphere controversy look if we all walked away from our computers and headed outside with a book or two tucked under our arms?