Ernest Gaines, award-winning author of books such as The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and A Lesson Before Dying, once offered, “The Six Golden Rules of Writing: Read, read, read, and write, write, write.” New York Times bestselling writer of the book Shanghai Girls Lisa See said, “Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river.” Horror fiction writer Stephen King wrote, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” No matter how busy my schedule gets, I always carve out time to read. The words of others are what fill my watering can as I begin to grow each new book.

I follow plenty of news—always keeping my eye on what is happening in the world around me. I make sure to watch for the publication of the latest important political and theological nonfiction. Histories and biographies always fascinate me. Fiction of all kinds also finds its way into my library. Not surprisingly, I love thrillers and mysteries. However, I am not beyond a good love story every now and then. It’s not just twentieth and twenty-first century authors who draw my attention. Recently I read Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Her use of the English language and her sly British wit left me wondering how I had made it so long in my life without reading that great work. “Read, read, read. Read everything,” wrote American treasure William Faulkner. “You’ll absorb it. Then write.” I personally would not have the success the Lord has given me as an author if I did not spend so much time reading the brilliant creations of others.

There is one Author, however, that I find myself drawn back to constantly. In his book, you’ll find joy and tragedy, hope and sorrow—you’ll discover wisdom and truth and practical teaching that can guide your entire life. This writer’s work is filled with history and biography and even a little romance. He’s put out just one book, but this book has become the bestseller of all time. If you have not yet guessed it, let me introduce you to him—his name is God, and he can write like nobody’s business.

I read God’s book every single day. His words have laid the foundation for all that I believe and all that I am. This year, I would like to invite you to join me in daily visiting this wonderful book. Recently I’ve begun using a wonderful new app called Read Scripture. I want to let you know up front that I’m not associated at all with this app and this is not a paid endorsement. It’s just a very good tool for spending time in God’s Word. My pastor and his wife recommended it to me, and I’ve really enjoyed using it. In this app you’ll find a yearlong reading plan in an easy-to-use format. One content feature I’ve found quite useful is the short videos that have been included with many of the readings. Sometimes the Bible can be a little difficult to understand, and these videos are excellent resources for clarifying some of those confusing passages.

When you read the Marcus Ryker series or any of my other books, you may find an unintentional hint here and there of other writers—a slight influence that someone else may have had in my style or content. Again, the works of others are the salt that is sprinkled over the top of any good writer’s creations. However, there is one Author who I will readily admit impacts every book I have ever written. Cover-to-cover, he is there. He is the one who taught me to write and upon whom I rely every time I sit in front of my computer. Join me each and every day this year in spending time reading the perfect work of the ultimate Author of all things. While my books may be entertaining and informative, the Bible is the one book guaranteed to change your life.

—Joel