1. Reading doesn't have to just be classics or nonfiction.

I think we've all heard the lament from non-readers that reading is boring. Or unimportant. Or something you only do for school. I've convinced one or two in my day to finish a YA fiction book, and although I faced some resistance, once they completed the novel they were quick to change their tune. Classic literature and nonfiction are important parts of any reading appetite, but I tend to allow those to remain on the academic side of my reading. Fiction is where it's at.

2. Don't interrupt me while I'm reading. Ever.

There's nothing more annoying than reading in a public place and getting interrupted every few seconds because "you're only reading." You wouldn't stand in front of the TV screen while Netflix is on, nor would you try to distract me because I'm "just binge-watching." This is important, don't interrupt my internal reading voice, please and thank you.

3. Reading books is a healthy escape.

Even at a young age, kids can get bogged down by school, friends, chores, etc. Reading was my way of living outside of all of that. I'm glad to see that love for freedom isn't lost on today's generation of YA readers.

4. Some books aren't for everyone. (Even for us bookworms).

Some books are a little eccentric. Whether its the plot, characters, relationships, or world, authors sometimes take risks in their writing that isn't for everyone. (From a publisher's perspective, it was a calculated risk as well). If you get halfway through a book and realize it's not for you, I'd move on. There's no shame in knowing your taste (so don't shame the people who read for fun for doing the same).

5. Don't ask me what I'm reading while I'm reading. I'm just going to show you the cover.

Again, if I'm watching Netflix and you ask what show I'm watching: look it up. If I'm mid-conversation, character fight, or all-out war, I am not down to chat. You can read the back, while I continue to read.

6. I can experience thoughts and feelings from a character's perspective.

The human imagination is an incredible thing. Just look at series like "Harry Potter" or "Hunger Games." Those ideas came from someone's mind, and as readers, we get the deluxe privilege of living in those worlds for a couple of hundred pages at a time. It goes back to the healthy escape thing. Reading teaches empathy. Empathy makes good human beings. Have I said enough?

7. PLEASE don't bend the pages of a book.

The publisher spent blood, sweat, and tears on the design, cover art and editing of that book. Please don't disrespect their work (or my book!)

8. Don't ask me what page I'm on.

If I promised to let you borrow the book when I'm done, you'll get it when I'm done. If you're bored, go get your own. I'm busy.

9. Don't ask me what it's about if you can see I haven't finished it yet.

"So, at the end of 'Dirty Dancing,' is there a dancing scene?"

Okay, so maybe that's a bad example, but if I haven't finished the book, don't ask me for a synopsis. Again, I'm just going to show you the back. I'm trying to get to the payoff the traditional way: by reading it.

10. My imagination picks up where the author's left off.

The best feeling is being able to daydream (if you ask me). Fanfiction writers have taken this concept above and beyond I think anyone in the publishing world would have imagined, but it's amazing to see how readers can take ideas from an author to the next level. Alternate universes, One True Pairings (OTPs), and just extemporaneous writing can be so helpful for beginning writers. As a past bookworm and current writer, I can never thank the YA authors of my childhood enough for exercising the muscles of my imagination.