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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Year of Reading Dangerously
I have a tendency to stick with the same types of books, yet I know that's not unusual. Most of us are like that. If a certain genre or subgenre satisfied us once, we like to stay there, in that particular reading comfort zone, even knowing that when we branch out we are often rewarded with something equally wonderful.
I also have a tendency to avoid, and not in the HOA way, but in a race-across-the-street, run-to-the-next-city AVOID the books that everyone raves about. Sometimes I cannot cope with a book that is getting that much attention. I will walk past it on the front table of the bookstore, my eyes cast to the side, pretending I did not see anything. In my mind, I'm negating some of the hoopla of an inexplicably best-selling book, doing my part to restore sanity to the bookish universe.
However, I did this initially with a couple books that I ended up loving, to my complete chagrin. My chagrin was not that I loved a popular book, but that I had been such a hard-core stubborn resister. If I had come around earlier, I could have experienced a great read long before I finally succumbed.
That's a risk I'm willing to take, though, since sometimes after I've read one of the popular books, they still don't strike my fancy. It does, however, provide me with a chance to analyze why everyone is foaming at the mouth about a certain story. I try to learn what made everyone so enthusiastic, whether it was the topic, or the characters, or whatever. Often I gain valuable information. Other times it would be easier to consult a Magic 8 ball for the answer.
On the flip side of this, it makes me a little insane when nobody else is in love with the books *I* adore. Part of the joy of reading is sharing the experience with someone else who squees about the same devilishly sexy characters and the OMG-I-did-not-see-that-coming plot twists that made me turn pages like crazy. I am still aghast that none of the pirates here share my love for the awesome Suzanne Brockmann. (But, I am incredibly thrilled that I got to use the word aghast. That doesn't happen nearly enough.)
Anyway, I have decided I am going to try to expand my genre horizons this coming year. Now, don't start jumping up and down with glee, tipping the ship over with your unbridled joy. It may seem like I'm making a resolution, but I'm not. I don't do resolutions. Which means I don't expect you to make them either. But I would be ecstatic if you decided to stretch your reading boundaries too.
Who knows? We might discover a new way to incorporate something into our WIPs, based on reading something we don't encounter when we cling to our normal choices. Or maybe we'll end up tossing crates of books overboard because we can't abide these newfangled genres with their crazy-ass conventions.
I've got a clipboard and a box of pens, ready to write down your suggestions of books to consider for my "year of reading dangerously".
Are these books you have read already? Or are they ones you are interested in reading too? Anybody else up for expanding their genre horizons in 2011? And who is going to make me weep with joy by reading a Suzanne Brockmann book? (I'm standing by with a crate of tissues.)
I also have a tendency to avoid, and not in the HOA way, but in a race-across-the-street, run-to-the-next-city AVOID the books that everyone raves about. Sometimes I cannot cope with a book that is getting that much attention. I will walk past it on the front table of the bookstore, my eyes cast to the side, pretending I did not see anything. In my mind, I'm negating some of the hoopla of an inexplicably best-selling book, doing my part to restore sanity to the bookish universe.
However, I did this initially with a couple books that I ended up loving, to my complete chagrin. My chagrin was not that I loved a popular book, but that I had been such a hard-core stubborn resister. If I had come around earlier, I could have experienced a great read long before I finally succumbed.
That's a risk I'm willing to take, though, since sometimes after I've read one of the popular books, they still don't strike my fancy. It does, however, provide me with a chance to analyze why everyone is foaming at the mouth about a certain story. I try to learn what made everyone so enthusiastic, whether it was the topic, or the characters, or whatever. Often I gain valuable information. Other times it would be easier to consult a Magic 8 ball for the answer.
On the flip side of this, it makes me a little insane when nobody else is in love with the books *I* adore. Part of the joy of reading is sharing the experience with someone else who squees about the same devilishly sexy characters and the OMG-I-did-not-see-that-coming plot twists that made me turn pages like crazy. I am still aghast that none of the pirates here share my love for the awesome Suzanne Brockmann. (But, I am incredibly thrilled that I got to use the word aghast. That doesn't happen nearly enough.)
Anyway, I have decided I am going to try to expand my genre horizons this coming year. Now, don't start jumping up and down with glee, tipping the ship over with your unbridled joy. It may seem like I'm making a resolution, but I'm not. I don't do resolutions. Which means I don't expect you to make them either. But I would be ecstatic if you decided to stretch your reading boundaries too.
Who knows? We might discover a new way to incorporate something into our WIPs, based on reading something we don't encounter when we cling to our normal choices. Or maybe we'll end up tossing crates of books overboard because we can't abide these newfangled genres with their crazy-ass conventions.
I've got a clipboard and a box of pens, ready to write down your suggestions of books to consider for my "year of reading dangerously".
Are these books you have read already? Or are they ones you are interested in reading too? Anybody else up for expanding their genre horizons in 2011? And who is going to make me weep with joy by reading a Suzanne Brockmann book? (I'm standing by with a crate of tissues.)
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97 comments:
Well, Donna, she has some lovely covers! I scooted over to amazon and saw one I thought really pretty. "Otherwise Engaged" ...is it good? Sorry, I'm not going for one of those in a series...
What would I recommend? Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files. Take a walk on the wildside... Though, really...try Laurie R. King and her series with Mary Holmes...a nice take on Sherlock Holmes as a senior citizen with a lot still going on under the hood...
I do love a good mystery! Or better yet! No, you really should read Gail Carriger! Yes! Please! Read Soulless!
I'm rereading classics, starting with Oscar Wilde. He's an expert in words.
Fire and Cross
Ah Chance, you broke my heart. *grabs a tissue* The series books are amazing. I've never read them in order, and you don't have to, because the characters are so well-drawn, you can pick up anywhere. I also like how she has at least THREE storylines going, one of them is usually set during World War II as well.
I've read a couple of the Jim Butcher books and enjoyed them. I picked them up because everyone was going crazy online about his newest book coming out, so I had to know what the fuss was about!
I've seen the Laurie King books and that looks like something I would enjoy.
Confession time: I did not like Soulless. I tried, but could not get past about page 50. It's the only book I've ever returned.
Enid, I can't believe I've never read any Oscar Wilde--well, except for his quotes, which I love, so I know I'd enjoy reading his work. Thanks for the reminder--I'm going to add him to my list.
And I will check out some more of your work. It looks very intriguing!
Donna, you've come disturbingly close to describing my own reading habits :) Are you following me around B&N with a camera? lol.
I also will avoid any book getting gobs of attention. I'm not sure why, except just that I hate bandwagons. I still haven't read "The Hunger Games", though I've been assured I'd love it. I resisted Twilight as long as I could. "The Kite Runner" is one I put off for years, and then fell so in love with I was horrified I hadn't head it the first day it came out.
And btw, I adore Suzanne Brockman!! I haven't read all the Troubleshooters, but I've read about a third of them and love them.
As for books to add, Sandra Brown is one who I've always loved, but I think I'm the lone pirate on that. Check out "Envy" and "White Hot" (both phenomenal romantic suspense with twists you'll never see coming). I've been reading a ton of regencies lately. Not sure why, but I can't seem to get myself off the Regency kick ;)
Hal, I had no idea you were a Suzanne fan. *weeps for joy* I'm re-reading one of my faves right now, partly because I don't want to think about her ending this series. The next one is out in March, and she says on her website it's going to be the last for a while--I can't blame her. I'm just thinking of my own selfish needs! LOL
I haven't read Sandra Brown for years, but I always liked her books--the heroes were particularly yummy. So that's another good recommendation. *adds to list*
I love Regencies, but since I'm in the midst of writing one, I'm steering clear of reading them right now. I'll jump on them when I go back to writing the contemp. LOL
P.S. I'm trying to figure out why I'm so anti-bandwagon, and can only attribute it to my natural-born contrariness. Especially when it makes us miss out on the good stuff. LOL
I was that way with "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". I consider both of those "keepers" now, tho originally I was adamant about avoiding them!
I'm anti-bandwagon too and the top reason is probably also contrariness. I don't even keep up with my favorites when they switch genre, like the ones we know who have gone from historical to contemp.
Of course, because of school, this past year I've read a ton of material outside my usual genre horizons. The classics, but mostly I have to say I've fallen in love with reading plays. It's like they give a huge kick start to my imagination to read between the lines. Favorites include Ibsen's "A Doll's House," Glaspell's "Trifles," Tennessee Williams' "Streetcar Named Desire" and "Glass Menagerie" and Arthur Miller's "The Crucible." I could keep going! LOL
Melissa, another contrarian! Not surprising, I guess, since it IS a pirate ship. But we might need to do a contrary-ectomy if it gets in the way of reading good stuff. LOL
I haven't tried to read a play for a long time. In fact, it was probably "required reading" for school. Which I'm glad they have, because it does expose us to things we would avoid. It does take a little getting used to, reading that format, right?
That reminds me -- a while ago I came across someplace online that had scripts of movies that you could read. I found that interesting too--especially if it's a movie I've already seen. It was cool to see how they told the story with the script, and how it translated to film.
I don't think I've read a play since "My Town" way back in HS. Maybe I should pick one up.
I'm not one for bandwagons but only because I'm lazy and rarely have the energy to haul my ass onto the wagon. I haven't read anything considered straight literary for years. Not as much time available to read as I used to have.
I have picked up some romances because the buzz was so strong and fortunately never been let down. Though I've learned if the book has buzz and I love it, Hellie will hate it. LOL!
I'm reading Meg Benjamin's Konigsburg series and can't recommend it enough. It's contemp and since our tastes run very similar, I think you'd really like these, Donna. I'm reading the eBook versions, but you can get them in print too.
If you want something Romance but totally out of the "mainstream" box today, look for some Dorothy Garlocks. But be sure to keep that box of tissues close by. :)
Hal - I like Sandra Brown, at least her older stuff. Where There's Smoke, Fat Tuesday, Slow Heat in Heaven.
I haven't tried Suzanne Brockman but maybe I will. I've wanted to read Soulless and the Hunger Games books, but I just haven't managed to read much of anything recently. Someone just gave me Marked by PC Cast and her daughter, and it's taken me almost a week to even get half way through. The book is good, I'm just busy.
Favorites or recommends? I'd suggest JR Ward if you haven't read yet. The earlier books, not her recent stuff. Lover Eternal and Lover Awakened are my two favorites. I wanted to love John Matthew's book but I just didn't.
I should try to stretch out of my comfort zone. I need to find a little more time to read to actual be able to do this though. LOL!
I'm anti-bandwagon, but mine is a neuroses of not wanting to wave palm fronds at the "popular crowd", being they're already popular as it is and certainly don't need my accolades and worship. I'd rather root for an underdog.
Books I initially resisted but ended up loving:
1.) Harry Potter. I didn't start this series until the 4th book was out; it was clearly over-hyped and I hated fantasy (magic stuff especially) and it was a kid's book. I was so gloriously wrong on so many levels.
2.) Twilight. Don't love as much as Harry; and I had to read them twice to appreciate them, but it was like you were saying. You've been able to read them and figure out WHY people love them so. I was able to figure it out (I think) and that's when I fell in love with them. There's a sort of simplicity about the series, sticking to the basics. (Not the basics of good writing, perhaps, but the basics of good storytelling and compelling characters.)
3.) Kristin Higgins. She's always got a dog or animal in her books, which is enough to make me avoid her. Plus she's won a couple RITAs and everyone raves about her, which also makes me avoid her. However, I finally muddled through one book--The Next Best Thing, I think--and it wasn't bad. I had to admit it was pretty good writing and storytelling. And she was sometimes funny, in a slapstick way. I just finished her new one last night--and it was one of those books that just resonated with me on a lot of levels. And while I laughed for the first 2/3 of the book, I cried the last 1/3.
What would I recommend?
Well, if you wanted to be very different, I recently read a book called The Dirty Life. It's a memoir though. But it's funny and interesting and honest.
And I'd recommend the Kristin Higgins book. *LOL*
I haven't read Suzanne Brockway--I tend to avoid military men novels. *shrugs* If it's not funny, I'm not overly interested. Of course, maybe Suzanne is hysterical...I'm assuming military men don't have a sense of humor. I can put them on the list if you insist.
There is series about firefighters I've been wanting to try--which is outside my norm--and I'm going to start them soon.
Terri, you're right about hauling the ass onto the bandwagon--I hadn't thought of that! Although I would totally count it as exercise. WEIGHT-bearing exercise. LOL
That's funny about you loving something that Hellie hates! Why is that I wonder?
I'm going to check on the Meg Benjamin books--I have to admit I do not recognize her name, at all. I've usually at least heard of an author, but not this one!
I think I read a Dorothy Garlock YEARS ago, and it sounds like the books should be sold with a box of tissues. LOL I'll investigate that too. :)
P.S. I *LOVED* Memoirs of a Geisha--though I didn't want to read it either because it was written by a man and I usually find male prose to be stark and their characterizations of women at least as laughable as women's characterizations of men are. But his writing was poetic. And I believed in his characters deeply. Beautiful.
Oh, another thing I read that I wouldn't normally: Never Let Me Go. The one about cloning. It was good, very readable and bittersweet.
I've never read Brockmann but only because seeing a backlist that large is daunting. I used to read long series or connecting books, searching high or low to find them. Jo Beverly, Johanna Lindsey, Mary Jo Putney. But these days, I actually avoid them unless I get in at book one or two. LOL!
I think I read some Sandra Brown years ago. I remember them being engrossing to the point that you couldn't put it down. Another negative when you're a sleep deprived reader with little discipline. :)
Meg Benjamin is highly underrated, likely because she's on an epub more known for erotica. She's on Samhain (who is putting out serious quality books these days) and I found her through knowing her editor and, of course, Janga raved about her. I always listen to Janga, even if I don't manage to get the books right away.
I need to see if Meg would grace us with her presence. I'll go send that email now.
It does take a little getting used to the format of plays and it's definitely not everyone's cup of tea. I recall getting a whole instruction sheet of "how to read a play" and says a lot about doing your "homework" first to visualize the characters and setting, and to read it out loud. It sounded similar to the process of writing a story to me! I've had experience with that part...just not a lot of the finishing part. LOL Anyway, it did seem oddly familiar to "fill in the blanks."
Hellie, I like your reasoning for being anti-bandwagon! It's a great description.
I have so far avoided Harry Potter, but plan to read at least one of them. I'm intrigued because it was read by so many folks I know who I consider NON-READERS, so clearly it has a captivating element. I want to figure out what that is, exactly, because creating new readers is an amazing feat--and something that needs to be done constantly. :)
I avoided Twilight at first, but only because I thought it was strictly YA, which I steer away from, but I was quite enthralled with the first book. I agree there is good storytelling going on, and that's what keeps readers involved like they have been. They don't want to let those characters go.
I have not read Kristan Higgins yet, but only because I tend to stay away from 1st POV when I'm writing it--don't want any unintentional cross-contamination! But now that I'm not writing it, I plan to read some of hers. :)
I think Suzanne Brockmann's characters can be hysterical. In fact, what I love about her books is how distinct all these characters are. I don't think anyone does deep POV like she does--they don't feel like characters anymore. They are real people.
But I won't insist on anything. :) I'm a lover, not a fighter. LOL
That’s funny about you loving something that Hellie hates! Why is that I wonder?
Terri will say it's because I have no taste. Or I just want to be obnoxious.
Terri will say it's because I have no taste. Or I just want to be obnoxious.
I was going to say because we have DIFFERING tastes, but thanks for putting words in my keyboard.
;)
Hellie's comment (about male writers) reminded me of something else. If you get a chance, you MUST read BEACH MUSIC by Pat Conroy. That's the only book of his I've ever read, but it's AMAZING. There's a little bit of everything in that book, even romance.
Marn, I remember a scorching hot Sandra Brown trilogy from years ago -- something with TEXAS in it. Might have to try to find that at the library. I haven't read any of the recent stuff, but it's on the list. Definitely.
I started a JR Ward book, but the background stuff in the beginning of the book felt like homework, so I set it down. LOL I want to give it another try though, because I know how much people love this series, so I want to see what I've been missing!
And I agree with you about not having enough time to stretch out of your comfort zone--I think that's why it's easy to stick with the known books--it doesn't require the same effort as getting to know a new author, or a new style or genre.
Hellie, I think I avoid Memoirs of a Geisha for the same reason. LOL I just could not imagine it would be done in a way that wasn't lurid, etc. I was totally wrong.
Melissa, it kinda sounds like you have to do some warmups before you read a play! It does seem similar to the writing process though--I can definitely see where it would be beneficial to learn to read that way.
Terri, I started in the middle of the Suzanne Brockmann series, and then just picked whichever ones I wanted to read next. LOL That isn't my usual method, so I guess that's when my inner contrarian really needed something different to keep her amused. LOL
Is BEACH MUSIC the last Pat Conroy? I haven't read any of his books for years, partly because they are SO long and involved, but I adored them. What an amazing writer. I feel like my attention span has shrunk over the years, but it would be worth it to add him back into the rotation. :)
No, I've heard some not good stuff about his latest stuff. No idea what's up with that. But I read BM probably three or more years ago, and it wasnt' new then. It did take me forever to read it, those things are epic, but it was worth every minute.
I used to read long series or connecting books, searching high or low to find them. Jo Beverly, Johanna Lindsey, Mary Jo Putney. But these days, I actually avoid them unless I get in at book one or two.
Off italics now! (I'm doing magic. Hee. Hee.) This sounds exactly like my former and current reading style. I only read series by accident these days.
About reading male readers, it's interesting that my play reading is mostly all by men, but I typically avoid male written novels.
Btw, I'm seriously avoiding lots of stuff today; 1) studying for a chemistry exam and 2) dealing with my son's principal. Yesterday the principal called and said he hadn't been turning in homework and when he came home, he once again said he'd done it. I picked up the phone to do the "fake" call the teacher and suddenly he came clean...he'd been burying it in a snowbank for weeks. Sneaky huh?
Maybe he gets burned out from writing, since his books are so long and involved. I'll add that to the list.
My list is getting pretty long already! I'll have to start reading pretty soon. LOL
If you're willing to go back and find some oldies but goodies, I'd check the library for anything written by LaVyrle Spencer. But then you might have read those already.
I am looking forward to reading Chance's stuff, which is all out of my comfort zone. LOL! Time travel, intergalactic settings, paranormal elements. All things I typically avoid, so she's going to drag me into something new.
Terri, I've read some LaVyrle Spencer, but that was ages ago--actually, that was when it seemed like all I did was read. LOL But I know that can't be the case. It's just that I read more than I do now. I wasn't WRITING back then tho. :)
But that's a good reminder, to go back and read some of the things that influenced and/or entertained me a while ago. I wonder how much of it will seem less appealing, now that my tastes have changed.
And yes, Chance's stuff is going to drag me into something completely different. LOL I feel like I should get in training somehow!
I’m anti-bandwagon, but mine is a neuroses of not wanting to wave palm fronds at the “popular crowd”, being they’re already popular as it is and certainly don’t need my accolades and worship. I’d rather root for an underdog.
I have a feeling this is one of my main non-bandwagon reasons too. Or just plain jealousy :)
I'm definitely making a list of books today to scour from the library. Woo hoo!
Marn - you didn't like John Matthew's book? I just grabbed it from the library last weekend, but haven't started it yet.
Donna - I adored the Texas series by Sandra Brown. That was hot. As was "Slow Heat in Heaven" that Marn mentioned. Wowza. A lot of her newest books are more mainstream suspense, without as much romance elements, and the super hot heroes have fallen by the wayside, which is sad. I'm going to have to track down the Texas series again -- I'd forgotten about it until you mentioned it!
DIFFERING tastes
That's what you SAY, but I don't think it's what you MEAN.
Melissa, somehow I missed your comment up there. And I loved your sneaky way of coercing a confession! "Law and Order: Melissa". LOL I gotta admit, burying it in a snowbank is pretty creative. (Yeah, just another reason it was good I wasn't given children to raise. LOL)
And a chemistry exam? Yecch. You deserve to avoid that!
I don't think I avoid a series--in fact, I kind of like knowing there is more available if I like the book.
Hal, I haven't been to the library in AGES, but now you've inspired me to make a trek over there. *checks wallet to see if there's enough to pay for the overdue fines sure to be waiting there* LOL
That's too bad about the superhot heroes falling by the wayside. I wouldn't mind picking them up and reviving them. LOL
I'm a big fan of the library. Ours is good about being able to request just about any new book, and getting it in a few days. Mostly, though, I'm just too poor to buy all the books I want to read. lol.
OMG! I missed Melissa's comment too. That is so funny. Thank goodness we have no snow banks!
I shiver at the mere mention of a chemistry exam. Thank heaven I never had to take that.
I took Chemistry in my senior year of high school, and it was the only class I ever came close to failing. LOL The teacher was very lenient, and realized we were worn out and just interested in graduating. In one of the other classes, one of the students somehow "accidentally" spilled some chemistry experiment on the teacher's gradebook. LOL
It's a dangerous subject, chemistry is. LOL
I DO mean differing. I hate when someone knocks the music I love as stupid or shitty or whatever. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks.
So I make a real effort to say something might not be for me, but that doesn't mean I get to insult it.
Hal, I love the library. In fact, I have library cards for about three different library systems here, but I'm horrible, terrible, awful, no good at getting things back on time.
I do love how I can browse online and order books from all the other systems. LOL And I think they've started doing e-books. When I finally get an e-reader it's gonna be filled up the first day. I can predict that already!
I DO mean differing. I hate when someone knocks the music I love as stupid or shitty or whatever. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it sucks.
So I make a real effort to say something might not be for me, but that doesn’t mean I get to insult it.
Terri, I agree with this. I know how hard it is to create something, so I try to keep that in mind when I say I don't like something. I admire that someone put the effort into making something, even if I can't understand what it is that appeals to others.
Ding, ding, ding. DRD wins award for using the word "something" more times than necessary in one comment.
*throws confetti, releases balloons*
Yeesh.
I think I was moderated for a bit on my comment which is what I needed to be when I got his confession! LOL My biggest thing to get over was that he lied to me...and didn't blink an eye until no way out!
LOL Melissa. It sounds like your son is perfecting his survival skills. :) (Don't let him go to law school!)
No worries, Donna. I used the word "stuff" twice in the same sentence in an earlier comment. LOL! It's all good.
Melissa - That would bother me too. What did he think was going to happen when the snow melted?!
Snow melts? By then school will be out! LOL
Terri--I guess I thought I could fix things during revision. LOL
Melissa--ya gotta give him credit for thinking ahead like that! Of course, I suppose now he has to make up all the work. He probably doesn't like THAT!
...choosing a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Creative Writing major!
WHOOHOOOO! I'm actually jealous.
*buries anchor a little deeper BELOW the Mason Dixon Line*
I'm anti-snow.
Thank goodness this chemistry final isn't like most classes with being heavily weighted in points. As long as I get a C (to maintain my C) I'll be happy! Crazy! I'm almost done though and now I've finally come to my senses and choosing a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Creative Writing major!
Oh, forgot the word Professional that they slip in...Bachelor of Fine Arts: Creative and Professional Writing. It's like I've been fighting against it or strange reasons...like thinking I needed to go into a career I get paid for or something silly like that. LOL But I still kept Biology as a second major.
Melissa, that is a great choice! It sounds like you're going to enjoy that.
It's funny how adding the word "Professional" in there makes it seem as though "Creative Writing" is NOT professional. LOL
Yes, but maybe that little "professional" word will help justify to the family what the heck I'm doing. LOL One thing that kind of decided it was when I got a paper/critque I did back from my Theatre professor that said he thought "I had the mind for graduate work if that was a possibility." Call me crazy, but I want to frame that. :) It will keep me going! (So far not a lot of motivational quotes from the chemistry department!)
I don't blame you for wanting to frame that comment! I also had the same thought as you, that having "professional" in there would give you more options when it came to the job market, etc. Amazing what a difference one word makes. :)
Man, sleep in and the blog explodes. I'm sorry you couldn't manage Soulless, it is an odd little read!
And you didn't say...is "Otherwise Engaged" a good one!?
I know the anti-bandwagon express. I climbed aboard when I worked at the bookstores and got tired of the Oprah book of the week stuff. Just had to be contrary! Anymore, I'm a bit anti-series...
I bet you might enjoy the Laurie R. King books, Donna!
Melissa! Yeah! Sounds like my kind of degree. Though I hate to a professional at anything. Rank amateur is more my speed.
Yes, I know I misspelled that. There is no spellchecker with wordpress, so stifle it!
I'm gonna be out a touch most of the day, ladies! Heading up to visit me mum! And thanks all for making yesterday a birthday to smile about! My Decadent blog went great... I am smiled upon by mother earth!
;-)
And Donna...I adore Elizabeth Arthur...little know, wonderful prose.
Chance, um, I wouldn't recommend that one. LOL It's a reprint, from before she got AWESOME. I would start with The Unsung Hero. It's Book 1 of the series, but if you don't want to read anymore, you don't have to.
She started out with category romances, and I won one of them when she had a booksigning here a year or so ago. It was called Everyday Average Jones, and I had a MAJOR crush on that hero afterwards. Woo doggie. So that might be one to try.
I liked the premise of Soulless--but the writing felt a little self-conscious to me. It kept pulling me out of the story. I really did try. I wanted to jump on that bandwagon, but I couldn't. :(
What makes you anti-series? Just curious. Because I think of your books being a series. :)
I know, it's hilarious, I'm writing series but have a real block toward reading them. I think it's just a matter of time! I like the Butcher books because they tend to be self-contained. But you know, I think it's mainly because I can be a bit obsessive compulsive.
If I start a series and enjoy it, I can bury myself in the pursuit of ALL OF THEM and won't read again until I HAVE THEM ALL, then I disappear until I READ THEM ALL.
So, it's like a bag of potatoe chips. If I never open the bag, I won't eat them all.
Great discussion, Don. I'll try to check back in later today. Now, I'm off!
I understand, Chance. Been there, done that, have the forty zillion books to show for it. LOL In fact, I started a series a couple years ago and LOVED the first book so much that I went online and bought the next 4 or 5. Then I read the second book, which I didn't enjoy as much. LOL So I haven't finished the series, even tho the books are waiting.
Have a safe trip, Chance! I assume you've cross-trained somebody to do the bartending job while you're on land, right? :)
*slides a mug of rum down the bar*
We're all trained on the bar, Donna. Don't you remember that from your entrance exam?
Uh, yeah, sure. I remember. :)
*mutters and flips thru notes* Entrance exam? Was I sick that day?
Ah, I remember now! I might have been "overserved" by the end of the testing period.
Wow! Lots of comments already. Sheesh. I love this blog, Donna. Stepping outside of my comfort zone to try something different introduced me to the oh so fabulous SEP! So, now I always try to keep an open mind.
Ter, I read about Meg Benjamin from Janga also and could NOT find her in print. Very frustrating. I haven't ventured into the ebook world yet and I'm a little nervous. Are you sure they're in print?
Mmm, my last comment is still being moderated. LOL
Irish, I'm glad you liked the blog! I love SEP and have been reading her since the "old days". I recently re-read "Heaven, Texas" and it was SO good. I wondered why I hadn't re-read it before now. I may just have to re-re-read it. An early Christmas present. LOL
Donna, I'm not really sure who I would recommend. I guess I'm a bandwagoner ($). Probably cause (and this doesn't speak well of me, but...) I'm too lazy to spend the time to try out the new and I just jump in where the majority lead! Unfortunately, unlike Terri, I've not been as successful. I was finding a while ago that the books everyone was raving about just didn't hold up for me - which really led me to fall in love with the "read the first few chapters before you buy" thingy on Amazon.
When you're ready to jump back into regencies I would recommend Madeline Hunter or Elizabeth Hoyt - both write fabulous, easy to follow, gripping stories/series. Another thing they do... I'm not sure how to state this without sounding like a jerk, but... they don't write down to their audience or dumb down their characters. Not sure if that makes sense!?
Okay, I meant to put a "?" inside next to bandwagoner, not "$". Fingers are going faster than my brain, obviously.
Hellie, the big discussion in our house lately is whether we start reading the Harry Potter books. Have to admit that we've all got Harry fever but have never read the books! I'm trying to hold my daughter off from going out to get the last one. She saw the movie over Thanksgiving break and wants so desperately to know how it ends - she doesn't think she can wait until July for the movie version.
Irish, I love being able to read the first part of a book before I commit! I do remember one book that fell apart after that, but it is rare.
I have found some new authors by following the Borders True Romance blog. If the story sounded good, or if I liked their personality, I would check out their site, and then buy it.
I also have found some good ones by giving a book a try at the library. Once they hook me, I definitely buy!
The worst part is when I go to the bookstore and look at names that I recognize, but can't remember if they were ones I wanted to buy or were ones I wanted to stay away from!
I will add Madeline Hunter and Elizabeth Hoyt to the list. You don't sound like a jerk at all! That is high praise, and makes me definitely want to read them now. :) Thanks for the recommendations!
Donna, I just re-read "It Had to Be You", "This Heart of Mine" and "Match Me If You Can". Those three together are like watching a little mini-series for me. Although, "Heaven, Texas" is one of my favorites by her. I just love Bobby Tom - what a great character!
I've been in search for another really awesome contemp author and have been struggling through some that just aren't cutting it.
I used to be waaaay into Medievals and haven't picked up one of those in a long, long time. I haven't jumped on the para bandwagon, yet.
Irish, I'll wrestle you for Bobby Tom if I have to. LOL I love that man.
I don't often read medievals but I loved loved loved both of Kris Kennedy's medievals. The characters are fun and sexy and the heroes are HAWT. I think they are The Conqueror, and what's the other one. . .The Irish Warrior. (Had to cheat and look it up on Amazon. LOL)
And Ms. Benjamin has agreed to join us here in about a month. Whoot!
You can get them in print through Books-A-Million here > http://tinyurl.com/39pdedu
They're Trade so they're a little more expensive than the mass market paperbacks. I'm starting to think getting an eReader is one of the best things I did. (Even though I *got* it as a present. *g*) It's so nice to carry all the books with me in this little machine and as soon as I finish one, I move right onto the next.
I have a TON of SEP on my shelves and have only read a few. I ADORE her writing, but since she's the closest thing to what I want to write, I think I avoid her out of self-preservation. LOL!
Terri, boy do I ever know what you mean about avoiding out of self-preservation! I do that constantly. :)
I can't wait til I have an e-reader. I definitely think I would get a lot of use out of it. For one thing, it seems so much easier to find a book that way, instead of digging thru boxes of stuff I have. LOL
And good job on having Ms. Benjamin join us! You are so productive. It's inspiring!
So, Ter is gonna solve my problems by writing new awesome contemps for me to sink my teeth into!!! Whatta friend!!!
Yeah, I keep hinting I want an ereader and my IT techhie hubby keeps telling me that they're contstantly improving so I should wait until I can get everything at once - kinda like an iPad! At this rate it could be years!!! So, of course, every time there is a raffle involving a Kindle, Nook, etc, I'm all over it. LOL
I keep hearing this bit about not getting one until the dust settles, but I don't think the dust is going to settle any more than it already has. That would be like saying you're not going to buy a cell phone until they stop improving them!
I can do just about anything with my Sony, and it's a couple years old. You want to read books, get something that will allow you to order from various places and read in several formats. There are a ton to choose from at various price levels.
I've yet to purchase a book FROM the Sony store, and it's not stopping me from using my Reader.
And I don't know that I'd call myself productive today. LOL! I've done very little really. (Don't tell my boss.)
Irish - I'm writing them just for you! And lucky for you, I'll send them to you without having to wait for them to be published. As you say, it could be years! LOL!
What's with the "Your comment is awaiting moderation." thingy?
Ter, I can wait - I'm turning into a very patient person the older I get! LOL
And yeah, I keep telling him that. I think I've got an "in" with my daughter, though. She's getting to that awesome age where she's starting to get a little less selfish and is paying attention to all the those around her, especially me! She can turn to her father and say "Hey, Dad, Mom wants this let's go get it for her." And he actually listens!
Sorry, Akismet (our spam checker) is having issues today. Hopefully it will play nice soon.
My daughter would like to get me lots of things. Unfortunately, that going to her daddy to buy them is not an option.
Maybe I really should give her an allowance around this time of year.
The spam checker had troubles with my comment that talked about being "overserved". LOL So maybe it was running a breathalyzer on it.
The reason I was waiting on the e-readers is because there were so many different ones coming onto the market, and the prices were all over the place. I didn't want to end up buying something that left the marketplace. You know, buying Sony Betamax instead of VHS. LOL
So it wasn't that I wanted to have it DO everything. I just wanted to make sure it stayed around after I paid a few hundred buckaroos!
Donna - Got a "I really feel old" feeling the other day - the hubby and I made the Betamax vs. VHS joke the other day and the kids just gave us a blank stare! LOL
LOL, Ter, that might be a good idea! Although, I'd have to pay her about $100/week to get the stuff I want.
That's true, not sure I'd get one of the lesser known ones. But there are three of four big ones that don't seem to be going anywhere. Then again, there are more on the market every year. Heck, we didn't even have the Nook before this year. And I think BAM is coming out with one. Maybe.
That's good to know about the Sony ereader, Ter. My big thing is not wanting the Kindle cause I don't want to be limited to Amazon.com. I've been leaning heavily toward the Nook cause I was told that B&N has the largest selection worldwide. Of course that's what a B&N rep would say, right!?
That is the downside. Her allowance would directly reflect on my present SIZE. LOL!
Nevermind about the BAM thing, they're selling the Nook over there too. Huh.
I wish we had a Books-a-million here. I love to have all kinds of bookish options. That's interesting that they sell the Nook too. Mmm.
Irish, LOL about the Sony vs. VHS joke. That DOES make you feel like more time has gone by than it should. Yikes--do we have to update our references now!
I think I'm leaning towards the Sony e-reader because I want to be able to work on my WIPs. Terri graciously tested hers out to make sure it can do Word docs, and I think she could highlight in there, etc.
I don't think I want to do the Kindle thing since Amazon pretty much keeps the books and can remove them at will, etc.
There's a giant BAM, a giant Borders, and several B&Ns near my house. I am truly blessed. LOL!
Oh, and a UBS just up the street.
Yes, ma'am, you can highlight and write notes on your WIP on the Sony. Though it took me forever when I first got this thing to figure out where the little pen was hiding. (Top right hand corner, so you'll know.)
I'm very late to the show today!
I tend to dabble in nearly all genre's but for relaxation my favorite is the historical romance a la Mary Balogh.
Interested in the e-reader discussion.
Have you thought about a netbook which would serve as a computer so that you could easily make notes and comments while reading.
I think Terri has the right idea in not being restricted to a single format. I used to rely on fictionwise.com for my e-books as all available formats were sold with some excellent promotions. Since B&N took it over, it has been restricted to one format. I have now switched to ebooks,com in protest!
If you only want to read a book so that an editable version is not required then most e-book formats can be easily converted to PDF (http://www.ebook-converter.com/).
The software costs about $30 I think and simply scans through the book eg using kindle for PC, using screen shot software to 'photograph' each page and save the result as a PDF. This can then be read with any PDF reader.
If you need an editable version then the PDF needs to be run through OCR (optical character recognition) software to convert to WORD or some other editable form. FineReader is probably the best for this though Omnipage also does a good job.
Donna, with your legal background, could you perhaps comment on the legality of this procedure? E-book companies try their best to stop customers using the product for anything other than reading it in a restricted format. If legal action was considered then presumably they would have to sue readers for damages and if you have bought a legitimate copy which you use for your personal convenience, there would not appear to be any damages!
I would be interested in your comments. *smile*
Wow, Q, thanks for all the info. I think that's what the hubby is trying to figure out. He knows I like to write and he wants to get me something that does everything for me, not just allows me to read a book. So, we wait and read all the reviews that come out about everything. I think he wants to give the iPad a year or two to work all of their kinks out.
My agent edits on her iPad...so there's a lot to be said for all them. Terri has been dickering around with her Sony reader and when I see her this summer, I'm going to have her show me how to do all of those things! I've had mine a year and still don't know how to do half the things she does with hers!
Stopped to check e-mail at the closest Starbucks to Mum, since she has no internet. Going to see if the next door neighbor will whisper their wireless password to me so I can piggyback on theirs when I get there!
And, btw, Borders is in talks to buy B&N.
Ter? You get the latest RWA mag yet? Lots of talk about publishers wanted contemps!
Q, very interesting info. I think the format issue was really the one that made me hesitate before committing to one e-reader. I was afraid of being stuck with something I couldn't read without having to buy another e-reader. When they end up as inexpensive as DVD players are nowadays--LOL--then it won't be an issue.
I haven't practiced law in this particular area, and it's been several years since I have practiced law in any area, so basically what I have to say here is my opinion, and nothing more. LOL
The way I see it, the reason for restrictions on copying is basically to permit the copyright holder, whether it's the author or the publisher, to make money on ALL copies that are distributed. (Obviously the other reason is so someone can't copy a work and make subtle or wholesale changes and sell it as their own work.)
Anyway, if you go thru the procedure above to make it easier to read--you are changing the format, not the content--I don't see an issue. If you did this and then distributed copies to everyone, or charged money for all the copies you made--then there's a problem. :)
Again, that's just my humble opinion, but an attorney well versed in intellectual property law would know more about the topic.
Thanks Donna
Thats pretty well what I thought.
I know where to go for my informal legal advice now! *smile*
Irish, I haven't used an ipad but think its really a miniaturized swanked up tablet PC.
A netbook PC could be a lot cheaper and just as good for all the basics.
Kiddo wants a netbook for Christmas and I'm hoping she gets one since I'm tired of having to fight for my own laptop. Then again, Dell has this all-in-one computer where the CPU is in the monitor. I wouldn't mind one of those.
I'll show you, Chance. It's not hard. I could probably explain it in a phone call. Hope your mom is well!
First, Happy belated birthday, Chance!
Sorry I'm late.
I'd like to add James Rollins to your list.
Sandstorm is the prequel to the Sigma 6 series. It tells how Painter becomes the head of the team. Map of Bones is the first in the series.
It's a team of coverrt operatives who are working to stop various plots. I love how he weaves seemingly different plots together.
Di
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