People always ask me how I learned to write. The stock answer is that I read a lot of books on writing and go to conferences, but that's not really the base of learning to write. READING is the base.I love to see how other people put a story together: likable character, compelling circumstances, intriguing setting, all the things that makes for a tasty read. The ACFW conference is in two weeks, and I'll be totally immersed in learning more about the business. That's the fun thing about writing--you never arrive. There's always more to learn.
I've been gorging on books, refilling my well, for several weeks. I'd love some recommendations of a good book you've read lately. Doesn't have to be Christian fiction, by the way. I read a ton of general market as well. Here is what I've read lately.
Heiress, by Susan May Warren--fabulous book set in a time period I love. Rich detail and characters.
Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Bergren--Was so good and I was bummed the 2nd book isn't out yet. Again a time period I really love with a different sort of plot and setting.
One Second After by William Forstchen--I love apocalyptic type fiction and this one is about an EMP that ends civilization in the US. The book pulled me in from the first page.
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddy Ratner--story set in Cambodia during the time of the Killing Fields. More literary than I usually read but very good.
Slammed by Colleen Hoover--Denise loaned me this one and it was terrific! It's a YA with a really compelling storyline and characters.
How about you? What have you read lately and what did you love about it? Or NOT love about it?
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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
19 Comments:
I just finished Jody Hedlund's "Unending Devotion" - it's her latest and DEFINITELY her greatest!!
Oh super! Thanks, Jaime!
Ooooo, I LOVE to tell people about books. I dont think many people follow through on them though.
Im reading "I've got your number" by Sophie Kinsella. It's light and unique
Just finished "sisterhood everlasting" by Ann Brashares. It's "The sisterhood of the traveling pants" 10 years later. I LOVED those book as a teenager, I want to go back and read them again :)
Anything by Jenny b Jones, obviously. "there you'll find me" was my favorite book of last year.
"the reinvention of skylar hoyt" series by stephanie morrill is great, too.they aren't as runaway popular but I love them and her writing blog goteenwriters.blogspot.com. Is fabulous. Not that you need help but I wanted to give a shoutout to all Steph's hardwork.
What about non-fiction? I just read "the list" by Marian Jordan and it really spoke to me! I was thinking it be awesome to show the concepts in fiction.
I just completed Tamera Alexander's Fountain Creek series and the Timber Ridge Reflections series (6 books in all). I have two more books to read of hers to complete her list. Of course I have read Tidewater Inn and Belinda lately and numerous other books.
I like Sophie Kinsella, Tonya. Will have to check that out. But I wasn't a big fan of the traveling pants book. LOL I never really quite got it. Maybe it was just too young for me
Love Jenny B though! Not a big fan of non fiction. I read very little of it. Give me a novel! :)
Ruth, I love Tammy's books too!
I've recently enjoyed The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracy Bateman (contemporary Christian romance with a touch of speculative) and The Reason by debut author William Sirls (contemporary Christian fiction, also with a touch of speculative). Both brilliant!
Last summer I read "The Small Bachelor" by P.G. Wodehouse & really enjoyed it. Short & hilarious.
Unfortunately, I started four novels this summer & haven't finished any of them for various reasons. The main one being I'm too critical. I need to work on that.
Sharyn, I'd love to know the books you haven't finished, unless, of course, they belong to any of the girls-write-out ladies. I've actually begun reading reviews online when I'm looking for a new writer, because if there's a good reason behind poor reviews, I don't want to spend time and money on it.
I just finished reading Mary Connealy's Kincaid Brides Trilogy-from book one "Out of Control", book #2, "In Too Deep", and the new release book three "Over the Edge" over the past two weeks. I've never read so fast in my life-but I couldn't help myself. Can't really pick a fave-they all had a little something special about them that really got me. I guess I'm just a sucker for a cowboy!
I have finished several different books lately.
Enjoyed Love finds you in New Orleans Louisana by Christa Allan but I think it finished too quick.
Loved everything about A Cowboy's Touch and The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter. The Noble Legacy Series by Susan May Warren as I love cowboy books. Just finished Love Finds you in Mackinac Island by Melanie Dobson loved this book about escaping from the rules of society by using your God given talents.
My hubs put up with me spending money on books like some women spend on shoes. I'd go barefoot but have books. I read 2 to 3 books a week, sometimes more.
During one of our moves, he put his foot down to the umpteen cartons of books and made me donate them to the library. The tax deduction ran over 4 figures. Then one day in 2003, he said,"Why don't you write a book?" The rest is history.
I had no idea all that reading would lead to writing but I'm delighted it did!
You've got to read "Talking to the Dead" by Bonnie Grove. Creepy title, but amazing view of mental illness. This is where first person perspective, humor and truth meet.
I love the Patrick Bowers series by Steven James. Lovely suspense along with really good characters! Just bought the newest yesterday and looking forward to reading it!
I recently finished Menu for Romance by Kaye Dacus. It was a fun book! I loved that it focused on an event planner and her executive chef. It was the first book I've read by Dacus, and now I'm absolutely hooked!
In addition to the GWO Authors, I love books by Kim Vogel Sawyer! Just read When Hope Blossoms and loved it.
I just downloaded Harry Kraus'new title A Heartbeat Away and started reading it on a five hour drive from southern IL. No, I wasn't the one driving LOL. Wasn't done by the time I was home and I couldn't rest until I finished it. Harry has enough twists and turn in the story to keep the momentum going, and he explores the topic of cellular memory...People get a heart transplant and they start remembering things that really happened to the donor.
You all have given me some great recommendations. Thanks!
I'm reading The Messenger by Siri Mitchell right now on my Kindle. It's taken me a while to get through, but it's gettin better as I near the end! I've enjoyed most of her books.
I really enjoyed When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley, a new author. I also read Sketchy behavior by Erynn Mangum, pretty amusing, but her Lauren Holbrook series is still my fav. Hilarious! Though waters roar by Lynn Austin also good. I have a hard time getting into nonfiction too. There's just too many fiction books out there! I review all kinds of fiction at my blog if anyone interested. http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com I wrote down a lot of the ones mentioned here. I love recommendations!
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