Thea Harrison's Blog, page 37
March 12, 2012
Men Reading Romance: Meet John
Hi John, thanks for agreeing to visit on my blog today! Tell me a little about yourself in a few sentences. What do you do for a living, and other than reading, what do you do for fun?
I am retired military and am now considered to be disabled (Meniere's Disease- I have no more equilibrium and ride the tilt-a-whirl about half the time). We live in PANAMA in the jungle, our closest neighbors are Kuna indians about 3 miles away (and yes they live in grass huts, I could write a whole book on them alone). For fun we take our animals, that does include our human kids, to the beach which is about a 35 minute walk on a path thru the jungle. Asia, a 4 year old jaguar (we count her as one of our human children) usually leads the way. Nat'l Geographic was out here last year to do a story about her and walked away scratching their heads saying that a jaguar should not be able to integrate into a human family like Asia has (another book in that one too).
Asia the jaguar
How and when did you pick up your first romance? Was it in a sub genre (as in paranormal, thriller, contemporary etc)?
I'm attempting to raise 2 teenage daughters by myself and happened upon a book one of them was reading while it was lying on her bed. Being bored stiff (and curious as hell) I picked it up and started reading the first page. An hour later I got busted by my youngest and had to do some serious spin control. It was a Nalini Singh book, one of the psy-changling series. Needless to say Amazon and I got real close. I also figured I'd better know what I was getting into when they were about to start dating (Scaring potential dates became my number 1 hobby, still is when I can). From there I found that I liked the general idea probably because I've never felt that way about a woman and chances are I never will, another long story there.
Asia, photo two
Why does reading romance "click" for you? Conversely, do you find room for improvement in the genre in general (or any sub genre in specific)?
See number 2, also it helps me to understand the wicked wenches of the west, my daughters, a little better in that this is what they've been reading for awhile now. Another reason is that after 21 years in the Army in some real nasty places………….well……I've seen all that stuff I want to and this genre seems to help balance out those memories. Is there room for improvement, always in everything, and I believe that. If there wasn't then why write at all?
Photo of Panama City Beach. I could get used to sunsets like this!
Who are your favorite romance authors? Non-romance authors? Can you give a percentage (just a rough off-the-top-of-your-head guess) about how much you read of each?
Romance-80%: Nalini Singh, Lora Leigh, You, Christine Feehan, Moira Rogers.
Non-romance-20%: Glen Cook, Louis L'Amour, Tom Clancy, S M Stirling, Nelson DeMille.
If you could make a wish-list of a story you would like to read but haven't yet, what would it be?
Not ducking the question here but that's a non-starter because in the literature world there is no unknown storyline and history always repeats itself, yada, yada………… However, having said that, I would wish that romance writers not stop at the climax of the story so much. It's the interaction of the main characters while NOT under stress afterwards that gives a better "reflective" ending. Example: Rune and Carling's interactions for the next few days after the dog arrived. Mainly because I really like those characters and their day to day lives I think would prove to be interesting.
Asia, photo three
Since I'm approaching this as a conversation, would you like to ask me something in return?
Is the real you ever in a story or do you ever completely pattern a character after yourself such that to know it would be to know you?
ME: I would have to say that every character I write has to have a sliver of me in them, but I have never completely patterned a character after myself. I'm not sure that I would make very interesting fictional reading!
Is there anything you would like to add?
Yeah Buddy! When the hell is the next book gonna get here? Christ I'm having withdrawals !!
Oracle's Moon will have been released by the time this posts—and next up will be the e-novella Natural Evil, published by Samhain on March 20th! Thanks so much again for the visit, John. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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March 11, 2012
How I picture Khalil
This is a great photo for how I picture Khalil, especially when he is mostly black smoke and about to give Grace a sulfurous smile. No, he isn't very friendly.
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Men Reading Romance: Meet David
Hi David, thanks for coming to visit today! Tell me a little about yourself in a few sentences. What do you do for a living, and other than reading, what do you do for fun?
I'm an Air Force brat who has lived all over the south. My father retired to Texas in the late 70s and I've lived in Texas ever since. I now live in Austin and work for a public library. When I'm not reading I enjoy live music, seeing traveling Broadway shows, and especially love watching movies. I have a vast DVD collection.
David
How and when did you pick up your first romance? Was it in a sub genre (as in paranormal, thriller, contemporary etc)?
I picked up my first romance as a young teen. My mother read romances and I'd often sneak peeks at those. I didn't truly read an entire romance novel until my wife and I got married and, for our honeymoon, we were given a copy of "Nerd in Shining Armor" by Vicki Lewis Thompson. Somehow the giver felt it an appropriate choice. They were right. "Nerd" is hard to categorize as it's contemporary, humorous, and action packed. Every night after we'd get in bed I'd read a bit of the book to my wife.
Why does reading romance "click" for you? Conversely, do you find room for improvement in the genre in general (or any sub genre in specific)?
Romance "clicks" for me because it's such a broad genre. Cruise the aisle of your local bookstore and you'll find such a variety of books in the romance section that there's something there for everyone. Vampires, zombies, werewolves, historic time periods, time travel, superheroes, chefs, nerds, all these and so many other subjects can be found in the romance section. I do find that there's room for improvement in the genre but not in the writing. As with any genre of book there will be authors you like and those you don't. No, where romance can improve is in promoting itself better. How often does a romance book get reviewed by the New York Times? How often do I hear, especially working for a library, "oh, I don't read those kinds of books" when I recommend a romance novel? I've not looked up the numbers but I suspect more romance novels are sold than any other genre yet they are still seen by some as sub-par books.
David at Boas and Tiaras Tea
Who are your favorite romance authors? Non-romance authors? Can you give a percentage (just a rough off-the-top-of-your-head guess) about how much you read of each?
I have so many favorite romance authors that I'll try to give you the short list. Vicki Lewis Thompson will of course always hold a special place in my heart for getting me started in this genre. Other romance authors who I will buy every book they ever write are Jennifer Estep, Candace Havens, Jaye Wells, Ann Aguirre, Dakota Cassidy, and Louisa Edwards. I'm always reading and usually reading 5-6 books at a time though not all in the romance genre. Some of my favorites outside of the genre are Ed McBain, John D MacDonald, A. Lee Martinez, Christopher Moore, Clive Cussler and Carl Hiaasen. I also love graphic novels especially those of Robert Kirkman (Invincible), Mark Waid (Irredeemable), and Alison Bechdel (Fun Home).
If you could make a wish-list of a story you would like to read but haven't yet, what would it be?
My wife is visually impaired and I've noticed there are very few romance books in which the main character has a disability such as being blind or deaf. The challenges this could present to a burgeoning relationship would, to me, make for a good romance novel.
Since I'm approaching this as a conversation, would you like to ask me something in return?
What do you see as the biggest challenge to writing today? Do you think there's a way to attract more male readers to the romance genre?
ME: There are a ton of writers out in the wild but the biggest challenge, I think, is actually making a living on what you write. The world of publishing is a strange and difficult beast. And I think the way to attract more male readers to the romance genre is to attract and promote male writers of the genre. There are a lot of barriers to this that would need to be broken down, but I do believe it would be possible to do. Perhaps some day.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Thanks!
Thank YOU for taking the time to answer the questions! I enjoyed reading your answers.
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March 10, 2012
Men Reading Romance: Meet Patrick
Hi, Patrick, thanks for stopping by today. Tell me a little about yourself in a few sentences. What do you do for a living, and other than reading, what do you do for fun?
I'm 43, been married for 23 years, and have 2 adopted kids, an 8yr old boy, and a 19 year old girl. I was kicked out of college, spent 4 years in the USMC, went back to school and studied to be an actuary, and have been a computer consultant specializing in web based applications for a bit more than 15 years. Part of my time I spend teaching 4-5 day classes for large companies around the world (mostly in the US), and part of my time I consult for various organizations. I also have a business with a friend specializing in SharePoint customization.
My life's a bit strange because it has two main compartments. About 180 days a year I live on the road (hello from Chicago), sleeping in hotels and eating every meal out. In that compartment I fill my free time reading (2 or 3 books a week) and writing. When I'm at home, I live in quiet southern Mississippi with my family, horses, dogs, and cat. When not working on some project I watch movies, sail, ride, and in general have more hobbies than I have time, ha. My wife also homeschools so I sometimes help with that.
Patrick
How and when did you pick up your first romance? Was it in a sub genre (as in paranormal, thriller, contemporary etc.)?
It was fricking Nora Robert's fault! Three or four years ago, I had to drive to an event because my flight had just been canceled. I was going to be stuck in a car for 12+ hours, so I headed to Cracker Barrel, because I knew they rented books on tape. I had to get moving so I grabbed a couple of mysteries that sounded interesting and hit the road. One of Books on CD I checked out was by this author I knew I'd heard of but never read, Nora Roberts. Her book was good! So when I got to D.C., I hit the B&N so I could buy the next book in the series (don't remember which one exactly).
There I was, 6'3", 250lbs, with my Stetson on. I checked literature, I checked mysteries, I could find hide nor hair…so I asked at the service counter. This perky little thing said, "Nora Roberts!" like I was an idiot, "She's over in romance. Here, let me show you."
I choked, literally. I was so embarrassed. I bet my cheeks were flame red. I pulled at my tie and tried to think of a way out, but ended up following dutifully. She pointed out the Nora Roberts section, tossed her ponytail at me, and left me there by myself. Oh my God. The section of the bookstore I had always dutifully avoided, as any red blooded straight male should, and it was as bad as I thought. There were covers with sweaty men, covers with women just busting out of Victorian dresses, covers with both together. I'm not sure if it was the looks I was giving or sounds I was making, but ever female in the section cleared out in the first 30 seconds I was there. But I sucked it up. I'm a Marine for Christ sake, I could do this! I figured as long as I was there, I may as well get the next Nora and something else. I could do it. Then I saw a book with a hot chick on the cover with a sword, and hey, that wasn't really so bad. So I grabbed some kind of PNR, and got the hell out of dodge!
The rest is history. I still read a bit of everything, but I lean heavily towards the PNR, UF, F/SF world.
Why does reading romance "click" for you? Conversely, do you find room for improvement in the genre in general (or any sub genre in specific)?l,
Well, I think all men enjoy romance, down deep, I mean who doesn't, right? The problem is that as men, we are conditioned from the playground days up to believe that there are some things that are girl-only (tampons, giving birth, reading romances, like that). Once that conditioning is set, there's an automatic, knee jerk reaction that men have to romance novels. I mean, I spent 10 years in all boys catholic schools, 4 years in the USMC, and have 3 younger brothers… I know what I'm talking about here. When I went into that romance section after a fricking Nora Roberts book, there was a lot of brainwashed pressure that said as a man, I had no business being there. If I hadn't been on a trip where the possibility of me running into someone I knew was zilch, I think I would have probably fled to grab a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue or something.
I ultimately figured that as long as I was there, and since I've never been adverse to trying things once, I'd give it a shot.
What I like about romance is its ability to add another dimension to a story. It's kind of like food, right? My family has a spice store (family owned and operated since 1870) and it never ceases to amaze me how you can take something ordinary, out of a can say, and with the right spices, turn it into an amazingly nuanced dish. Same thing with romance. If you take a basic story arc that's been done a million times before, and throw in a few special scenes, characters, and a good romance, you end up with something interesting that has both intellectual and emotional appeal. Pair a good story, with good characters, a good plot, AND a good romance? Come on! Can it get any better than that?
Ultimately, I think to turn a blind eye to a book simply because of its genre, or subject matter, or cover, is the ultimate form snobbery… a literary cutting off of ones nose to spite ones face.
Room for improvement? Well, I don't think the Romance genre markets itself to men at all and if authors want to eat into that group of possible readers, they are going to have to rethink both the way they approach men, and the subject matters they use when they do. I do think e-readers will help, greatly. With a reader, who knows what you're reading. I mean there's a big difference between me reading something on my iPad, and me holding:
in my hands, you know?
Who are your favorite romance authors? Non-romance authors? Can you give a percentage (just a rough off-the-top-of-your-head guess) about how much you read of each?
Well, if you like, you can see what I've read recently here:
http://www.shelfari.com/hagg/shelf#firstBook=0&list=4&sort=dateadded
I mostly lean towards PNR and UF (two sides of the same coin in my book) so I'd probably say (forgive the spelling!) Lara Adrian, Chloe Neile, Nalini Singh, Sunny, Laurell K. Hamilton, Molly Harper, Kelly Armstrong, Karen Chance, Jeaniene Frost, Elileen Wilks, Meljean Brook, Patricia Briggs, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Karen Moning, and the like.
In the non-romance: Stephen King, Jim Butcher, Peter F. Hamilton, Dickens, Hammett, Philip K. Dick, Preston & Child…
Really, I'll read just about anything. Currently, I probably read 90% PNR and UF, and the other 10% could be anything. This year I'm also doing a 12×12 reading challenge, and one of my categories is "Romance novels that scare me" which I'm going to use to expand my romance reading to more classic works, I'm even going to throw in a regency *shivers*.
If you could make a wish-list of a story you would like to read but haven't yet, what would it be?
Oh gosh, I have no idea. I like action and romance and a good plot. I like the romance to support the plot, not necessarily be the plot (though that's nice sometimes too). So, I'm not sure what to put here 
Since I'm approaching this as a conversation, would you like to ask me something in return?
How do you like keeping up with your blog? I've never done one, but I've thought about it. I even registered www.RomanceReadingMan.com and www.RomanceReviewingMan.com, but I've yet to use them. I also got RomanceWritingMan, ha, but that one's farther off. I tend to write more what I guess I'd call Fantasy with heavy romantic elements, but we'll see. I'm on my third book and will wait and see if I think this one is good enough to try and publish.
I've never read any of your books, but I will. I just added Dragon Bound to my TBR
I did notice that you only are putting some of your books up on your site, why don't you include those from some of your other pseudonyms? Just curious.
ME: I hope you enjoy Dragon Bound! I had so much fun writing that story. And I'm very new to having a blog. I'm a little worried about it. If you neglect feeding your blog, I suppose it turns yellow and floats to the top of the fish tank?
My back list of romances have been out of print but I look forward to including them on my website soon, especially now that my agent and I have gotten the digital reverted back to me!
Back to you: is there anything you would like to add?
Unfortunately, I think reading Romance for a man is a bit like listening to opera. I started going to the opera when I was 6 and was never taught to lump it into the "Should never be listened to" pile. That was the days before super/subscript English translations to everything sung, so I have these great memories of being the youngest person there, and my Dad reading me the synopsis of each act before we heard it. But when I play opera for my class say (always play break music!), many students will comment that they've never listened to opera. Some make faces and hope the song ends fast. I can guarantee you that most people's aversion to opera is pure learned behavior. If you take the right piece, stop and listen, and open yourself enough feel the music, then you can't help but like it. (not always true, but still).
For a man, the same thing's true when reading a romance heavy story. If you can let that learned prejudice go, and open your emotions and mind up enough so that you become that man in the story, and this story is happening to you, and she's the love of your life. Come on, does it get any better? Isn't love what all humans crave above all else?
Enjoyed it. Take care.
I very much enjoyed the visit too, Patrick. Thank you!
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March 9, 2012
Men Reading Romance: Meet Valt
Tell me a little about yourself in a few sentences. What do you do for a living, and other than reading, what do you do for fun?
I am a period clothing and guy-liner wearing adult goth who sings opera and practices holistic healing through Reiki, Shamballa, and crystal therapy. I write although all my publishing credits have been academic in relation to my past work at the maximum security unit of a psychiatric hospital. Currently, I am employed by a non-profit organization in their community outreach program which travels to local schools giving performances, lectures, and presentations on health and wellness. I also run a cemetery preservation group and recently started my own clothing line. When there's down time, I film music videos, sculpt, and devise imaginative ways to get into mischief.
Valt
How and when did you pick up your first romance? Was it in a sub genre (as in paranormal, thriller, contemporary etc)?
I picked up my first romance — a historical romance — accidentally. I was sixteen, a bibliophile even then, but still doing the hyper-masculine routine that society seems to delight in spoon-feeding us from the moment we're born. Mostly out of strict adherence to the Rules of Manliness, I abhorred romance. You could tell the books from a mile away, usually with bright purple or floral covers with raised and metallic titles or, even worse, the illustrations of large strapping men who've clearly done testosterone for ages and women who look like they're in pain. There's nothing less stereotypically manly in terms of genre packaging so I avoided it avidly. This was pre-internet-in-every-household, so when I got a recommendation for a book from one of my friends, I went ahead and looked for it. My horror was boundless when the little 80yr old woman who ran the used book shop presented me with a… purple floral book with a raised metallic title. I took it with two fingers, not wishing to get anywhere near it. I didn't make eye contact. I was so ashamed, but I'd already had her get it and I felt obliged to complete the transaction. Because I'd felt obliged to purchase it, I felt obliged to read it. I was pleasantly surprised.
Why does reading romance "click" for you? Conversely, do you find room for improvement in the genre in general (or any sub genre in specific)?
I'd hesitate to say that romance "clicks" for me. Themes click, concepts click, but themes and concepts click no matter the genre. What I do find to be the romance genre's strength is the freedom to explore inter-character development. I read a great amount of scifi/fantasy, but most of the time, when a male protagonist finds a love interest, it seems to be because she's the only female in the book. I like to know the *why* of things and I feel if I'm going to invest my time in reading a book, I think I should understand why two characters are attached to each other rather than feeling like they are only together to ensure the survival of their species (unless that's the basis of the plot, in which case, I get it and I'm okay with that).
I think the true problem with the genre — and I could talk about tired formulas and many authors whose books seem to talk down to their readers but I won't — is sexism. I suppose by the very fact that I'm writing this and that the Male Romance Reader is regarded as a mythical creature makes the romance genre extremely sexist to all parties. I cast no blame at anyone for this — it's a societal construct fortified throughout centuries. I've noticed however that when I've read a book written by a guy, it's classified as fiction or fantasy — even if it really should be general romance or paranormal romance or erotica. Apparently, if a man writes it, it can't be romance which makes no sense to me. I am aware there are some exceptions, but those male romance writers have mostly taken up female pen names… and why is that? It's because romance is unofficial Realm of Women — for some women by choice, and for some women because the fantasy/scifi or fiction/literature sections won't take their writing seriously.
For us guys, we're expected to be the strong silent pillars of strength, epitomes of stability and stoicism. Now, I can't speak for any other guy, but I'm only human and I have emotions (gasp). However, by those sacred Rules of Manliness, we're not allowed to let anyone know about them. Now as much as I love a good fantasy novel or a brilliantly presented scifi, most of them lean on the cold dispassionate side, all about saving the world in the last ten pages, and if a character has an emotional bond with another character, it's because they were the last breeding pair on their planet. Forced by societal expectations to be this unfeeling block of masculinity day in and day out, the unemotional manliness schtick gets old. My girlfriend provides an outlet for The Softer Side of Guys, but only so much because she too expects me to fulfill this masculine ideal. Sometimes, this means I need a good indulgence in emotionality and that's where the romance genre steps in. I don't believe in books-for-men or books-for-women — I believe in good stories, good writing, and books-to-be-enjoyed-by-all.
Who are your favorite romance authors? Non-romance authors? Can you give a percentage (just a rough off-the-top-of-your-head guess) about how much you read of each?
I don't have a favourite romance author. I usually only read one or two books by any romance author even if they have dozens out — mostly due to themes. For instance, my very first romance novel, Tapestry by Karen Ranney — formulaic and predictable but I thought entirely endearing and intelligent with characters I rooted for the whole time — as much as I enjoyed it, her other work pertains to the Scottish Highlanders, a common category for historicals, but one which holds absolutely no interest for me.
For non-romance authors, I am addicted to Tanith Lee who twists the mind and challenges perceptions. I've also greedily devoured every word of Carol Berg whose mastery in character-torment is wielded to devastating effect. Jasper Fforde's works of wit and intellect also place him among my favourites. I also enjoy the scifi staples of Isaac Asimov, Frank & Brian Herbert, and Douglas Adams.
I would say 60% of my reading is fantasy/scifi, 20% fiction & literature, 10% non fiction, 10% romance. It doesn't sound like much, but I read 100+ books a year.
If you could make a wish-list of a story you would like to read but haven't yet, what would it be?
It would be intelligent, have decent and realistic dialogue, and not have the central plot based around an off-hand miscommunication which could easily be cleared up if the characters actually spoke to each other about it. I'd also like the characters to be a bit deeper than "wow, that person is the most attractive fe/male I've ever seen — so I'm going to end up with her/him!" That gets overdone too, in all genres — probably why I'm mostly interested in romances where one or both of the main characters aren't pretty to look at. It's decent realistic conflict right away without having said a word to each other.
Since I'm approaching this as a conversation, would you like to ask me something in return?
I do understand why you're interested in the perspectives of the Male Romance Reader. Like I've said, we have the distinction of being treated like mythical creatures, but my reasoning for why we seem so rare is because few of us don't want to break the Rules of Manliness and admit to it. So, in truth, how much response did you think you would get, if any?
ME: I started this on impulse one day, and I had no idea what to expect. From tweeting, and from posting on Facebook and Goodreads, I got fifteen responses. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I'm not someone who goes out of his way to read romance. It's like any other genre to me. If something sounds compelling or interesting or fresh about a book, I'm tempted to pick it up. If it's recommended, I'll take a look. Will I walk down the romance aisle at Barnes and Noble to find something? Probably not. I can't imagine getting assaulted by purple floral covers with raised metallic titles and illustrations that would make the naked ladies in the Bower of Bliss blush. But I'm not afraid to admit that I've read romance. And I'm not afraid to admit that I actually like some of it.
Thanks for visiting today, Valt—I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!
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Oracle's Moon Blog Tour Cont'd: Over the Edge Reviews
Please join me over at Over The Edge Reviews where I, Grace and Khalil answer some Q&As. Plus there's a contest!
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March 8, 2012
Natural Evil Release Day Giveaway-Please RT
This month is the first time I have ever had two releases in one month! Can you believe it?
I am celebrating the March 20th release of my e-novella Natural Evil (Samhain Publishing) by doing the same thing that I did on the release day of Oracle's Moon.
I'm giving away 5 e-ARCs of Natural Evil on March 20th, and one of those 5 people will also receive a 15 minute phone visit with me (if they would like). This giveaway is international, and I am also willing for the phone call to be international, but only if you have the ability to Skype.
Comment here to enter this contest, and don't forget to include your email address!! I'll announce the five winners–and the phone call winner!– on March 20th at 12 noon, Mountain Time Zone Good luck, and happy reading!
Book Title: Natural Evil
Series Name: A Story of the Elder Races
Series Number: 2
Length: 30,000 (accurate word count to follow post edits)
Tagline:
Attempted Murder. Passion. Betrayal. It's a dog-eat-dog world.
Blurb:
Claudia Hunter is on a road trip through the Nevada desert when she sees the body of a dog on the side of the highway. Pulling over to investigate, she quickly determines that the enormous animal is clinging to life. While working to save him with the help of the local vet, Claudia realizes there's something about the creature that seems more. Other. Wyr. Which makes this case of animal cruelty attempted murder.
Too injured to shape shift, Luis Alvaraz is reluctant to tell Claudia what he knows about his attack, afraid it will only make her a target. But the sheriff is corrupt, and his attackers know Luis is alive and vulnerable. To make matters worse, a sandstorm is sweeping into town, and if they're going to survive the night, Luis will have to place all his trust in Claudia.
Warning: Take a gorgeous man temporarily stuck in the dog house, add a strong, take-no-prisoners woman, mix in encroaching enemies and a raging sandstorm and stir to combine. Enjoy with a freshly opened can of whoop-ass.
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Men Reading Romance: Meet Dave in Canada
Hi Dave, thanks for answering my questions! Tell me a little about yourself in a few sentences. What do you do for a living, and other than reading, what do you do for fun?
My wife and I own an on-premise winemaking store in Ontario Canada. Our customers come in to make their wine on our premises or they buy kits and supplies to make their wine at home. My father-in-law was always amazed at what a happy place it is. No-one is in a bad mood when they come to make or bottle wine. I've had the store since 1996, before that I had a corporate job which wasn't anywhere near as much fun.
How and when did you pick up your first romance? Was it in a sub genre (as in paranormal, thriller, contemporary etc)?
My first romance was Dragon Flight the first book in Anne McCaffrey's PERN series.
Anne McCaffrey's Dragonflight
I'm not sure that I knew that it was a romance; it was more the sci-fi fantasy stuff that caught my attention. I've read all of Michael Crichton's books for instance and my first books were the Star Wars books that came out of the movies. I was never much of a reader before the Star Wars books but my wife has a theory that EVERYONE is a reader once they find that one book that 'hooks' them. Sadly not everyone finds that one book….
Anyway, I was without a book to read and my wife suggested that I try Anne McCaffrey. She still complains at the speed I flew through the series of books she had on her shelves. She'd spent 25 years getting them, waiting not-so-patiently for years between books. There's an advantage to coming late to an author and I loved all of McCaffrey's books. I read them all, not just the PERN books and then sent Peg out to buy me more (she hadn't kept up on all of McCaffrey's series).
Why does reading romance "click" for you? Conversely, do you find room for improvement in the genre in general (or any sub genre in specific)?
I like the imagination that goes into creating and building new worlds and different 'spins' on old myths which is why sci-fi and fantasy caught me. I think the romance part was just there and although I enjoy it, I'm not sure it's what 'clicks' with the stories. I like to learn new things and what's better than learning new worlds or new twists to historical 'truths'? Like werewolves and vampires having been an important, secret, tool used during wars up to and including WW1 and 2. Who knew? I like it best when the new twists to historical 'truth' are firmly based in what we know – that is that the research is done and the facts are correct before the author takes it her own way into her own version of what happened. Of course when the whole world is the author's then there's no limit to where I'll follow….
Who are your favorite romance authors? Non-romance authors? Can you give a percentage (just a rough off-the-top-of-your-head guess) about how much you read of each?
Michael Crichton's books are my favourite no question but I've just finished Micro which will be his last book unfortunately (someone else finished it from his notes). Todd McCaffrey has taken on his mother's series so I'll still be watching for new ones from their worlds. I like anything around the Mayans so Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series is top of my list to be bought, Nina Bangs' Gods of the Night series too – although not Mayan it's based on the 2012 doomsday prophecy as well and she has a very interesting twist to it.
I was very happy when I heard that Jennifer Lyon had decided to self publish the next book in her Wing Slayer Hunter series (was very UNHAPPY when I heard that it might not be picked up by her publisher). We met Bianca D'Arc at a con 4 or 5 years ago and she's become a good friend to Peg and I – I read everything she writes. In addition to her dragons she has vampires, were-everything, some great 'space-opera' series and her Guardians of the Dark series is great too. There are so many excellent authors and series out there it's hard to just name a few. Right now I'm reading Mercedes Lackey's Beauty and the Werewolf and waiting for Kerrelyn Sparks's next book. And there's this amazing series called The Elder Races by Thea Harrison that I can't get enough of…..
Since my wife (who is an avid reader) is the one who passes me books for the most part I'd say that about 75% of what I'm reading now are romances. Sci-fi and fantasy exclusively though. There are several series that Peg is no longer reading but continues to buy the books for me as I enjoy them. And she has an enormous TBR pile that I take advantage of while waiting for new books from authors I enjoy. The remaining 25% of what I read are mystery and biography, travel, that sort of thing.
If you could make a wish-list of a story you would like to read but haven't yet, what would it be?
Can't think of anything, you authors have WAY better imagination than I do. I just follow along and enjoy the books.
Since I'm approaching this as a conversation, would you like to ask me something in return?
We like the approach you've taken with your Elder Races with publishing some stories though Berkeley and some through Samhain. Was that a conscious decision that you made to split the series or did it just happen?
ME: It actually kind of just happened, and I'm glad it did!
Do you have an end in sight for the series or are there still lots of ideas 'talking' to you so that we can look forward to lots more books in this series?
ME: I have lots of ideas 'talking' to me, so hopefully there won't be an end any time soon!
Is there anything you would like to add?
Well, it's rare that I have to go looking for new authors since my wife's TBR pile fills in nicely between 'my' authors' books. But I like it when there's a note on the book blurbs when they fit into specific sub-genres. For instance, I've no interest in LGBT books and there are several other twists that I'm not particularly interested in reading and it's not always clear from the description when books fit into some sub-genres. It's good when I know immediately and can move on to another book description and conversely it also helps people FIND those books when that's what they enjoy. Changeling Press does this well and Samhain has their 'warnings' as well which are good to help people find the type of books that they're wanting to read. If the pub doesn't do it then it's nice when the authors' website does.
It's been awesome to get acquainted, Dave! Thanks for the visit!
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March 7, 2012
Oracle's Moon blog tour cont'd at The Book Binge
Please join me over at The Book Binge where I introduce my office help, plus there's a giveaway!
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