IWSG: Reading Through a Writer's Eyes
Our February topic asked if we read differently now that we're writers. No question about it. YES! In a way, being on the other side of the book cover tarnished my innocent enjoyment of plunging into a story. As a writer, I'm a hard market to crack. I can narrow this down to two big challenges: Time and Technique.
Now that I'm busy writing during my non-8-to-5 hours, I have precious little opportunity to escape read. Things that cross my path are manuscripts I'm critiquing for others, genres I'm investigating, and my increasingly shrinking MUST READ list of authors. My Kindle runneth over with intriguing adventures I may never have the chance to take. Because time is so valued, the quality of the book has to be top notch. To keep me from dozing off during my allotted reading hour before bedtime, that book has to grab me and hold me hostage. If it doesn't move, I snooze. If I spend more than a couple of nights trying to get involved in it, I put it aside. If the prose is choppy, if the POV uneven, the editing poor, there is no second chance. There are just too many good books out there to labor over the pages. This is sad because in my pre-published days, I would push ahead, and sometimes would find a diamond hidden in that early rough.
The lessons I learned from the above are: 1) Make those first pages COUNT! They have to reach out to that finicky or weary reader to spark interest and excitement right away. Begin with the body, not the backstory. 2) Don't discount word of mouth. If a writer/reader friend is raving about something they read, yes, I will investigate. If you've read a book you love, leave a REVIEW! Clue in the time-deficit reader that this one is worth the investment. Even if it's just to say "LOVED IT!", your voice doesn't go unheard.
What are you reading, fellow writers? Are you loving it? Share the love, save an author.
Here's what's up with me: A preorder and sale book tour! PRINCE OF POWER , Book 2 in my new "House of Terriot" dark paranormal shapeshifter series will be available February 27 and is up for preorder now!
Amazon
Obsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .
Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot
Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.
Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .
Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir
Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.~ ~ ~ ~ ~For those who haven't started the series, here's a fab opportunity with my "Get It While It's Hot" book tour. Sign up to host a spotlight only or just come along for the ride and a chance at a $10 Amazon gift card. PRINCE OF HONOR , Book 1 in the "H.O.T." series will be on sale for just $.99 during the tour, from Feb. 19 to 25!
Tour Sign-Up
It's a month made for romance. Get it while it's H.O.T.!
Happy Reading!
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
IWSG awesome co-hosts for the January 4th posting will be Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Buter!
Now that I'm busy writing during my non-8-to-5 hours, I have precious little opportunity to escape read. Things that cross my path are manuscripts I'm critiquing for others, genres I'm investigating, and my increasingly shrinking MUST READ list of authors. My Kindle runneth over with intriguing adventures I may never have the chance to take. Because time is so valued, the quality of the book has to be top notch. To keep me from dozing off during my allotted reading hour before bedtime, that book has to grab me and hold me hostage. If it doesn't move, I snooze. If I spend more than a couple of nights trying to get involved in it, I put it aside. If the prose is choppy, if the POV uneven, the editing poor, there is no second chance. There are just too many good books out there to labor over the pages. This is sad because in my pre-published days, I would push ahead, and sometimes would find a diamond hidden in that early rough.
The lessons I learned from the above are: 1) Make those first pages COUNT! They have to reach out to that finicky or weary reader to spark interest and excitement right away. Begin with the body, not the backstory. 2) Don't discount word of mouth. If a writer/reader friend is raving about something they read, yes, I will investigate. If you've read a book you love, leave a REVIEW! Clue in the time-deficit reader that this one is worth the investment. Even if it's just to say "LOVED IT!", your voice doesn't go unheard.
What are you reading, fellow writers? Are you loving it? Share the love, save an author.
Here's what's up with me: A preorder and sale book tour! PRINCE OF POWER , Book 2 in my new "House of Terriot" dark paranormal shapeshifter series will be available February 27 and is up for preorder now!
AmazonObsessed with an enemy - the only female to ever walk away from him . . .
Colin . . . Prince in the House of Terriot
Brawny, cynical negotiator for his clan, Colin Terriot sees a move to New Orleans as an escape from a painful past and his reputation as a legendary lover. What he didn't expect was to fall hard for a rival spy, the female who tricked and betrayed him by leaving his bed for his brother's. Now, he now must work with her, up close and personal, as the envoy for her clan. Things are about to heat up.
Determined to have him - even if having him means losing all . . .
Mia . . . Strong-willed Guedry heir
Denied her rightful legacy, Mia Guedry plans to stake her claim over the bodies of those who killed her family. But best laid plans fall before her desire for the one male she can't resist, the one who will never trust her once burned by her necessary deceptions. Saving her Terriot prince from plans already in motion may cost more than her inheritance . . . the price could be her life.~ ~ ~ ~ ~For those who haven't started the series, here's a fab opportunity with my "Get It While It's Hot" book tour. Sign up to host a spotlight only or just come along for the ride and a chance at a $10 Amazon gift card. PRINCE OF HONOR , Book 1 in the "H.O.T." series will be on sale for just $.99 during the tour, from Feb. 19 to 25!
Tour Sign-UpIt's a month made for romance. Get it while it's H.O.T.!
Happy Reading!
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
IWSG awesome co-hosts for the January 4th posting will be Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Buter!
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