A Little Escape Reading
There are so many reasons that propel me to pick up a book. Maybe I want to learn something—about history, the world, other people, or even myself. Sometimes I pick up a book to be entertained. Sometimes I want to savor exquisite words or visit old friends. But then there are those other times, those moment’s I’m seeking completely escape from the now, an immersion in another time and place.
Escape has been much of my reading motivation over these past few weeks. Escape from the news. Escape from my four walls. And when I want a real escape read, I tend to go one particular setting: 19th century British Empire (well, I’ll go back to late 18th century, too!).
Not the classics written in the era, mind you. Even though I love reading classics, scape reading, for me, doesn’t mean working that hard. No, I tend toward romance and mystery when in escape mode. So that’s what I’ve been seeking out and devouring lately in my effort to escape the sameness of days in 2020. Here are a few authors who have feed my need (or ones I’m looking forward to!):
Julie Klassen (of course!)
I just finished The Bridge to Belle Island and loved it! I think I missed the last Ivy Hill novel, so I need to go back and get that one, too. Julie has long been a favorite in this time period!
I loved the Hawthorne House series and the first book of her Haven Manor series was great! Ready to get to the next ones in this series.
I devoured every book she has written and am eagerly waiting her new release in November!
Always a favorite, she still has several in this time period I missed and am looking forward to reading!
Did you know she has a Regency spy series? I just started the first one and it’s an intriguing story so far.
I loved her debut novel and am trying to get the ones I’ve missed before her new one comes out!
I’ve only read one of hers and glad there are more to get through.
Her new book, The Lost Lieutenant, fits right in this time period. I can’t wait to read it! (Because who wouldn’t with that cover!)
Kimberly’s debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings, is on my list! This one released yesterday. Almost at the end of the 19th century, but it still fits.
Of course these simply reflect my most current reading. They don’t include my old favorites in this time period, authors like Laurie Alice Eakes, Patricia Veryan, and Anne Perry. I know there are more out there, especially Regency romances. So I need to hear from you! Who have I missed? What should I read next?
What has been your most favorite escape read this year–the book that let you check out of 2020 and truly experience another time and place?
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When you read other author's books, does it influence you in any way when writing your novels? Do you ever have an idea and then think that you can't write your idea because someone else did?
Hi, Gayle!For me, reading a wonderful book is like taking a master class in the craft of writing. They influence me because I love to analyze what the author did effectively, discuss it with friends, and learn from it.
When I'm brainstorming ideas for new books, I only run with ideas that feel fresh and new to me. I steer clear of ideas that remind me of books I've read in the past or that feel "done". A few times, I've realized after writing my book that something about my story was coincidentally similar to an element of another author's story. That didn't stop me from moving forward, because thousands upon thousands of books are published every year, so even the most creative idea is going to bear some similarity to something else. The thing that makes a story absolutely unique is the the author's voice.
That makes sense! As well as we can only read so many books so chances are the reader may not have seen this element anyway! Thanks for sharing your God-given gift! Keep writing!
