A Goodreads user
asked
Bruce Beckham:
As a writer, how do you choose reading materials? Do you select with any specific purpose or do you just read for pleasure?
Bruce Beckham
Ideally both combined!
I love detective fiction and related mysteries (eg. currently the Eric Ambler series of espionage stories set in the run up to WW2) and I began working my way through Agatha Christie as a teenager. I'm sure these help with my own writing - it is fascinating to see how plots are constructed and the extent to which clues are provided. I'd say Ruth Rendell is my favourite author in this genre.
At the moment I'm reading (among other things) Swallows and Amazons. This is a story I somehow missed out on as a kid - and since I write about the Lake District myself, I felt it was a gap in my knowledge (& essential reading since my latest DI Skelgill novel - WIP - is called Murder on the Lake). It's a children's book - but artfully written, fabulously nostalgic, and surprisingly informative - so I've really enjoyed it and just have a chapter to go.
Books I've found most engaging (and would like to read more of the same) come from Dickens, Updike, Steinbeck, Fowles, Highsmith… some epic tales and I hope each time to learn a little more about writing!
I love detective fiction and related mysteries (eg. currently the Eric Ambler series of espionage stories set in the run up to WW2) and I began working my way through Agatha Christie as a teenager. I'm sure these help with my own writing - it is fascinating to see how plots are constructed and the extent to which clues are provided. I'd say Ruth Rendell is my favourite author in this genre.
At the moment I'm reading (among other things) Swallows and Amazons. This is a story I somehow missed out on as a kid - and since I write about the Lake District myself, I felt it was a gap in my knowledge (& essential reading since my latest DI Skelgill novel - WIP - is called Murder on the Lake). It's a children's book - but artfully written, fabulously nostalgic, and surprisingly informative - so I've really enjoyed it and just have a chapter to go.
Books I've found most engaging (and would like to read more of the same) come from Dickens, Updike, Steinbeck, Fowles, Highsmith… some epic tales and I hope each time to learn a little more about writing!
More Answered Questions
Dianne
asked
Bruce Beckham:
Thank you for the insight, Bruce. I should have said that I love the Skelgill books, and am eagerly awaiting the next one to come out. Now that I think about it, Skelgill's mysteriousness regarding his personal life is rather attractive. Oh, and I apologize for my question giving Ms. Jones a promotion. She does seem very sharp, however, and I hope eventually her talent will be recognized and rewarded. ?
Ann
asked
Bruce Beckham:
Bruce: Thank you for your kind response to my query. Good to know the Skelgill series is available in paperback.Triple tabernac! I do not have a cell-phone, I will pass the info re the Kindle digital download to my daughter who DOES have a Kindle. But, I will check the books out in our library. Is the series in libraries now? I love a good mystery! Thank you. Ann Freggens Flynt
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more