Patrice
asked
Susan Mallery:
Hello Susan, I am an avid reader and especially love your books. I have read some of the Q&A from the past few days; and I am curious about what you like to read. Do you have the time to read other people's work, when it sounds like you have "full plate" all the time. Do you have any favorite authors of your own and do you read different genres?
Susan Mallery
Hi, Patrice. I'm glad you've been enjoying the Q&A.
I love to read, and romance is my first choice of reading material. I just love the infinite variety of romance, and the guaranteed happy ending. I have lots of favorite authors, but I've learned not to name them publicly because if I accidentally leave out a friend, her feelings will be hurt. Many of my friends are writers, and I don't want to hurt any of them!
However, I've learned that I can't read romance while I'm writing it, and I can't read women's fiction while I'm writing it. The stories get in my head, and get in the way of the story I'm trying to tell. Lately, I've turned to young adult, which I love. I think some of the best writing today is being done in young adult.
But I'm having a hard time reading that lately, too, while I'm in the midst of writing a book. I think the issue is that I connect so deeply with the characters, whether I'm writing or reading. While I have a book in progress, I need to keep that deep connection with MY characters. I need to think about them at all hours. They need to be on my mind and in my heart in order for me to write the best book possible.
So I'm going to binge-read whenever I'm between books, for a week or two at a time. While I'm writing, I need to find another hobby. I'm thinking of crocheting a simple chevron pattern baby blanket, to see if I like it. I used to do crafts all the time, so keep your fingers crossed for me!
Susan
I love to read, and romance is my first choice of reading material. I just love the infinite variety of romance, and the guaranteed happy ending. I have lots of favorite authors, but I've learned not to name them publicly because if I accidentally leave out a friend, her feelings will be hurt. Many of my friends are writers, and I don't want to hurt any of them!
However, I've learned that I can't read romance while I'm writing it, and I can't read women's fiction while I'm writing it. The stories get in my head, and get in the way of the story I'm trying to tell. Lately, I've turned to young adult, which I love. I think some of the best writing today is being done in young adult.
But I'm having a hard time reading that lately, too, while I'm in the midst of writing a book. I think the issue is that I connect so deeply with the characters, whether I'm writing or reading. While I have a book in progress, I need to keep that deep connection with MY characters. I need to think about them at all hours. They need to be on my mind and in my heart in order for me to write the best book possible.
So I'm going to binge-read whenever I'm between books, for a week or two at a time. While I'm writing, I need to find another hobby. I'm thinking of crocheting a simple chevron pattern baby blanket, to see if I like it. I used to do crafts all the time, so keep your fingers crossed for me!
Susan
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