What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed* Showing 11,401-11,450 of 13,523

[Josh]

Charming wrote: "Re: snarky reviews: I kind of think this is the wrong place for this discussion, so I will just say that I agree that posting mean reviews of your friends' books is ill advised and leave it at that..."

That's tactful. ;-)

[K.Z.]

Josh wrote: "Good cover art matters though I can't imagine it's the deciding factor for anyone."

I seem to recall some readers saying they have bought books based on the cover art. Anyway, yes, it matters a lot. (I completely abandoned one publisher, even though it meant leaving my best editor ever, because of their hideous covers. They'd become an industry-wide joke.)

BTW, what's the one L.C. just did for you, Josh? I glimpsed it but didn't catch the book's title. I just thought, Wow, that one's a knockout! The cover alone is bound to increase sales!

[Josh]

K.Z. wrote: "BTW, what's the one L.C. just did for you, Josh? I glimpsed it but didn't catch the book's title. I just thought, Wow, that one's a knockout! The cover alone is bound to increase sales!
..."

Winter Kill? Yes! I agree. That is an attention-getting cover.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Maybe ?

[K.Z.]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Maybe ?"

Yes, that's it! Very nearly 3-D, that gun -- whoa. What a great job by L.C.

[Cleon Lee]

K.Z. wrote: "Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Maybe ?"

Yes, that's it! Very nearly 3-D, that gun -- whoa. What a great job by L.C."

Agrees! That's one AWESOME cover.

[K.Z.]

Re. the blurb: I associate Lake of the Woods with Minnesota's Northwest Angle (and this haunting novel by Tim O'Brien, In the Lake of the Woods ). Didn't know there was one in Oregon.

Another addition to my TBR list!

[Josh]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Maybe ?"

I have to say that is the one story I am the most looking forward to writing this year. Not even sure why!

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Josh wrote: "Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Maybe ?"

I have to say that is the one story I am the most looking forward to writing this year. Not even sure why!"

And we reading! There's something particular convincing in someone pointing a gun at you :)

[Josh]

Speaking of reviews. Here's an author running a contest for the best worst reviews of his book. :-D

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/page...

[Josh]

Na wrote: "I once read a comment from an artist that the comparison (with another work/artist) was for the unimaginative people. Made me very self-conscious afterwards."

Hm. That's kind of harsh, though. I think it's natural enough that people compare your work with what they already know. Heck, everyone isn't a professional critic with a background of terms and theories to draw on.

For the artist being compared, I guess it does depend on who you're compared to. I've certainly had readers compare me to other writers that...I just don't see it. But usually it's a flattering comparison.

Less flattering is when someone else is compared to YOU. I've choked over a few comparisons, but I know that no insult is intended. Far from it.

[Jordan]

Wow, great cover Josh! That is rather eye catching.

[Darkm]

Josh wrote: "Na wrote: "I once read a comment from an artist that the comparison (with another work/artist) was for the unimaginative people. Made me very self-conscious afterwards."

Hm. That's kind of harsh, ..."
I hear you.
I think though that unless it's a critic, people tend to compare works by different people using a myriad of things.
As long as they specify, and it's not meant to "insult" I don't see the harm in it :)

[Sara]

Reggie wrote: "For James Buchanan fans, just saw that Laying Ghosts(Deputy Joe #3) is out. 8)"

Thanks, Reggie. I'd managed to miss that!

[Josh]

Na wrote: "Surely there was a certain resentment behind that. I can't totally disagree though and not feel embarassed. Being a twin I've known comparison all my youth. You're not seen as an individual but as ..."

We all want to think that we're unique and individual, that we stand out. Being reminded that we all run to type, both in personality and ability, is not uplifting. ;-) And it would be harder still (I think) to be a twin. Especially an identical twin.

Although I imagine that has its joys too.

[Anne]

Josh wrote: "Na wrote: "Surely there was a certain resentment behind that. I can't totally disagree though and not feel embarassed. Being a twin I've known comparison all my youth. You're not seen as an individ..."

Being an identical twin ( and a fraternal as well - we are triplets) I can attest to the fact that it is mostly a joy. But I can't pretend to be unique, since we have the same DNA. On the other hand, we are also different, so unique enough after all :)

[Alby Krebs]

K.Z. wrote: "Josh wrote: "Good cover art matters though I can't imagine it's the deciding factor for anyone."

I seem to recall some readers saying they have bought books based on the cover art. Anyway, yes, it..."

I love covers, and although I haven't bought a book solely on the basis of the cover, I have probably dismissed books if the cover is particularly bad, figuring that the quality within is also not up to par. I think cover art on a whole is very good and getting better all the time.

[HJ]

Anne wrote: "Being an identical twin ( and a fraternal as well - we are triplets) I can attest to the fact that it is mostly a joy. But I can't pretend to be unique, since we have the same DNA. On the other hand, we are also different, so unique enough after all :) ..."

I've always been fascinated by what it must be like to be a twin (I suspect because several books I read as a child featured twins). But you've added a new dimension - triplets including identical twins! I think I'm understanding correctly (given your reference to "fraternal") that two of you are identical twins while the third triplet is a brother/sister conceived and born at the same time but not identical.

If you don't mind my asking (tell me if you do), did you feel differently towards your twin than towards your other triplet - were you more connected to each other as identical twins? Do you think he or she minded that you two were identical and he or she was not?

[Anne]

Hj wrote: "Anne wrote: "Being an identical twin ( and a fraternal as well - we are triplets) I can attest to the fact that it is mostly a joy. But I can't pretend to be unique, since we have the same DNA. On ..."

No problems, I get asked this a lot. We are identical sisters and a fraternal brother, if it can be put that way :). My sister and I are very close, we are much alike, while I have never been so close with my brother, who is a different type altogether. I guess he would have felt that difference more strongly if we were three females with the same constellation. None of us live in the same city, but I talk on the phone and e-mail rather frequently with my sister, and rarely with my brother, we are frinds, just not close. As children, I was the one who had to go between the other two, probably why I ended up as a lawyer :). Mind you, I have three younger siblings as well, and have close contact with two of them, but not the third, mostly due to distance. Makes for a big family, since we all have two or three children each, it is very chaotic and lovely:)

[Johanna]

Anne wrote: "As children, I was the one who had to go between the other two, probably why I ended up as a lawyer :)."

Hah hah! :)

[HJ]

Anne wrote: "No problems, I get asked this a lot. We are identical sisters and a fraternal brother, if it can be put that way :). My sister and I are very close, we are much alike, while I have never been so close with my brother, who is a different type altogether...."

Thank you, that's fascinating. It's interesting how it is assumed that siblings ought to be close to each other, and that assumption is probably increased if you're twins/triplets. Although I know you're not saying that this is so in your family, the reality is that it is possible to dislike a sibling, or simply feel that you don't have much in common and wouldn't really stay in touch if you'd just met in some other way, but it seems to be unacceptable to say so.

I'm amazed your parents had the strength to have three more children, after looking after triplets!!

[Anne]

Hj wrote: "Anne wrote: "No problems, I get asked this a lot. We are identical sisters and a fraternal brother, if it can be put that way :). My sister and I are very close, we are much alike, while I have nev..."

You are right, my two younger sisters are very different from each other, and we all know that if they hadn't been sisters, they probably wouldn't have had much to do with each other at all. My mother use to say that is the fun thing with having so many kids, how different we are :).

I am amazed too, I couldn't have done it ;)

[Susinok]

I have bought quite a lot of books with cringe-worthy covers over the years. Even badly done self-published covers. (Not that all self-pub covers are bad. Many good examples out there but you know the type of bad cover I mean.

Although I really do appreciate a nice cover, it does not factor much in my buying decision. I'm a words girl. :) Write a good synopsis and you can get me pretty easily.

Thank goodness for Kindle, where its just a line of text on black and white. No one as any idea if the cover is bad or good when I'm reading and can't comment on it.

[Sara]

Anne wrote: "Hj wrote: "Anne wrote: "Being an identical twin ( and a fraternal as well - we are triplets) I can attest to the fact that it is mostly a joy. But I can't pretend to be unique, since we have the sa..."

That's very interesting. Thanks, Anne! And I'm with Hj - your parents must be pretty amazing to have had three more children after having triplets.

[K.Z.]

Josh wrote: "Speaking of reviews. Here's an author running a contest for the best worst reviews of his book. :-D

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/page......"

That is BRILLIANT marketing!

[Susinok]

Tharayn wrote: "Although I'm very glad too that nobody can see the covers while you read on your kindle.
Smiling like an complete idiot because the scene was so amusing is enough. I'm glad that I didn't hear the audiobook of AE on the train... ..."

No kidding! The comments I would get at work! Heheh. Mostly I just have to keep it together. Some how, no matter WHAT book I am reading, the blow job scene seems to land on my lunch hour 4 out of 5 days of the week.

[Karen]

I read Widdershins last weekend, a very nicely written paranormal/mystery with two interesting MCs. It's also an historical, more or less; it seems to be a vaguely alternate U.S. in late 1800s.

[Christine]

Josh wrote: "LOL. We'll convert everyone and add a juicing forum!"

HA! You guys are KILLING me while I read back through all these posts. My Mom-voice keeps wanting to shout, "But...make sure you get your fiber!!!"

I prefer smoothies myself. I need protein and fiber along with all that liquid sugar. I make a meal out of it. Banana, yogurt, oatmeal (dry, not yet cooked), kale (dandelion leaves are good, too), frozen berries. Sometimes a bit of hemp powder. All go in the blender. Yum!

[Susinok]

I don't like liquid food. I don't like shakes, smoothies, or any of that stuff. I want to chew my food. Preferably with a bit of blood dripping down my chin... or crunch my salad.

[Christine]

Anne wrote: "Not that long ago I would have thought it was misspelling for " snork" - which is Norwegian for "snore"."

Oh! Interesting.

I always use the word to mean something like a snicker-snort. Like, a snort-laugh. It's something I do all the time instead of a real laugh, so I often use it as an online action instead of *laughs* or *g*. So...*snork*.

And Norwegian people are probably wondering why I'm snoring at their jokes...

[Susinok]

Oh and speaking of BOOKS... I am about to start Somebody Killed His Editor audiobook. I'm excited!

[Johanna]

Christine wrote: "hemp powder"

Whaaa?! That must be one hell of a smoothie... *wide eyed grin*

[Anne]

Christine wrote: "Anne wrote: "Not that long ago I would have thought it was misspelling for " snork" - which is Norwegian for "snore"."

Oh! Interesting.

I always use the word to mean something like a snicker-snor..."

:)

[Christine]

Johanna wrote: "Christine wrote: "hemp powder"

Whaaa?! That must be one hell of a smoothie... *wide eyed grin*"

LOL!

I wish!

It, uh, doesn't have any THC in it. It's a complete protein, and has fiber to boot. "Good" fats, too. I like it because most protein powder has additives like sweeteners, and the hemp doesn't. Also, I get it buy-one-get-one. ^.~

Man, and hemp seeds themselves? DELICIOUS. IMO, anyway.

But yeah. A "special" smoothie would be...uh, interesting. My green shake would taste a little extra "green," huh? And I'd be mellow all day, that's for sure.

[Johanna]

Christine wrote: "Man, and hemp seeds themselves? DELICIOUS. IMO, anyway."

Yeah, the seeds I use sometimes on the top of the (salty) pastry. If you put them into oven they really are delicious like you said! :)

[Josh]

Alby Krebs wrote: "K.Z. wrote: "Josh wrote: "Good cover art matters though I can't imagine it's the deciding factor for anyone."

I seem to recall some readers saying they have bought books based on the cover art. An..."

Yes. That was one of the surprises about ebooks. How gorgeous some of the cover art was.

[Josh]

Na wrote: "Indeed. Though, standing out isn't really a issue when you are 'mixed twins'. Instead of being identical, you are opposite. :P"

Interesting!

In all ways? Is one twin evil and one good? ;-D

[Josh]

Christine wrote: "Josh wrote: "LOL. We'll convert everyone and add a juicing forum!"

HA! You guys are KILLING me while I read back through all these posts. My Mom-voice keeps wanting to shout, "But...make sure you ..."

I've started adding chia seeds to my juice. Good fiber!

[Josh]

Susinok wrote: "I don't like liquid food. I don't like shakes, smoothies, or any of that stuff. I want to chew my food. Preferably with a bit of blood dripping down my chin... or crunch my salad."

LOL

[Josh]

Susinok wrote: "Oh and speaking of BOOKS... I am about to start Somebody Killed His Editor audiobook. I'm excited!"

It's so well done! I mean, story aside, Brick Shop Audio does such a professional production.

[Christine]

Josh wrote: "Christine wrote: "Josh wrote: "LOL. We'll convert everyone and add a juicing forum!"

HA! You guys are KILLING me while I read back through all these posts. My Mom-voice keeps wanting to shout, "Bu..."

Chia! I can't imagine how that would taste in juice. I ate chia pudding once. It was delicious. But isn't it absorptive?

[Josh]

Christine wrote: "Josh wrote: "Christine wrote: "Josh wrote: "LOL. We'll convert everyone and add a juicing forum!"

HA! You guys are KILLING me while I read back through all these posts. My Mom-voice keeps wanting ..."

Yes. But it's not like it has a really long time to absorb anything. A spoonful and down the hatch! Aztec superfood, baby!!!!

[Johanna]

Okay, had to google chia 'cause I didn't have the finest idea what it was. :)

I add some flax seeds in some of my juices.

[Lori S.]

Josh wrote: "I've started adding chia seeds to my juice. Good fiber!"

So you've got Chia pets scattered around the house? ;0]

[Reggie]

Johanna wrote: "Okay, had to google chia 'cause I didn't have the finest idea what it was. :)

I add some flax seeds in some of my juices."

Vegan's and others watching their egg intake use ground chia seeds as an egg substitute in baking. There are some good recipes for chia pudding as Christine said. They are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

You all come here for the latest and greatest info- Chai seeds, the It food of 2013
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifes...

[Manda]

Gesh come in here looking for ideas for books to read and end up hungry and learning about Chia seeds. Love it! :) Now I need to have breakfast, with juice of course.

[Johanna]

Manda wrote: "Gesh come in here looking for ideas for books to read and end up hungry and learning about Chia seeds. Love it! :) Now I need to have breakfast, with juice of course."

Heh heh... :)

[Christine]

Lori wrote: "Josh wrote: "I've started adding chia seeds to my juice. Good fiber!"

So you've got Chia pets scattered around the house? ;0]"

lol...why would this not surprise me?

[Josh]

Lori wrote: "Josh wrote: "I've started adding chia seeds to my juice. Good fiber!"

So you've got Chia pets scattered around the house? ;0]"

I would never harm my pets!!!

:-P

[Josh]

Manda wrote: "Gesh come in here looking for ideas for books to read and end up hungry and learning about Chia seeds. Love it! :) Now I need to have breakfast, with juice of course."

Put some chia seeds in that juice!