Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
KC wrote: "While browsing here i came across Sarah Caudwell - she only has four mysteries (the classic type), but i remember them fondly, as being interesting, very well written, and a lot of fun."Aren't they fun? Do you think Hilary is a man or a woman? And did you just assume one or the other, or did you wonder, and have to think about it?
Becky wrote: "I just finished A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn. It was soooo good, y'all. I can't recommend it enough."I loved it too. Did you know that coincidentally Lauren Willig, who is also principally an author of books set in the nineteenth century (albeit Napoleonic rather than Victorian) , has also written a book set in Kenya during the same period? It is also excellent: The Ashford Affair.
She and Deanna are friends and couldn't believe it when they realised they'd each departed from their normal period and were publishing books within days of each other set in the same time and place. I read them back-to-back and it was a good example of how the same brief outline can encompass two completely different books.
I'm just beginning Chained Melodywhich looks to be a great story so far, but darn, I wish she had gotten a decent edit job. The subject is drawing me in but it's taking much to not get sidetracked with the editing mistakes.
I am reading The Fight for Identity by Andrew Grey. He's sort of a comfort read author for me. His books always deliver a good story. He's one of the more prolific authors out there, but I don't see him getting as much attention as I thought he would.
Susinok wrote: "I am reading The Fight for Identity by Andrew Grey. He's sort of a comfort read author for me. His books always deliver a good story. He's one of the more prolific authors out there, but I don't se..."His stories are good but suffer from bad editing.
Hj wrote: "KC wrote: "While browsing here i came across Sarah Caudwell - she only has four mysteries (the classic type), but i remember them fondly, as being interesting, very well written, and a lot of fun."..."Ha! I forgot about that... interesting... I think i assumed/decided(??) that Hilary is a woman and that she's gay (talk about projecting!) :-) it would be interesting to reread them. But i also seem to remember that my focus was more on the language/writing and the mystery and the characters didn't stand out as much.
What did you think?
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I'll be finishing A Shared Range today and my goal is to finish the second in that series by the end of the week. The one main Character looks on the cover and is described like a 14 year old, which makes mefeel weird about it.
Susinok wrote: "I am reading The Fight for Identity by Andrew Grey. He's sort of a comfort read author for me. His books always deliver a good story. He's one of the more prolific authors out there, but I don't se..."For some reason, Andrew Grey's books and I don't click. I've read one book of his that was okay and then another that I just couldn't finish. Since then I've kinda steered clear of his books...
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I lot of what I know about understated romance and witty dialog, I learned from Stewart. Stewart and Heyer. They were mother's two favorite writers.
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Tey is another of my "re-read frequently" favouri..."
I like her standalone's best. Her Alan Grant books are solid mysteries but I could never really connect to Grant.
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That's fascinating. It does happen!
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He seems popular enough. I've not been able to get through one of his books, but I think it's because he writes a lot of domestic drama stuff, which I'm not interested in.
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I'm about to sign with Entangled Publishing. Apparently they do two to three rounds of edits with two to three different content editors and THEN copy and proofing edits. So that should be interesting. If that isn't sufficient editing, I don't know what would be.
Josh wrote: "I'm about to sign with Entangled Publishing. Apparently they do two to three rounds of edits with two to three different content editors and THEN copy and proofing edits. So that should be interesting. If that isn't sufficient editing, I don't know what would be."Congrats -- and good luck! Early on, I did 3 rounds each of content, copy, and proof for a grand total of 9 passes. God knows I had a boatload of bad habits to unlearn and true, other things went wrong. But nevertheless. Author fatigue doesn't begin to describe it. I loathe that book with the fire of a thousand smut writers to this day. Sequel? *SNORT* Over my cold rotting corpse.
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I'll be busy with my summer reading list from June through August (8 ya fictions, 3 non-fic, and 6 MM novels!) but would definitely like to give her a try. Perhaps in September.
And speaking of that summer reading list, I forgot to blog about it. I'll have to get on that!
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I'll be busy with my summer reading list from June through August (8 ya fictions, 3 non-fic, and 6 MM novels!) but w..."
I think The Moonspinners is the perfect book to start with -- which is why Disney turned it into a movie. I say "turned it into a movie," but there's really very little resemblance to the original book.
Jordan wrote: "For someone who's never read Mary Stewart, what's the best book to start with? I'll be busy with my summer reading list from June through August (8 ya fictions, 3 non-fic, and 6 MM novels!) but w..."
I have read her Arthur books several times. The first time was in High School. The Crystal Cave (Merlin, #1). I loved them.
I will be watching to see which mysteries get recommended!
Josh wrote: "I'm about to sign with Entangled Publishing. Apparently they do two to three rounds of edits with two to three different content editors and THEN copy and proofing edits. So that should be interesting. If that isn't sufficient editing, I don't know what would be.""Sufficient" depends on the aptitude of the editorial staff, methinks. But, wow, that does sound impressive. Good luck!
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Well, if I still need a huge amount of content editing at this point, I probably oughta hang it up. My content edits are generally minimal. My copyedits on the other hand...!
Josh wrote: "I lot of what I know about understated romance and witty dialog, I learned from Stewart. Stewart and Heyer. They were mother's two favorite writers. "Oh yes, Heyer is mistress of witty dialogue and description. Her secondary characters are so vivid, especially the ones that are ridiculous.
Josh wrote: "Mtsnow13 wrote: "I'm just beginning Chained Melody, which looks to be a great story so far, but darn, I wish she had gotten a decent edit job. The subject is drawing me in but it's taking much to n..."As an avid reader, former military newspaper editor, and someone who sees so much potential in new authors who venture into self-publishing, I went ahead and threw myself into proofreading as a sideline to my day job.
Needless to say, proofreading M/M books is quite different then military newspaper copy. I guess I am hoping in some small way I can help in the task of a good story not getting lost after the first few pages of mismashed plot or scrappy placement of punctuation or an author forgetting the name of one of their supporting characters that were called by a different name on page 20 vice page 120.
That is one thing I can say about Josh 's books that are such a pleasure. In all my reading of his stories, I can say these things are not a concern. Good luck with the new publishing company, Josh!
KC wrote: I think i assumed/decided(??) that Hilary is a woman and that she's gay (talk about projecting!) :-) it would be interesting to reread them. But i also seem to remember that my focus was more on the language/writing and the mystery and the characters didn't stand out as much.What did you think? ..."
I've never been able to make my mind up! I think I thought Hilary was a woman when I first read them, and then I realised that the author carefully avoided using a third-person pronoun for her and so wondered. I think Hilary could well be a man. But I agree with you that the mystery and writing are the best aspects of the books - though I do love the banter and interplay between the characters.
And I did just complete
and would still recommend the story highly, despite the lack of editor. If a publisher would grab hold of this book, I believe it has good potential. The story moved me greatly. It isn't really a romance, but stirred emotions in me that I suppose many of us avoid. I suppose I had to come to terms with myself as far as discomfort or unfamiliarity of what takes a person into a journey of questioning if they were born in an 'alien skin'.
Katharina wrote: "Susinok wrote: "I am reading The Fight for Identity by Andrew Grey. He's sort of a comfort read author for me. His books always deliver a good story. He's one of the more prolific authors out there..."I have to say I have tried many times to get into any of Andrew's stories as they seem to always have decent following and ratings. But honestly, most of the ones I have started of his have been abandoned into my dnf pile, which is a big deal for me as I hate to leave stories unfinished. His characters just don't pull me in, and I think I must not feel his style as much as his blurbs and subject matter sound interesting to me.
Jordan wrote: "For someone who's never read Mary Stewart, what's the best book to start with? I'll be busy with my summer reading list from June through August (8 ya fictions, 3 non-fic, and 6 MM novels!) but w..."
I agree with Josh that The Moonspinners is a good one to start with. It's set in Crete. Almost all her romantic suspense books were written in the late 1950s and 1960s, so they're dated - but that also means that they're very evocative of a time which has gone. I also love Madam, Will You Talk? and Nine Coaches Waiting, which I think were the first ones I read.
Josh wrote: "Hj wrote: "And the stories are so good! ..."
I lot of what I know about understated romance and witty dialog, I learned from Stewart. Stewart and Heyer. They were mother's two favorite writers."
Maybe that's why I like your books so much; they're both high on my list of comfort re-reads.
I also just completed Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane. She seems to be getting better and better. It was a good one, as I seem to expect from her.
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Why does The Crystal Cave sound so familiar to me? Oh yeah, cause I think I sit near that book everyday at work. *smacks forehead* now that it's been recommended, I'll check it out.
Thanks guys!
Jordan wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation, Josh! The Moonspinners looks fabulous. Why does The Crystal Cave sound so familiar to me? Oh yeah, cause I think I sit near that book everyday at work. *smacks fore..."
The Crystal Cave trilogy is the story of Merlin before during and after Arthur. It is a very good trilogy. I even had it taught to me in high school. I was taking a mythology class.
I went to a HUGE high school and I had m pick of English classes. In my senior year I was able to take science fiction, mythology, independent reading (we had a list of topics we had to hit), Shakespeare, and the ubiquitous English Lit I and II.
Although I love Mary Stewart's romantic suspense/mysteries, I've never read the Arthurian books. I suspect it's because I don't like fantasy. I hear they're very good, though.I'm jealous of your choice of English classes, Susinok. Our English classes were pretty mundane - and involved no choice at all!
I just started the "Amethyst Cat Caper" by Cochet. Really liking it and how she weaves period slang throughout.
Mtsnow13 wrote: "I also just completed Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane. She seems to be getting better and better. It was a good one, as I seem to expect from her."I love Amy! But I have to be a little careful which of her books I read when. She can make me ugly cry like nobody's business.
Hj wrote: "KC wrote: I think i assumed/decided(??) that Hilary is a woman and that she's gay (talk about projecting!) :-) it would be interesting to reread them. But i also seem to remember that my focus was ..."The banter and interplay are great, i agree. And Caudwell navigates that missing pronoun, and the character of Hilary which remains gender neutral, with a lot of skill. Even if it doesn't bear on the activities in any way, it is pretty cool nonetheless that she took the time to make that point while writing a really fun and good plot.
Btw, would you know of other mysteries that have a similar writing style?
Mtsnow13 wrote: "Katharina wrote: "Susinok wrote: "I am reading The Fight for Identity by Andrew Grey. He's sort of a comfort read author for me. His books always deliver a good story. He's one of the more prolific..."Well, I don't have that big of a problem with domestic topics (as long as there's something interesting going on ;-D), but I just don't feel the writing style, the pacing, and the dialogues in his books. I can't even put my finger exactly on what it is, but it just doesn't suit me. Glad I'm not the only one who's not a fan, though, 'cause I was always a bit surprised by the high ratings...
KC wrote: "Btw, would you know of other mysteries that have a similar writing style? ..."None come to mind instantly, but I'll give it some thought!
ETA - this is what the Literature map/cloud came up with: http://www.literature-map.com/sarah+c...
Hj wrote: "KC wrote: "Btw, would you know of other mysteries that have a similar writing style? ..."None come to mind instantly, but I'll give it some thought!"
:-)
I am not that impressed with the literature map.
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When they did, it was like a light switch went on. The young guy suddenly realized every little trick his BF had been doing to alienate him from his friends and keep control over him.
There was other unrealistic stuff that happened too. That one was pretty bad. But for the most part my problems have been with what I'm assuming is unedited word padding where we get every detail about opening the car door, getting out, locking it, walking up the front walk... Or other random actions I don't need to know about.
I'm a sucker for abuse stories where the abusive one gets it in the end and the nice guy finds the right partner. But not this one. It was too fantasy perfect. Stories like that never tie up that nicely. Despite the unexplained parts that drove me nuts.
His Love Means... Series I liked though.
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Jordan wrote: "Just picked up Mahu Blood on my writing break. Just as good as the other books in the series so far and just what I needed to read for awhile. :-)"I loved Mahu Blood! All of the Mahu books are wonderful.
I finished The Fight for Identity and really liked it. Not sure what you guys mean as domestic. Grey mainly writes contemporary romance and contemporary western romance. Some of his books have kids in them, but not many.
Next up, Never a Hero by Marie Sexton. The Tucker Springs books have all been fun, and very good, regardless of author.
I'm enjoying Tucker Springs, too. I like moving through connected characters, but with multiple authors splashing in the pool it stays fresh.
Jordan wrote: "The last Grey book I read was about a young guy who'd been in an abusive relationship. what I'm assuming is unedited word padding where we get every detail about opening the car door, getting out, locking it, walking up the front walk... Or other random actions I don't need to know about. ..."Exactly! I read one and I thought, okay there's possibilities here. So I tried another and it was 'taking key fob out of his pocket and pressing the button.' I gave up and wondered what all the fuss is.
Becky wrote: "I'm enjoying Tucker Springs, too. I like moving through connected characters, but with multiple authors splashing in the pool it stays fresh."Tucker Springs is a cool idea. I've only read the first three. If I ever have to use a laundromat again, it'll be a fight to keep my mind out of the gutter.
Funny how when someone agrees with your taste they mention it and move on. But when someone disagrees, then the conversation seem to take on a life of it's own. I'm feeling a little picked on here. I doubt that is how it's intended, but still.Finished Never a Hero. It was very good. Owen's constantly criticizing mother reminded me of my own. It was a bit uncomfortable, but I could relate to him, that is for sure.
On to Flawless by Cat Grant.
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The direct flight is a one hour trip, but my one-stop (that got me there when I wanted) took 3.5 hours... and gave my a lot of extra reading time. Then we drove back from Tucson today, well my husband drove, and I had another almost 7 hours to read.
So I read Damon Suede's Horn Gate, Measure of Devotion, and I'm about two-thirds through The Song of Achilles. Song of Achilles was my print book for the plane, but I was alternating with Measure, and also re-reading Chapters 6 and 7 of CUTYS. A bit random, even for me. :-)
Measure is one of the stranger books I've read recently. I tend to avoid traditional (not D/S "play") master-slave stories. This was also more drawn out than I thought it needed to be, but I appreciated that the author didn't take the usual resolutions to tidy things up. However, I really should read summaries more closely, because I did not realize that this is part of a series (or the first of two books?) and was gut-punched by the ending.
Meanwhile, I'm reading Song of Achilles and loving it, but I have to take breathers there also, sometimes to savor and other times to steel myself for the inevitable. I started this a couple of months ago, set it aside, and restarted it this weekend. I think it's amazing.
Karen wrote: "I spent my weekend celebrating nieces. One niece danced the lead role (Swanhilda) in Coppelia Friday evening. The next morning I flew to Tucson (via Las Vegas) for another's niece's college grad pa..."You can read in the car? Lucky you!
I get terrible motion sickness (and yes, I was in the Navy before). My motion sickness consists of me snoring all day long. It makes me extremely sleepy. I am a terrible copilot. I sleep all throughout long car rides (unless I am driving :P ). I've only ever been really ill (as in spewing out my guts) in a tiny little wooden boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles off the coast. I was in the Galapagos Islands (not a Navy assignment).
Susinok wrote: "Funny how when someone agrees with your taste they mention it and move on. But when someone disagrees, then the conversation seem to take on a life of it's own. I'm feeling a little picked on here...."I don't think you should feel like you are picked on, if anyone should, it is probably Andrew Grey (who I don't know anything about) :)
I think it is easier to find arguments for why we don't like something than why we like it, which is kind of sad in general, come to think about it. It is quicker to say I agree, if one disagrees, one feels the needs to argue why, you know.
I think you should continue to read his books for comfort and think that here in this group we are so many and diverse, living all over the world, doing different things with our lives, we are bound to disagree in a friendly way now and then.
But we all agree we like Josh's books and we like it here :)
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
Books mentioned in this topic
Chained Melody (other topics)The Far Pavilions (other topics)
Death in Kashmir (other topics)
The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood (other topics)
Mistress of the Art of Death (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
M.M. Kaye (other topics)Elspeth Huxley (other topics)
Lauren Willig (other topics)
Charlie Cochet (other topics)
Damon Suede (other topics)
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Tey is another of my "re-read frequently" favourites. I find Miss Pym Disposes very sad, and so I don't like it as much as Brat Farrar, which is one of my top favourite books of all time. The Franchise Affair is another well-done standalone, I think.