When I first started writing for publication (and was stressed about it), I read very little for almost a two years. Thank heavens I got over that! I encourage published authors and aspiring published authors to never give up reading. It keeps you fresh.
What do I like? I’m an unashamed genre reader. I read mainstream books occasionally, but I really have to be interested in the subject (and not just because it’s a big bestseller or Oprah likes it). I mostly read in three genres–fantasy/sci-fi, mystery, and romance.
My dh and I have a smallish house filled with books. We’re both genre readers, so that means paperbacks everywhere!
We’ve tried to organize it a little. The shelves are organized by genre–scifi/fantasy; mystery; romance; non-fiction; and miscellaneous–and then by author (the non-fiction is arranged by subject). We have to be that anal, or we’d never find anything! That doesn’t mean there aren’t piles of tbr books in the living room, books in the bathroom, and books piled on the kitchen table… and then we go to the library and check out more books…
What do I like to read? I love urban fantasy. It’s like a genre made for me. I like the combination of action/adventure, strong female leads, magic and magical creatures, and a little bit of romance and sex. Plot, character, romance, and magic–what’s not to love? I like Kim Harrison’s series, and am looking forward to picking up the “Kitty” series, and there are a couple of others, I want to read. And if anyone has recommendations–I’m open!
She isn’t “urban” fantasy but close: Charlaine Harris. I love the Sookie series. I’m up to book five–haven’t read the most recent two yet. Charlaine has a way of making everything so real, and Sookie is refreshingly smart. You know those people in her books! I have the first two of her “Grave” series as well, ready to be read.
A fantasy series I’m enjoying is Naomi Novik’s dragon series. Dragons in the Regency. I love it!!!! My favorite fantasy author by far is Terry Pratchett. He has a terrific imagination and he can be funny (ok, hysterical) and make you think at the same time. The men of the Watch and the witches are my favorites.
I’ve fallen away from reading many mysteries lately, but I keep on reading historicals like Elizabeth Peters and my absolute favorite–Lindsey Davis. She writes mysteries set in ancient Rome, which could seem ponderous, but no. Falco is a gumshoe with a huge, annoying family, the emperor driving him crazy, and Helena, his practical, snarky upper-class wife, who is a sweetheart underneath. The series is wonderful!
I do watch a lot of mysteries on DVD, mostly British–Midsummer Murders, any Agatha Christies and classics like Campion, Dorothy Sayers, and Ngaio Marsh, and my current favorite Foyle’s War.
In romance I still love those historicals. I know many historical authors are trying paranormals (hmm, like me!), but I still love fun historicals like those of Eloisa James and Christina Dodd. Elizabeth Hoyt is a new writer I like, and when I met her at RT, I said “Thank you for proving new historical authors can do really well!” (I might have been less coherent–I think I had a mouthful of food at the time. But Elizabeth is a sweetie.) I always have my nose in a historical and will always write them.
What bugs me in books (my peeves?). TSTL characters–hero or heroine. The fact that there is an acronym for too-stupid-to-live, and most people know it(!), means that it bothers a lot of readers! I also don’t like predictable plots, and I’ve gotten very picky about love scenes. Because I beat myself up to write the best, freshest love scenes I possibly can, I’m hard to please. If an author can still make me enjoy a love scene, no matter what the heat level, I’m very happy!
I love Elizabeth Peters and Lindsey Davis! I started reading Peters/ Michaels at 12/13, and she’s definitely my biggest reading influence. I actually think that prolonged exposure to her work had a huge influence on what I find romantic or sexy in general! I wish there were more caper-type RSes these days.
The “Kitty” series by Carrie Vaughn is fabulous. I’ve really enjoyed it. Also like the Gardella Chronicles by Colleen Gleason. And, in November Jeaniene Frost, a new author with Avon launches her Cat Crawford series with HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE. I just finished an arc of that book and loved it.
Kathryn: Good suggestions, thanks. I don’t know how readers keep up with all these series! It’s fun, though. Devon: I’ve been reading Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels a long time, too. She’s a big influence on me. She has a vibrant voice and excellent characterization. Lindsey’s Falco has a special place in my heart. I love that guy! I was fortunate enough to go to a talk by Lindsey recently and got three books signed by her. She was hysterical; I could have listened to her all night.
Mark me down as one of those genre readers too. Luckily for me our Borders has the mystery/crime, romance, and fantasy/sci-fi all next to each other so I can go down one row after another.
I don’t know if you’re still around, Jennifer, but have you seen the movie adaption of “Silver Pigs?” It’s called something else, can’t remember what. It’s pretty bad. That Australian actor, Bryan Brown (? he was in “The Thorn Birds”), is Marcus, and while he is sexy, he is also about 20 years too old.
Jaynie: I love that too. I also live near a great indie bookstore (the Poisoned Pen) that is chock full of mysteries (of course) and also historical novels, romances, urban fantasy, and scifi/fantasy. Paradise! Plus they know me there–and I feel comfortable asking for recommendations and having them order books etc. That’s where I heard Lindsey Davis speak (and got to drool on her a little. I’m such a fan-girl.) Charlaine Harris was there the same week–more drool.
Devon: I wasn’t aware of a Silver Pigs movie, and it sounds like maybe it’s a good thing! I’ll stick to the books–I’m only about half-way through the series, way behind!
Jennifer, your book room is set up like a library and bookstore, smile. I love it! I loved your historical too. Those pirates! And as you know, my favorite being the mystery series of yours with the Captain. I’ll be waiting for more whenever they come back!
I had the joy of finding out about Elizabeth Hoyt’s books here and recently read THE RAVEN PRINCE and just wow! So I just want to read so many historicals right now! My second favorite being paranormals so I have the Immortals of yours waiting to be read! Thanks for the info on the Dragon Regency series. Thats new to me. I will check it out.
I love hearing from you and authors what you enjoy reading. I have to have more reads til your next is out!