Read, Read, Read
One of the most important things I learned as a new writer was that I should read plenty of books of the kind I intend to write. That wasn’t hard, because I was already a voracious reader. Whether you write or not, reading is a good thing.
Sara Davison reads romantic suspense, which is also what she writes. She belongs to 2 book clubs that often stretch her out of her (genre) comfort zone, which is (usually) a good thing. Sara has a new book, Written in Ink, coming out August 4th. It’s available now for pre-order.
Liz Dore enjoyed the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, and reads historical fiction, time travel and biography.
Lori Heffner Strauss (writing as Lori Wolf-Heffner) has been enjoying RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point series a lot. She’s been focused on clean (but not conservative) YA these past three years but breaking into sweet romance. She uses the Belmont area in Kitchener as the locale for both series, though each book in the YA series takes place half in Kitchener and half in Romania after WWI.
Sandra Wilson, who writes for children, reads fantasy and has enjoyed Peculiar Children series, by Ransom Riggs, fantasy fiction for teens and young adults.
Laurie Haughton, author of Through the Lens of Motherhood, reads the type of book she writes, and history of any kind. She also enjoys crime drama but saves those for holidays.
Karen Autio has just finished the graphic novel Allergic for young readers and is now enjoying The Rose Code, Second World War historical novel for adults. As a children’s author, she reads her genres (picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, and novels both historical and contemporary), as well as and fiction and nonfiction for YA and adults. The day doesn’t feel complete without reading!
Pauline Finch recommends Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, a historical novel about Cromwell and his various roles in the court of Henry VII. Historical fiction again.
Janet Sketchley writes mystery/suspense but she reads across genres. She leans toward mystery/suspense or science fiction, but contemporary, women’s, fantasy, and historical fiction are also on her to-read list.…She’s also reading a couple of nonfiction books. She suggests Connie Berry’s Kate Hamilton mystery series. Book 1 is A Dream of Death. Book 3 just released.…They’re clean and well done.
Finally, I recommend Musick for the King, by Barrie Doyle, for those who appreciate historical fiction.
Until next month, stay safe, stay well… and keep writing! And reading!
August 2021 newsletter, more book titles