It never ceases to amaze me how many worlds we can go to when we read a good book. I have to stop myself when I begin a new story, make sure I have my "reader" hat on, not my "writer" hat. Since becoming a full time writer, it's difficult to read for pleasure. I find little things that bug me, and sometimes it takes me out of a good story.
And I find this with both NYC published as well as Indie published books. Ebooks as well as print books.
So, I have to remind myself, reading is enjoyment. And when I can do this, it works. I like to go where the author wants me to go, not where I necessarily want to. I want to see if she/he will bring me along without breaking the thread of my interest.
I have certain books I've analyzed and highlighted up, chopped and put into spiral books. Some because they are perfect, some because they make some classic mistakes I want to remember NOT to do.
I'm also a very slow reader, so it plays fits with me when I edit. Takes forever. The writing happens fast and fluid, but the editing, it is the bane of my existence, in some cases. So I need to read more. Feel the pulse of the books more. Lightly travel over the plot and the characters rather than hang on every word. Except for the good parts, of course. Just like I hope readers find in my books.
My early fascination with paranormal (and I still love them) was mostly due to the world building. All the characters with their special powers and super body parts. Ahem. Searing hot kisses and nights of lovemaking that can make us weak at the knees. Well, it worked for me, anyway.
But lately, I've been attracted to the military romances, since the release last week of
Accidental SEAL and
SEAL Encounter. The world building continues, but in a more interior way. Psychological world building into the hearts and minds of these real-life heroes, that I fictionalize. Let me be clear, these guys ARE fiction, pure fiction. But in romance we like to take them over the top and make them almost super human. And then let them play in the real world with ordinary bad guys and the women who come across their path. I love that.
Either way, paranormal or contemporary, I'm all in for the ride. I love to read. I love to write. I want to be taken away to a fantasy land that I've never seen before.
What about you? What kinds of places do you go in your favorite books? I guess the better question is, do you ever come back?
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Happy reading. Happy commenting. Happy reviewing.
Sharon Hamilton
Life is one fool thing after another.
Love is two fool things after each other.
