A common piece of writerly advice that’s passed around is “Write what you know.” So, how do you write about something you know nothing about? Check out my guest blog post on Contemporary Romance Writers and find out.
Desperately Seeking Writing Support?
Check out my guest blog post on Writers in the Storm on how to gather writing support and what to look out for when you do. Hint: Support may be the least where you expect it the most.
My To-Be-Read List Is Out of Control
I just added Anne Tyler’s new book, A Spool of Blue Thread to my TBR list. That’s great, right? Except for the fact that if I read a book a day for the rest of my life, Id likely never even scratch the surface of all the books I want to read or that I would want to read, if I knew about them. (That’s another frustration, i.e., knowing there are great books out there that I’ll never know about.) I have a small stack of books that I plan on reading before the Austin Public Library issues a warrant for my arrest for overdue fines, and 5 books on hold (the maximum the library will allow). I also have a very long list on my online “library bookshelf” that I will place on hold as soon as one of my 5 spots is free. (I can’t afford to support my reading habit by buying all these books, neither do I have the space.) Oh, and I’ve kind of lost count of the books on my Kindle app that, I’m embarrassed to say, I sometimes forget are there for me to read. It’s a serious problem, especially since my reading time is often limited to the hour before I drift off to sleep, book in hand.
Despite my snail’s pace of getting through my list, it’s a process I relish. “Oohh, she’s working on a new book!” “He’s coming the local independent bookstore to speak.” “Great review in the Washington Post, gotta put that one on my list.” “I read her last one; gotta get her new release.” “She’s going to be at the Texas Book Festival this year.” (It’s not until October, but I’ve already started a countdown, and it’s a given I’ll walk away with a whole new list of TBR books.)
Reading lists are a matter of taste, and vary greatly even among close friends, but I thought I’d share my short stack. There may be something here for you:
Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyer (about half way through–thumbs up)
The Other Side by Lacy M. Johnson (it’s a memoir. Heard her speak at the Texas Book Festival last year. She became emotional when answering questions and I think it’s going to be an emotional read.)
My Father’s Wives by Mike Greenberg (It’s gotten great reviews.)
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica (Again, awesome reviews.)
I’m Having So Much Fun Here Without You by Courtney Maum (Also heard her at the Texas Book Festival and was sold on it by her reading.)
The 5-Year Plan
Earlier in the week, I attended a reading by Mary Helen Specht, author of Migratory Animals, at The Writing Barn in Austin, TX. It’s a lovely writers’ retreat and learning center—a slice of the country carved out in the heart of South Austin. I had a chance to speak with Ms. Specht one-on-one, so I asked her how long it took to write her debut literary novel Migratory Animals. I was taken aback—5 years. It took her 5 years and many, many drafts before it was “done.” But then I realized it took me 5 years to write my debut novel, You’ll Be Thinking of Me. She has an MFA; I don’t. She was a Fulbright Scholar; I am not. She has published short stories in literary magazines; I have not. Her novel is literary; mine is romantic suspense. What’s my point? The investment of time was the same and I would venture a guess that the emotional investment was as well. Only the end results are vastly different. However, I can appreciate them both for the time and effort that went into their creation and I can only hope that you, as readers, do too.
Audio Book Adventures
I’m in the process of listening to auditions of narrators for the audiobook version of my novel, “You’ll Be Thinking of Me.” I have to confess, I’ve never listened to a single audiobook. But I have good friends who spend a lot of time in their cars commuting and they are audiobook converts. They say they couldn’t survive the drive without them. My commute is from the kitchen to my desk, so I’ve never had the need or the desire. So, with them, and all the other audiobook lovers out there in mind, I’m doing it. It’s odd how voice appeal is such a personal thing. I’ve always known that certain voices can be grating, others soothing, almost hypnotic. Some people open their mouths and you think, you should be an announcer or a DJ or a do voiceovers for commercials. I listened to some voice auditions and within 3 or 4 words, I was “Nope.” Others, it was “No way” or “Not in this lifetime.” But then I found one that felt just right. I wanted to be her friend right out of the gate. It’s not a done deal yet, but I’m psyched over the possibility of having this young woman with the lovely voice saying my words. I’ll keep you posted.
Stalker on CBS
Has anyone watched the show “Stalker” on CBS? I really should have already checked this one out, but I don’t watch a lot of network television these days. In case you haven’t read my book blurb, You’ll Be Thinking of Me about a stalker and the lasting effects a stalker can have on people’s lives. Is the show worth carving out an hour for?
Things to Know About Publishing
Saw this today on BuzzFeed and it’s too good not to share. Those in publishing will nod along. If you’re not part of the publishing world, you’re sneaking a look through a peephole into the publishing world.
Densie Webb 