How many books do you read at a time? Do you read one book cover-to-cover before daring to pick up another? Or are you like me? How many books do I read at once? Well, that depends on my mood. Sometimes two, sometimes three, sometimes waaay more. I am currently reading four books... well, actually five. But never do I read one book at a time. What's the challenge in that?
I am reading Different For Girls (Ebury Press) by former Brit pop star, Louise Wener. I read a review of it on Trashionista and just had to have it. It sounded soo amazing I had to have it right away. I convinced myself that rather than complete the rewrite my agent requested on the first book in the Hollyweird series, my time would be better spent buying a book. Us writers do this a lot. Procrastinate. But we're so creative we don't call it procrastination. We call it research for our next book.
I stopped work on the spot and rushed out to buy the book only to discover it wasn't yet available in America. So, I joined Amazon-UK. And now I have it. I've been reading it for three weeks. I know, I know--slow. But I'm really enjoying it. And oh, I now realize it's not research.
One book I have been reading for research is Forbidden History (Bear & Co) Edited by J. Douglas Kenyon. I am more browsing this book than reading it. I'm also browsing Technology of The Gods (Adventures Unlimited Press) by David Hatcher Childress. My next project is a time travel novel, and these have turned out to be quite helpful.
Finally I'm reading the delightfully enchanting The Language of Trees (Avon) by Ilie Ruby. You have got to read this book. It's not a YA or a paranormal (my favorite genres) but it is written by a former student. Yes, I taught Ilie Ruby screen writing while she was attending graduate school at USC. And get this, I am scheduled to introduce her at her West Coast reading sponsored by USC in October. What an honor. But the real reason you should read it is it's really good. I never thought I'd be intimidated by a student, but Ilie can write!
I'm also about to start Audrey Wait (Razor Bill) by Robin Benway, because my editor, Dan Smetanka, thought it would help with my voice. Can't wait.... Get it?
So, there you have it, I'm reading four (five, really) books right now, and about to start another. I think I'm going to finish one of the others before starting Audrey Wait. Every one of the books I'm reading is worth the cover price.
So, how many books are you currently reading--and why? I'd love to hear from you.
Right now I'm reading Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce because it's an awesome retelling of Red Riding Hood. I'm also taking a German Fairy Tales class, so it's interesting to compare it to the original. And I'm reading Passing Strange by Daniel Waters for September Zombies!
ReplyDeleteThe other reason I like to read 2 books at once is because one is a library book and one is a book I own. I can turn in books on time at the library while still delving into my TBR pile at home.
You read a lot of books at a time. I don't know if I could do that. :)
I also listen to books on my ipod. I just signed up to download books onto my ipod over my computer at my local library. I no longer have to go to the library to get books. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. Check out my September Zombies post on Friday. It has photos from last year's Zombie Fest!
I think I'm the worst ever about having multiple reads in progress.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, I have at least half a dozen, depending on my mood, time, and if something *more urgently uber* has come along lol
Thankfully though, I am generally able to pick right up where I've left off, and can quickly regain the particular mood/flavor inherit in each individual author's work.
Call it a GIFT ;D
Ah, so many books, so little time.
BTW E.Van, your book 'Never Slow Dance With a Zombie' was one that I read cover to cover in a single night. Witty, fast-paced and a lot of undead-liciousness ... you're quite talented so please get hopping and write another!
P.S. Out of the *goodness* of my heart ... ahem ... I'd be SO WILLING to read your next book & review it for ya ;D hehehe
Hey, M.a.d.,thanks so much for the kind words. Actually, I have a few things in the works. Both with lots of undead-lisciousness (I love that phrase. Very cool). Are you a follower? I would love for you to review my next work. Stay tuned for updates.
ReplyDeletewow i do the same thing read more then 3 or 4 at a time
ReplyDeleteyour book sounds awesome
Only one book at a time. I must let myself immerse on it and then come back up.
ReplyDeleteIf the book doesn't do that for me, I dump it!
I usually only read one book at a time. However, I am exploring the notion of expanding my writing from children's picture books to include early readers. So, I'm reading 3 early readers -- Purple Princess Wins the Prize, Chloe the Topaz Fairy, and Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix-up. Immersing yourself in kids lit can certainly keep you young!
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