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 Do you read any author’s blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?
This is a funny question for today because I just discovered a new one! Susan Higginbotham commented on my post yesterday and I didn’t realize she had a blog, much less one where she talks about history, and she even has another one on Richard III. You don’t want to know how quickly I added that to my google reader and how I’m a little ashamed I didn’t find it before!
I love author blogs. Getting that little peephole into the brain of my favorite author is fantastic. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I think I like it best when they discuss things other than books, like other interests, daily activities, whatever. I was thrilled when Sharon Kay Penman started a blog. Even though it probably takes time away from her exciting new book, it’s very exciting to hear about the life of one of my favorite authors and her thoughts on what she is doing outside the fictional world. Her latest post was just yesterday. These are the authors I support by buying their works in hardcover (unless I am offered an ARC, and sometimes even then) because I feel if they make the extra effort, I should too. I’m sure it’s also because I think of them as celebrities in some sense and it’s so exciting to discover that authors are people who yes, can write extraordinarily well, but who are mostly just people that somehow are okay with talking to little insignificant me.
I also read Brandon Sanderson’s blog, George R.R. Martin’s blog, Michelle Moran’s blog, John Scalzi’s blog, and Neil Gaiman’s blog (I think everyone reads that though). Probably some others too. Nan Hawthorne’s blog and Patrick Rothfuss’s blog. James Dashner’s blog. Jaci Burton’s blog. Oh, and can’t forget Lynn Flewelling’s blog. And now I’m going to stop looking through my google reader because I have stuff to do today, but I think there are still more. I may add them later. I’ll probably discover more as I go through everyone else’s posts anyway!
Have you ever been put off an author’s books after reading a biography of them? Or the reverse – a biography has made you love an author more?
Actually, no to both. I don’t normally read biographies of authors, for one thing. I suppose I would if I was interested in reading more non-fiction, but at the moment I’m getting plenty of that. I do find their lives interesting, but in general I’m not a huge fan of history after the 15th century, which is before the development of the novel (and before a comprehensive biography of almost any author could be composed anyway). So that puts me off right to start. Secondly, I commented on this at Maw Books Blog a while ago, and I firmly believe we should separate the art from the artist. Just because an author has horrible beliefs or has done horrible things doesn’t make his/her work bad, and it goes the other way around too, because you can be a fabulous person but incapable of writing valuable works. I’m sure a number of authors had opinions we’d all be firmly against now because it was commonplace then. So we’d have to eliminate whole swathes of literature. Honestly, just think about what Chaucer must have believed; many of us have discovered that the medieval period was a whole different world, but that doesn’t make The Canterbury Tales less valuable.
So, learning that an author has horrible beliefs would definitely put me off the person and I wouldn’t want to meet them, but if they kept that belief out of their work and it was still interesting and entertaining, I would read it. Normally, I won’t even know, so this is not a big issue for me. I can’t ever recall a time when I liked an author’s work more for knowing something about them.
 Since “Inspiration” is (or should be) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?
Well, this is hard to say. I’ve always been inspired to read, really. I have loved it since I could understand it and even before that I loved being read to. These days, my reading is inspired by what I’m looking for at the time. Sometimes, I’ll want to be absorbed in an epic, huge story with fantastic characters and an intricate plot. This is often why I read fantasy, because sometimes I need that escape. I think, however, that my reading is inspired by the fantastic, top-of-the-line books that exist, but you never know which one is going to be it for you.
Let me trot out my favorite example here. A year and a half ago, I was taking a literature class that, in all honesty, I sincerely disliked. Modernism and I do not get along, particularly modernism of the Irish variety. Perhaps it is brilliant, but I simply do not like it. I slogged through the reading for the class, perplexed why everyone was enjoying the books that I was not. I arrived at the next book on my list, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. I didn’t expect anything from it, in fact thinking it would be a chore like the rest, if a short chore. Imagine my surprise and delight that I completely adored it. It immediately shot to my favorite book of the year. I can truly say it was inspirational because ever since then, I’ve been searching for that effect, that broken heart, hopeful, simply blown away feeling. I’m not sure why that book did it for me – I’m not sure I want to read it again in case it’s ruined. But I loved it and I’m inspired to search, to see what else is out there, to keep on reading in search of these diamonds amidst a sea of lesser precious jewels. There are many good books, but there are only a few that truly inspire me to keep on reading. I always enjoy the search because I love to read, but I do think it’s those stunning books that make all the difference.
It’s a week or two later than you’d expect, and it may be almost a trite question, but … what were your favorite books from 2008?
Well, I already compiled a list! With packing and getting ready to fly tomorrow, I don’t have time to make a new one. So, here it is again in case you missed it the first time:
So … any Reading Resolutions? Say, specific books you plan to read? A plan to read more ____? Anything at all?
Name me at least ONE thing you’re looking forward to reading this year!
My main resolution is to read 200 books. I don’t know if I can do it, but I’m willing to give it a try. In reality, I’d just like to top this year’s total of 184. I’m sure that’s the most ever! One of my other goals is to re-read more. I have so many books I’d like to read over again, but with a now 300+ TBR pile, it’s nearly impossible to justify that to myself. So I want to focus more on what I want to read, not on what I’m supposed to be reading. That said, I’m also on a mission to clear out my ARCs. I think I’ve received almost everything I requested and plan to only ask for books I really want to read from this point forward. Before I go back to England, I’m trying to read all my outstanding books for review; i.e., the ones that have already been released. I still have a few there and those will be my first priority when I arrive.
Finally, I’d really like to complete some reading challenges! I failed miserably last year so I’m trying again. I have three small ones on tap, along with the big 200 one, and with the number of books I read, I really should be able to complete them.
1. Do you get to read as much as you WANT to read?
(I’m guessing #1 is an easy question for everyone?)
2. If you had (magically) more time to read–what would you read? Something educational? Classic? Comfort Reading? Escapism? Magazines?
Well, I could always read more. So many books wait to be read that I’m sure I could spend my life reading if I didn’t need to do anything else. To be honest, though, I feel that I have enough time in my life for reading right now. It’s one of my few leisure activities so I don’t have much that gets in the way. And I’m one of those people who is really, really good with budgeting time, if that makes sense, so I make time if something’s interesting.
I think if I spent all my time reading, I’d probably go with more interesting non-fiction. Right now, it takes me a while to read it and I have to read so much for my degree that I struggle with justifying the time and the need to learn more when I’m already learning a lot. There are so many subjects I’d like to read a bit about though that I think I’d take the time if I didn’t have anything else to do. Right now, my personal reading is all about what makes me happy, rather than to learn. I’d probably read some more classics as well. I keep meaning to do that, but then new books call out to me, and they’re so hard to resist!
1. Do you have a favorite author?
2. Have you read everything he or she has written?
3. Did you LIKE everything?
4. How about a least favorite author?
5. An author you wanted to like, but didn’t?
1. I would struggle to pick just one. I guess it would have to be Sharon Kay Penman if I did. But I love so many more authors – Guy Gavriel Kay, Robin Hobb, Jacqueline Carey, Brandon Sanderson, Michelle Moran, Stephen King, Bernard Cornwell, George R.R. Martin, Jane Austen, and Edith Wharton, to name just a few.
2. I have not read all of their literary output, no, not even Penman’s, mostly because I haven’t read her medieval mysteries yet. I have the first one now so I’ll be getting on with that someday. I think I’ve read the majority of the works of my favorites, though. I’ve read all the currently published novels by Guy Gavriel Kay, Robin Hobb (as Robin Hobb, not the Megan Lindholm stuff), Jacqueline Carey, and Michelle Moran. The other authors are either dead, so I’m not wanting to rush through what they’ve written – I’ve had Emma waiting for ages but I can’t bear for it to be the end – or their previous writings are science fiction – GRRM – or they simply have so much that I haven’t gotten through it yet or am not sure I want to and those two are Bernard Cornwell and Stephen King.
3. Mostly, yes. There are a few scattered books that I liked less than others, I found parts of the Welsh trilogy extremely difficult to read, but that doesn’t make them any less brilliant or compelling. I’d say the most uneven of the list of favorites up there is Stephen King, he’s got some books out that I think are pure brilliance and some that I just don’t know how they came from the same man.
4. I don’t know if I have a least favorite author. I don’t think so. I have books I didn’t like, but usually I won’t read more by them if I didn’t like the first one. Oh, there is an exception here, Steven Erikson. Everyone seems to love his Malazan series, and they recommend it on the basis of one of my favorite authors, GRRM. I’ve read the first two. Didn’t get it. I even bought the third on the off chance I’d like it after that, but I can’t bring myself to read it. I’m thinking I should give up and weed his books out of my library, but part of me worries I’ll be missing something great.
5. Probably the above author. I really, really want to see what’s so good about these books.
Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.
Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.
So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?
This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.
So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.
I’m not in the US this year and I’m missing out on my grandma’s lasagna because of that. For me, it’s always been about the Italian food that my Italian grandma makes (my mom makes it too, and well, so do I, I’m a lucky girl!) rather than the turkey and traditional “American” foods. And instead of Thanksgiving dinner, I have an essay and translation to do. Lucky me. Regardless, I am still thankful for a large variety of things!
I think number one is my fiance, who really is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, corny as that is. Hey, isn’t this a corny holiday anyway? He’s incredibly supportive all the time, which I know is better than I can manage, and he makes me very happy.
Second, my parents, of course, who are also very supportive and I’ve never doubted how much they love me. We’ve been through a lot (that’s an understatement) as a family and I’m glad the three of us at least are still here and mostly healthy, even if we’re missing one crucial member.
I’m very grateful for my friends, who are without exception far away right now, but are the best and closest I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to see them again.
I’m also thankful for my opportunity to study here, in my opinion the most beautiful and inspiring medieval city in England, doing something that I love without reservation; so many people don’t get even that last part let alone the first. I’m also very grateful for my books and my love of reading (more thanks to my parents for that one) and my ability to escape into another world at will. Two more – I’m grateful that I can cook well and have food to cook with, and finally and perhaps most importantly, I’m glad that everyone I love is mostly healthy and not in imminent danger, and while far away right now, I’m happy that I can see them all soon.
And now back to my persistent essay, I promise I will review (and read) books again once it’s done and in! I hope that is today.
I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.
Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?
I think we all know where this question is coming from. No, I do not think that we are obligated to put up a good review of a book. I think every time the author sends their book out for reviews, they are taking a chance that the reviewers won’t like it; they are not paying for free positive marketing. I’ve heard that even negative marketing helps – now all those blog readers know your book exists and even if you don’t like it, one of them might like the premise for it – but none of this impacts what I say in my reviews. I say what I think.
I don’t have a disclaimer on my blog and I’m not afraid to give a negative review. I will be polite, however; I will describe what I did not like and I will describe what I did like. I recently read a book which I was dying to love, both author and publicist were incredibly nice and helpful, but I found something in it that I did not like. It would have been easy to leave that out of my review since I loved the rest of the book, but I didn’t, because it is my goal here to be honest and to help other people find great books to read. If my problem doesn’t bother them, that’s great, they should go read the book, but if it does, now they know it exists.
I’ve never been harassed by an author. I’ve been fortunate in that even when I do not like something, the author has never lashed out at me. And I get a fair number of review copies. I will continue to review books. I will not trash any of them; I will give each of them a fair shot. If I don’t like it, I’ll say so, but I’ll try to find the positive. If there is no positive, I don’t know what I’ll do, but I’d email the author before I wrote anything in this public space if I found the book to be absolute trash. I have read trash, but luckily none of it was sent to me for review!
What are your thoughts?
I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?
Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?
If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?
I am a buyer. I like to own my books. I like to look at them, I take a lot of pride in having so many, especially at my age, and I love that I can re-read them at will. Well, when I’m with them; they won’t be moving in with me again for the next year at least and I’m not sure when I’ll be living in a permanent enough place to deem it worth it to drag them all out of my parents’ house. Still, I know that they are there and waiting for me. I just don’t feel the same way about library books. I borrowed Sharon Kay Penman’s Welsh trilogy from the library and I have wanted to own it ever since. I bought a ton of fantasy books that I had previously borrowed from the library. The thing is, if I’ve read it and enjoyed it, I want to have it. So the library makes my “condition” worse in that now I’ve read the book, I want my own copy, but I’m not likely to read that copy for years.
I have recently “re-discovered” the library. It makes sense right now; I do not have a job and I’m living on money that I set aside for this specific purpose. I’m spending as little as possible and books don’t fit into my budget right now, even though I walk past five bookstores each day. Yes, five. It’s torture, believe me, so I console myself by going to the public library. The problem is that I know I’m going to want a number of these books and I’ll be spending money on them someday – but as long as I can put off that day until I have a reliable income, I will do so. Books are my main entertainment, so if I see one that I am particularly eager to read I will still buy it (especially when it’s 50p) but I am not looking on purpose.
On an unrelated note: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson finally came in the mail! Woohoo! Just Old English translation is standing in my way now.
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