Recently, I’ve seen comments from several well-known and successful authors, stating that they do not have time to read.
This seems odd to me, given that’s what they do for a living: feed books to people to, well, read. Not to mention, isn’t it wise to keep up with the genres one writes? To pay attention to trends? I know this can be (reasonably) done by reading trade articles and chatting with other authors and following the advice of one’s agent or publisher or editor, but still… reading is fun. So it’s win-win: Enjoyable and helpful.
I get the time thing, I really do. I work a fulltime, non-writing-related job, drive a ridiculously, horribly long commute to get there, plus I have a family—specifically an attention-desperate dog (trust me, she gets plenty, it’s just never enough!)—who demand at least a small portion of my time. And let’s not forget the house that never gets clean enough and the laundry that multiplies at a rate that seems to far exceed the number of people actually living in my home.
Oh yeah, and the occasional social obligation (read: hanging out with friends/fam, which is also super important to one’s wellbeing–and provides endless story ideas, BTW). And of course, writing my own damn books for your reading pleasure, when I’m not doing all of the above. I actually long for the day when I am successful enough at this writing gig that I don’t have to have two jobs, thus freeing up time to read more.
As it stands, I don’t have the time to read a ton of books—unless of course I stumble upon a series that sucks me in and doesn’t let me quit until the last word is read (which has happened to me twice recently—more on those series later)–and then, well, everything else gets moved to the sidelines for a few days. #sorrynotsorry
But I still do read regularly, usually a couple books a month. Besides the fact that I think it actually helps me grow and improve my own writing, I find reading to be relaxing. On those evenings when my brain is simply too taxed to create fresh new words of my own, reading someone else’s is the perfect way to spend that last half hour or so before I pass out from exhaustion after a far too long day.
In the spirit of believing even authors should read, I thought I’d let you know what I’ve read lately, in case, you know, you’re looking for your next book (or author) to fall in love with…
First, there’s Santa’s Son by David S. Scott. I admit, it was a freebie when I grabbed it, but I’d noticed this book when it came out last Christmas and had actually wanted to read it then. Not sure why I didn’t, but that definitely prompted me to download it this time. And I’m glad I did. It was a short read, therefore perfect for waiting while you’re getting new tires or while standing in line at the grocery store or when you really do only have an hour or so to kill. It’s funny, sexy, cute, and despite how short it is, the hero grows and there’s a satisfactory ending, although it’s left open enough that there’s potential for a second book, should Mr. Scott be so inclined. And the book did what it was meant to do: whet my appetite enough that I’ll definitely check out other books by this author. Even if they aren’t free :).
Then there’s Max Monroe. If you haven’t discovered Max Monroe, I strongly encourage you to check them out. They are a writing duo who, until recently, kept their individual identities secret. A few months ago, they “came out” so to speak, and let the world know who the real authors were behind these hilarious romcoms, which means obsessed fans like myself can now read the books they’ve each written individually as well.
The series that got me hooked on these two authors (and one of the series I mentioned above, which I read obsessively until the last book) is St. Luke’s Docuseries. There’s Dr. Ob, Dr. ER, and Dr. Neuro, in reading order. It’s a hilarious (and yes, sexy!) series, and these two are seriously talented writers, and I devoured these books like the finest (okay, whatever I could get my hands on) chocolate. I even put my own writing on hold because I couldn’t focus on anything other than the characters in these books. They are best if read in order, however, Dr. ER was my favorite, hands down. I loved these romcoms so much that there are several other Max Monroe books now loaded to my iphone.
I’m an equal opportunity reader: I love contemporary and paranormal. I’ll read science fiction, I’ve read and loved a handful of reverse harems; and a good chic lit or women’s fictions makes me feel warm and fuzzy too.
With that said, the other series that hooked me to the point of near obsession is the Muse Chronicles by Lisa Kessler. Yes, it’s PNR. It’s about gods and muses and mortals who are bestowed gifts from the gods, but only if they meet (and of course, fall in love with!) their destined muse. There are seven books in the series, and I am currently halfway through the final book. I kinda want to slow down, take my time, because I don’t want it to end. It doesn’t help that so far, this is the best one of the series. To be honest, each book is better than the last. Lucky for me, this author has a bunch of other books published, so when I finally do turn that last page, I will have something fresh and new to jump right back into.
When I’m not working on my own books, that is. Which will happen, rest assured. Because yes, reading is just as important as writing, if that’s the career path you’ve chosen.
~Tami Lund