Reading Wide

I recently saw a discussion in one of the Writing Groups I follow on Facebook about whether or not one should write and read in multiple genres.

I didn't weigh in, because it would have taken far too many comments for me to explain my feelings about this topic.

With that, my opinion is this:

HECK YES!

Every writer should not only read widely, but I also believe they should also write widely.

At the time of writing this I am reading Polgara the Sorceress  by David Eddings, The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell, and Coiled by H.L. Burke. The first is a high fantasy, the second is a historical fiction, and the last is a retelling of the Eros and Psyche myth.

Each is different, each contains tropes from the different genres, and all of them are good in their own way. I thoroughly enjoy several different genres. Romance, all types of Fantasy, Historical, Mystery, and Retellings each have places on my book shelves.

Reading as a writer is different than just enjoying a story. In order to improve your writing, reading with an eye towards craft is an invaluable tool. One of the best pieces of advice I've stumbled across was as a writer you should read as much as you can. But not just read a lot, examine and dissect the books you read.

Instead of simply thinking "I like this character", ask yourself why? How does the writer make you care for them? What aspects to the character bleed through the writing that hooked you?

Maybe it's the plot. Does it twist and turn and keep you guessing? Or is it simple and straight forward but the setting and characters make it intriguing.

Since different genres place emphasis on different parts of writing. By reading and asking yourself questions about these, your writing will become more well rounded.
For example:
A common error that new(er) authors stumble into with fantasy is not doing enough world building. Or to spend so much time and space in the book cramming every detail about the world, and then not have enough plot or characterization to pull the readers into the story.

All writers should read widely in an effort to better their craft and give readers books they want to read, and enjoy.

While I write mainly fantasy, I have had a lot of people that wouldn't normally read fantasy, read and love my Incalescent Trilogy. Mainly because I don't just focus on the fantasy aspects, but the interpersonal relationships and emotions behind the events in the plot.

Just because you write in one genre, doesn't mean you are restricted to read ONLY that genre.
Spread out and try different stories, ask questions, and improve your own work!

Sunday Book Review

It's the second Sunday of the month, and that means it's Book Review Sunday!
For February I was feeling a bit romantic and so selected a romance book. Wine and Children completely exceeded my expectations, but before I get too far ahead of myself, some details about the book and its author Sara Dahmen.

Wine and Children comes from award-winning novelist Sara Dahmen and was the 2017 First Place Winner of Wisconsin's Romance Writers of America Write Touch Award. The synopsis from Amazon is as follows:

Single and still smarting from her divorce, Charlotte Paggo takes a sabbatical to meander through California's wine country in an attempt to rebuild herself. Her travels lead her to meet Sam, a budding garagiste wine maker and a divorcee himself. Neither of them have any illusions about what it takes to make a relationship work, and romance is complicated by Sam's pre-teen sons.

Issues surface, from ex-spouses, children and medical emergencies. Underlying everything is the battle of Charlie's insecurities that stem from her irrevocable infertility. Like so many real life couples who hope for second chances, Charlie and Sam need to work together to discover what it might take to find comfort and happiness once more.

This novel more than delivers when it comes to details about wine making, the emotional turmoil that people have to deal with after divorce, the stigma around infertility, and the process of mature love.

I never knew as many details about wine making, and I absolutely loved when Sam would explain things to Charlie. I feel like, just by reading this book I gained insight about a hobby and passion that I didn't know about before. Dahmen definitely did her homework and included the details in such a way as to not overload and bore, but rather educated and entertain the reader.

As someone who has not been divorced, but did have an engagement end rather badly. I may not have had to deal with infertility, but starting a new relationship after mourning a previous one, is a daunting task. Despite not dealing with the exact issues Charlie has, Dahmen wrote the story in such a way that I completely sympathized, and was able to place myself in her shoes. I was almost brought to tears several times. Which is saying something as I never cry when reading!

I absolutely fell in love with Sam. I thought his character was fantastic. He was not idealized like some romantic love interests. Instead he was human, he had his own flaws as well as positives. He is the perfectly flawed match to Charlie and I found their interactions realistic. I never wanted the story to end, and found myself staying up late to read when I really should have been in bed. (Whoops!)

Wine and Children is a must read for anyone that enjoys romantic stories. Period. A truly refreshing take on the romantic story line that bucks traditional tropes in favor of realistic love that pulls on the heart stings. So grab your copy today, the eBook is on sale for $2.99, and the print book is discounted as well!

Link to book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wine-Children-Sara-Dahmen-ebook/dp/B01N2UBGCO/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Sara Dahmen's website: http://www.saradahmen.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/saradahmenbooks
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sara_dahmen/

Cover Reveal

If you follow any of my other social media, you may have noticed that the cover for Wolf's Blood was released!

I am so excited to share not only this story, but the cover. Kaitlin at Diseuno Vida Studios designed it, and she did a fabulous job! I gave her some rough ideas for what I wanted, but she took what I had and ran with it. The Celtic circle, and howling wolf are simply genius and really give the cover more substance!

Originally I was not going to write the trilogy for some years, but two years ago Bryna just kept pestering me during NaNoWriMo. I ended up writing over half of the first draft during that time. It poured out of me onto the page in rapid succession. Below is the book blurb:

Descending from generations of Loup Garou—immortal wolf shape shifters—makes living life in the modern world a bit complicated. Bryna Whealan’s nights are spent managing her family pub, and days are consumed with keeping the wolf inside controlled. Life was utterly predictable and comfortable, and she liked it that way. At least until a rogue wolf showed up, and someone breaks into her pub, creating unease through her pack.

A fateful meeting brings Ethan Donnelly into Bryna’s life, forcing her to make decisions based on their immediately undeniable bond. But due to his studies of supernatural creatures as a professor of Occult Anthropology, Ethan is a dangerous match. Bryna risks her entire pack’s safety simply by talking to him.

When her ex-fiancé rolls into town, and mysterious wolves infringe upon her pack’s territory, how will Bryna balance keeping her secret and Ethan safe? 

The book will go on pre-sale soon! I will be sure to update my social media when it does so. :) 

AND as a bonus Kaitlin is giving potential clients a 20% discount if they mention me as a referral! So be sure to mention me when contacting this fantastic artist for your own works. 

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