Doesn’t it just figure?
October 30, 2010 at 6:00 am 16 comments
I unexpectedly found myself with a couple of free hours earlier this week. It’s happened too rarely lately, and I can really see how my down time is directly tied to the amount of energy I have to write posts.
My first inclination when faced with 2 hours to myself was, “I have so many posts I want to write. I’ve gotta get crackin’!” But, it quickly became clear that I felt completely uninspired. I sat there looking at my drafts folder, and just didn’t see anything that sparked my imagination.
Then, in the midst of my frustration, I remembered the book I’m reading. Over the last week, I’ve only been able to read a few pages of it before drifting off to sleep. And, last weekend’s book club commitment took me away from in the the little amount of reading time I did have.
So, I cracked open the book and it felt so good just to read! I think that sometimes I get so caught up feeling I ought to blog, I forget the reason that I started this crazy bloggin’ adventure: my love of reading.
Now, the really ironic thing is that as soon as I started really getting into the book (Warrior by Zoë Archer, btw, which has been really great), a couple of ideas came to me that I needed to jot down for possible future posts. Because things just work like that, don’t they?
So, I’ve really been enjoying Warrior, but as usual, I’m already looking ahead to the books that came into the house this week.
I was SO excited that I won LB Gregg’s Dudleytown over at Chris’ Stumbling Over Chaos blog!
This was one of the releases I was really looking forward to this month, and I got this Halloween-themed story just in time for some spooky-sexy weekend reading. Can’t wait to read it Saturday night, while my guy is at the USC football game.
I also won a copy of The Iron Duke (The Iron Seas, book 1) by Meljean Brook over at Katidom. There has been such buzz about this book, and it’s just my kind of story! Spec fic (steampunk, actually) and romance hybrid. Most steampunk I’ve read (with the exception of Dru Pagliasotti’s Clockwork Heart) has tended toward less on the romance, more on the tech and adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing how Meljean Brook weaves it all together.
Big thanks to both Kati and Chris!
I made a brief jaunt to B&N on Monday, and picked up Kalayna Price’s Grave Witch. I hadn’t heard of it until Holly brought it to my attention. This is the first in Kalayna Price’s Alex Craft series. I always enjoy private investigators in urban fantasy settings, and Alex assists Falin, a homicide detective in catching a supernatural serial killer. And, a sexy Death puts in an appearance, too. I’m intrigued.
I was also lucky enough to receive Jill Shalvis’ Simply Irresistible in the mail this week from a little bird. I love Jill Shalvis’ writing, and Simply Irresistible is the breath of fresh air I’ll be needing after the hefty dose of paranormal and fantasy I’ve been reading and listening to lately.
A recurring theme with Shalvis’ heroines are women going off to the wilds, looking for a fresh start. In SI, Maddie’s fresh start leads her to coastal Washington and hunky contractor Jax.
This book appears to be the start of a new series, and I’m always ready for the prospect of more books by Jill Shalvis!
I also picked these up from the library:
Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings (audiobook), the first in his Stormlight Archives series, and Brenda Novak White Heat, the first in her new romantic suspense series.
Sanderson is my big fantasy discovery this year. I absolutely loved the Mistborn trilogy. This new series is being touted as his big, ambitious major work. While a 36 disc, 47 1/2 hour audiobook is a bit intimidating, I figure I’ve been doing it with Gabaldon’s Outlander series, so The Way of Kings should be totally doable.
I haven’t read Brenda Novak before, but I was intrigued by White Heat‘s setting (contemporary, romantic suspense, Arizona desert) and I always love the “security firm” setting (Troubleshooters, anyone?). I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a great series that I can stick with.
Whew! So, that’s what I’ve had going on this week. How about you? Reading any good books?
Entry filed under: book ramblings, Weekly Update. Tags: .
1.
Deb Smith | October 30, 2010 at 8:15 am
Hey!
If you like Grave Witch I can send you the first two books in Kalayna’s other series, HAVEN. Book one is ONCE BITTEN and Book two is TWICE DEAD.
All best,
Deb Smith
editor
Bell Bridge Books
2.
Renee | November 2, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Hi Deb,
I’ll keep that in mind. I’m really looking forward to reading Grave Witch, and am always excited about discovering a new-to-me author that has a back list.
Regards.
3.
Marta Acosta | October 30, 2010 at 8:55 am
Hi, Renee, I haven’t figured out how to balance blogging with writing and reading. It can become overwhelming, but I wonder how much of the work is self-imposed. Do blog readers really need so much content and do they want it every day?
I just got a copy of J.F. Lewis’s Staked and am looking forward to the cynical, funny paranormal.
4.
Renee | November 2, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Balance has been a real struggle for me these last few months, as I work a lot more hours than I used to. My creative energy seems to be the first to go when I’m tired at the end of the day.
I do think that for blog readers, the desire for more content is out there. I can see a difference in my stats if I post regularly, say 3-6 times a week. (They go up.) However, I do think that readers don’t necessarily want long posts. I know I will skim long reviews/posts and have gotten that feedback from others as well.
Ooh, cynical/funny paranormal works for me so much more than the cutesy/funny paranormal. I’ll have to ck JF Lewis’ series out.
5.
Hilcia | October 30, 2010 at 10:27 am
Renee, it’s tough to find that balance. And remembering that the love of reading is the main reason for my blogging is what keeps me going.
I have to try reading Clockwork Heart again. I loved The Iron Duke and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. But, I remember that I began reading Pagliasotti’s book and I wasn’t in the mood for it at the time. It’s back in my TBR… hmm… must try it again.
Definitely reading Simply Irresistible!
6.
Renee | November 2, 2010 at 3:15 pm
It’s good to get that reality ck now and then.
The world in Clockwork Heart is really interesting and original. It was the first steampunk I’d read. Can’t wait to start The Iron Duke!
Hoping to get to Simply Irresistible in the few days!
7.
orannia | October 31, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Congrats on winning the books and happy reading
I too am looking forward to reading The Iron Duke – I so enjoyed Here There Be Monsters!
I have problems balancing blogging and reading…and I have to confess to having this stupid rule (one I imposed) that I have to post at least 10 times in a month. I also feel (again, completely self-imposed) that I should visit everyone’s blogs regularly – at least every day if possible.
8.
Renee | November 2, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Thanks!
That’s another thing that has really suffered lately, is the bloghopping. I really miss it, but I’ve been so tired lately, I fall asleep before I get to visit much. However, this is a temporary situation, so I at least know that things will calm down soon.
9.
~ames~ | November 2, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Congrats on the free books!
I have slowly been picking up on my blogging (after being lazy for years LOL) but it really takes some effort. But I don’t pressure myself, I don’t want this to feel like a job. As long as its fun, you know?
I’m glad you’re enjoying Warrior. I have that in my tbr pile.
10.
Renee | November 3, 2010 at 9:20 am
Yeah, I think I need to remember that (and the similar promise I’d made to myself when I started blogging).
It’s a good one!
11.
orannia | November 3, 2010 at 1:19 am
I’ve been hearing things about the Zoe Archer series – worth a go?
12.
Renee | November 3, 2010 at 9:25 am
Yes! I really loved Warrior.
One of the things that is really drawing me to this series is the unconventional heroines and heroes. They are really unique, especially for historically-set (albeit paranormal) novels. They’re racially/ethnically diverse, have different professions, and the women aren’t all kick-ass heroines (I know you appreciate that).
Hope you give it a try!
13.
Chris | November 4, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I hope you enjoyed Dudleytown!
14.
Renee | November 4, 2010 at 1:40 pm
LOVED! Almost made me late for work the other day!
15.
orannia | November 4, 2010 at 4:43 pm
and the women aren’t all kick-ass heroines (I know you appreciate that).
You know me so well
My library has this series so I’ve placed a hold on Warrior. Not sure when I’ll get to it, but…it’s on the list 
And am thinking of writing a post to (attempt to) explain the reasons behind my dislike for kick-a*s heroines. Had an epiphany yesterday
16.
Dr J | November 8, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Just dropped by — can totally relate to the need for posting but it just gets away from me lots of times. I have really loved becoming a blogger–never thought I would do something like that, but it does mean that I have to ante up and get something posted. I now put aside one morning or afternoon to just write posts and schedule them to appear in the next few days. Maybe that’s cheating, but it seems to work for me, especially w ith book reviews. At least you are keeping up with your reading. So nice to be with you on Saturday . . .