I don't read as much as I used to. No, that's not quite right. It would be more accurate to say I don't read "fiction" as much as I used to. There are good reasons for that, one being that I discovered the internet and I get my reading fix there, in short snippets. Short snippets were good for a long time, because I was working 10-12 hours a day 6-7 days a week for quite a few years before I was laid off. When I would pick up a book and start reading, I wouldn't put it down again ... until it was done. Even when it meant I didn't get any sleep. That's hard on a body when one has gotten to the point they are considered "older". So it was in my own best interests when I quit reading fiction.
That's not to say that I don't occasionally indulge when it's there and I don't have anything pressing to do for a couple of days. Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, History, it really doesn't matter much as long as the story is good. I can totally immerse myself in a good story ... savor it, breathe it, live it ... and escape the chaos that is my own life, at least until I finish the book.
The other day I won a copy of "The Awakening" by Nicole MacDonald over at A Damsel in a Dirty Dress. I've been following her blog for some time, as well as other new author sites because I harbor secret 'writing' dreams myself and I enjoy reading about 'the process'. I almost never comment on these blogs because I really don't have anything to add to the conversation, but I find them very helpful in contributing to my store of knowledge. The other day she had a riddle contest, and I was the first to comment with the right answer. So yesterday I opened an email, and there it was. I opened it to take a peek and check it out. It's a good thing I didn't have anything scheduled because I was lost for the remainder of the day ... sucked right in to another world, much like the characters in her book. Yep, it was a good day.
I'm really not very good at book reports, so instead of telling you about the 'story' and risk making it sound boring (when it was anything but) let me just tell you that I really LIKED this book! It made me laugh, and it made me cry ... as all good stories do. Her characters came alive for me and felt very real, my empathy was aroused. And I can't wait until the other books are finished, I want to know what happens next.
Do yourself a favor and go check out her site @ Damsel in a Dirty Dress. There are reviews, sample chapters, advice on how to publish your own e-book, and of course a link to purchase a copy for yourself if you are so inclined.
Thanks Nicole, yesterday was the most enjoyable day I've had in a while.
