Whatcha Readin'?

I went to Borders on Saturday (after a three-week bout with pneumonia that forced me to stay home and out of book stores). I spent some money. Ok, I spent lots. What can I say? Three weeks without shopping for books for me would be the equivalent of most people living without water for three weeks.

I made a vow, though, to read at least five books before I buy another one. That's not hard for me. Although, I recently got addicted to a TV show and want to spend all of my time watching the three seasons. It's Veronica Mars, if you must know. I'm a little upset that the show was canceled but heard from my friend, Travis, that the proverbial "they" plan to make a movie to tie up the loose ends. Not unlike another great show, Firefly. Also canceled. Also had a movie. Also kept me up late watching it until the wee hours. Why do "they" cancel the great shows and keep shows like "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and "Rock of Love", or, even worse, "Jerry Springer" and "Flavor of Love"? Sorry...didn't mean to get sidetracked...

Here's what I just finished reading:

Here's what's on my nightstand (and in other places all over my house, car, and messenger bag):

So what are you reading next? Share your faves of 2008 and what's on your list for 2009.

"Reading, like writing, is a creative act. If readers only bring a narrow range of themselves to the book, then they'll only see their narrow range reflected in it."--Ben Okri

Happy reading and writing!

What's on your nightstand?

In an effort to get the communication flowing, I thought I would talk about something that resonates positively with all writers: Reading.

Reading has been a huge part of my life since I first sniffed the stacks at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, Texas, my hometown. From the time I closed my first Nancy Drew mystery, I knew I was hooked. Most kids my age wanted toys; I wanted books.

Today, bookstores are my addiction. The only time I am not reading a book is when I am sick or studying for grad school. Otherwise I always have one or two books within reach--no matter where I am.

What are you reading? Do you prefer to stick to one book at a time, or do you dabble in multiple genres and authors, feeding a need for change?

Here's what I am reading:

They all fall under that mystery/crime genre but present the genre in distinctly different ways.

Share with the group your current reading list. Have you read anything lately you loved? Hated?

Keep reading and writing,

Heather

Fun writing tools

Hey Slingers.

Here's a great Website for those of you who enjoy journaling. Ex-Libris Anonymous takes old books and instead of throwing them away, they turn them into spiral-bound journals. Cool. I found some Nancy Drew covers as well as a few Dr. Seuss.

Do you keep a journal? If so, is it helpful? If not, why not?

Keep writing, my friends.

--Heather

In a slump

I have been on vacation this week, enjoying sleeping in, organizing my office, taking care of the projects that stack up throughout the year, and, of course, reading. I have been "off" for one week now and have not written anything (other than emails and this blog post). I don't know what's wrong with me. I have the ideas, the motivation, and even the stamina, but I just can't seem to get myself in front of the computer to write my book. I'm in a slump, plain and simple.

Have any of you been in a writing slump? What do you do to snap out of it? I could use some direction...

Reading anything good?

I'm always interested in what people are reading.

If you are anything like me, you have two or more books in the works at a time in addition to a leaning stack of new (and old) purchases. I can't seem to thin out my shelves. Each time I make space, I get an urge to hit Barnes and Noble or Borders and then fill the space PLUS the nooks and crannies. Is there some sort of medication for bibliophilia? The hubby would like to get me a lifetime prescription, I'm sure.

I just finished the latest Kathy Reichs book, Devil Bones, and it was pretty good.

I am now on to one of Travis' recommendations: The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert B. Parker. It is the first book in his long-running Spenser series and it is fantastic. I find myself grinning at Spenser's sarcasm and wit.

In addition to reading some good books, I have been reading blogs. I am amazed by people's daily dedication to writing. I wish I had the discipline to diarize my life. I go through spurts of writing devotion and then lulls of the doldrums.

So what are you reading? Have any recommendations? Have any blogs you enjoy visiting?

Happy writing (and reading)!

Your life story...in six words

Greetings writers.

I was browsing blogs today and came across this interesting post on Sharon Hall's blog. Do you think you can narrow your "autobiography" to six words?

Try it. I'm interested in reading the meat of your life.

I'm still working on mine...I'll get back to you.

Happy writing!

Neil Gaiman

I’m pretty damn excited: Neil Gaiman is coming to Tulsa this June. He’ll be here speaking, signing books and introducing a showing of the film Beowulf, a movie for which he co-wrote the screenplay (with Roger Avary).

Neil has written several excellent novels of the fantastic including Stardust, Neverwhere and American Gods. He was the writer for the Sandman comic book series and has also penned several children’s books such as Coraline and The Wolves in the Walls.

If you’re interested, click the link below for ticket information:

http://www.roadworkok.com/gaiman.htm