Kindle and Me pt. 2

I've been reading more. That's what getting my Kindle has done for me. Will it last? Well, if the list of books I want to get is any indication, and if I actually read the majority of them, I'd say yes. Time will tell.

So what books have I downloaded? I started with the free classics before Christmas, meaning pre-gift cards, which included all of Jane Austen's books and many of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Greene Gable books. I love the free books and the discounted ones, too. Romance novels number high in the freebies, so that's not a disappointment. I'm trying not to overwhelm myself, so in the past month or so, I've downloaded 21 books.

Which books have I read?

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen It was wonderful to read it again. I haven't read it since high school, which is amazing, because I didn't know P&P was written in the Stone Age. :) It took me a while to adjust to the language, since I haven't read any of the English classics lately, but it was well worth it.

2. Switched (Book 1, Trylle Trilogy) by YA author Amanda Hocking I've never read any of this author's books, but I liked this one, in spite of some negative reviews. Another I downloaded by a different author was one I should've tried a sample of first or at least read the reviews, because I was sadly disappointed and didn't get much farther than the first chapter. I won't give the title or author, but I will say that it's probably worth getting the opinion of someone you know or to download a sample of a new-to-you author's work before buying. Switch is a paranormal, so I was susprised I liked it so much.

3. The Year She Fell by Alicia Rasley I've not only known who Alicia is for many years, but have had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with her. Alicia knows writing, and her website, The Writer's Corner, is one of my favorites for writing advice and help. The Year She Fell was a fabulous book, full of twists and turns. At one point, I thought I had it figured out, only to discover I was only close. It's definitely worth another read in the future.

4. Sweetie by Kathryn Magendie I didn't have a clue what this book might be like, but once into it, I enjoyed it. Set in the mountains of North Carolina, a young girl meets a mountain girl, who teaches her about a different way of life. Descriptions in this book are wonderful. The story is a slow, winding journey through one summer of the lives of Melissa (Lissa) and Sweetie, and well written enough to bring tears to my eyes several times.

Considering I was still on deadline for part of that reading time and that I've started on the proposal for a new book, not to mention those g-kids who require attention throughout the day, I'm thinking four books in just over a month isn't bad, although in the olden days (Stone Age), I might've read those four in a week.

There are stil more to read! Susan Wiggs, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Deborah Smith, and more. Check back again and see what else is on my TBR epile!

Kindle and Me

Yes, I admit it. I finally succumbed to the digital age. To be honest, I surprised myself. Me? read electronic books? I love books. Real books. I like to see them lined up on my bookshelves; I like to hold them in my hands. I've loved books since I was old enough to open them and discover the magic inside. Better than a wrapped present, a book has always had the power to take me to another world somewhere outside of myself--or somewhere deep inside myself. So why did I think a digital copy of a book wouldn't do the same thing?

Books are my friends. I can't even name a favorite. There are way too many to choose from. I tried to pass that love and friendship on to my daughters, and I think I succeeded. They're all readers. I also try to instill the same in my grandkids. It's a little harder. After discovering not long ago that my hardcover copy of Stephen King's uncut version of The Stand had pages torn and scribbled on, we had a little talk. They're getting better, not only with the care of my books, but with reading. Books for the two older girls make great Christmas presents, and even Gavin, in first grade, has discovered the magic between the covers and is already a good reader.

Going digital began with toe-in-the-water sampling, first downloading some of Harlequin's free books to my netbook, then adding both the B&N and Amazon apps to the same, along with several free books, mostly classics. And then I kept seeing the Kindle ads when I stopped in at Amazon to check out DVDs. Or Mp3 downloads. Or to get the latest number on my book sales. Of course I didn't want one of those ereaders! I read BOOKS.

But my bookshelves are overflowing and there are even more books in storage, waiting to be added. I've been purging as much as possible, but the shelves are still maxed out. No, there's no more room for bookshelves. Between my youngest and I, we have six. So I began considering the slim possibility of getting an ereader, but my head, not my heart was all that was in it.

It was author Leigh Riker who finally pushed me over the fence. In an email, she mentioned one of the perks she'd discovered with her Kindle. She could use her treadmill and read at the same time, something that was more difficult when using a real book. And she loved it! What's this? A two-for one?

I decided to take the plunge, saved up my pennies, and gifted myself with a Kindle just before Christmas. Because I'd announced to my family that I'd made the decision to go digital, they took the hint and gave me Amazon and Kindle cards as Christmas gifts. I've spent one and have plans for the other. So what books did I get?

I'll tell you all about it in the next installment of Kindle and Me. ☺

Happy 1st TGIF of 2011

Yes, I'm almost a week late with New Year's greetings, graphics, and all the rest, not to mention Christmas was here and gone before I knew it. I have excuses!!

First excuse: Grandkids were out of school from Dec. 22 to Jan. 3. I had them the eight weekdays during that time. 5 kids, ranging from age 9 to 16 months. 9+ hours each day. I don't live in a mansion.

Second excuse: I was on a deadline, working to finish my sixth Harlequin American set in Desperation, OK. For those familiar with the stories and characters, this is Garrett Miles's story and will be available in September. Tucker's story, THE MAVERICK'S REWARD, will be available in June. Writing the books is not the only work that's done. Authors also fill out a questionaire for the art department about the cover, do revisions requested by our editors, work on copy edits and AAs/Author Alterations/Galleys, all which came due for one book or another in the months and weeks leading up to the holidays. I'll remember to factor in holidays--and weekends off-- the next time I set deadlines

Third excuse: I design websites for authors and a few other businesses, and as the new year approached, many of my clients wanted their websites updated. They come first. My website and blog come last. 'Tis life. :)

Yes, I've been busy and still have several things that must be done, as I know everyone else does. Life doesn't stop just because it's Christmas, vacation, or we managed to succumb to the latest round of whatever flu is hitting the whole country. (Yes, me, too. Twice.)

When it comes to blogging, I could sit here and say that I'll do better in the future, but there's a strong chance I would fail, so I won't. No New Year's Resolutions for me, and I haven't even begun to work on Goals for the year, whether writing or personal. There's been no time. I have excuses!!

I hope everyone's holidays were happy and gifted with wonderous things! May 2011 be a fabulous year for all!