What Are You Reading? by Elizabeth Goddard

Since I turned in my novel at the first of this month, I have a little extra time to catch up on reading. Funny that reading voraciously is what drove me to write, and now with writing, I hardly have time to read!

Finished reading Submerged by Dani Pettrey, and immediately downloaded another book that someone recommended—Susan May Warren’s You Don’t Know Me. Just got my copy of Rachel Hauck’s Once Upon a Prince. We won’t even talk about what is already on my Kindle and overflowing on my bookshelves and next to my bed that I haven’t read yet.

I’ve mentioned this before but nowadays I often read the sample chapters first to decide if I want to buy the whole thing. I can’t tell you how many novels I’ve started that I wished I hadn’t bought because I just can’t keep reading. Can’t finish.

I read the sample chapters of You Don’t Know Me and was immediately pulled in by the writer’s voice and attention to detail. I totally related to this character. I read that book in about two sittings and cried my eyes out at the end. It’s one that resonates with me for a lot of reasons, particularly the whole mother/daughter teenager angst thing. Now, to start on Once Upon a Prince this week. I love Rachel Hauck’s writing as well, and I’m looking forward to the journey.

What are you reading this week in June of 2013?

Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of Riptide and North Dakota Weddings, new July releases.

Is Bigger Better?

 

Just received my author copies for my upcoming release, Riptide, yesterday. Actually I received only four of them because they are the True Large Print versions. Not LARGE PRINT, but TRUE large print.  This version is like a trade-sized novel and yes, the words are huge.

Of course, on our e-readers we can adjust the size of fonts to make for easier reading if needed.

So choosing your book is no longer just about about whether or not you prefer to hold the hard copy in your hand, it’s what size of font you prefer. I’ve picked up some mass market books with print so small that even with my glasses it was a strain to read them.

So what’s the consensus out there—bigger is better?

Blessings!

Elizabeth Goddard

 

Reading to Escape

This week has been tough all around. I watched the prayer service for the attack on Boston and the news anchor asked how we go back to living our lives.Good question. As I write this post I’m watching the news on the blast in Waco.

Of course we need to face life and deal with issues, but there’s a time and season for everything. Real life is one reason I enjoy reading books that take me away, stories that give me an escape. I don’t want to read a heart-wrenching novel consumed with tragedy. 

Recently one of my readers shared that when she gets down she picks up one of my books and it just takes her away to good places. That warmed my heart to know that I had helped her in this way.

We all read for different reasons. Is reading to escape one of yours?

Blessings!

Beth

When We Don’t Get Things Write

Yes, I used the word “write” instead of “right” on purpose. Today during home school, I reviewed the differences between the two words with my youngest son and we worked on writing sentences for each word. While we worked through the correct use of each word, I pondered with another writing issue. A few days ago, I started reading a new book and discovered early on that the author had made a mistake. This isn’t something new and, to tag onto Maureen’s post, it’s part of the writer in me that I can’t turn off.

Except this error wasn’t a typo or anything simple, it was pretty big—an oversight, I’m sure, but still I thought maybe I was the one who was wrong because I couldn’t imagine this author or publisher would have missed this.

I’ve chosen to go with the grace card on this. I mean, we’re only human, right? We can’t be perfect all the time. We can’t get things right, every time, even when writing novels. I’ve made mistakes in my own stories, so I can’t throw any stones.

There is the element of artistic license, as well—when we choose to change the facts up to fit with our stories.

Here’s a question for you—do you feel that writers have any responsibility or obligation to get the story right—it’s fiction, isn’t it? Often writers include a letter to the reader to explain fact versus fiction, but sometimes not.

As readers, what is our responsibility to understand the difference between fact and fiction? How often do we believe the author, trusting that something we read in a novel is truth (beyond the obvious fictional storyline)?

Thoughts?

Blessings!
Elizabeth Goddard

A Day in the Life

Of a writer.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. That’s a line from one of my favorite classic novels. Raise your hand if you can’t remember which one. Or Google it. (I love saying that.)

 
Those words best describe my week.  Yesterday I picked up my new laptop. That should count as the best of times. I’ve had my other laptop for four or five years and it crashes about fifty times a day. Now I have to transfer four years’ worth of information stored in every nook and cranny of software over to the new laptop. That should be easy, right?

 
How about more like getting a root canal? That seems an appropriate simile, and falls under the worst of times. Transferring my junk has been most painful and I haven’t even made a dent. I’m working off two computers now so that I can get everything done.

 
But add to that—and get this—I actually went in for a root canal this week. A root canal in addition to having to learn a new operating system and transfer all my information. What are the chances? Again, the worst of times.

 
Unfortunately the root canal turned into a complete extraction because apparently I cracked my tooth in half–thank you very much Peanut M&M’s. But I need the M&M’s to get me over the tough afternoons when my brain is drained and I need to push through a scene. (Ah, Peanut M&M’s—the best of times)

 
Since I’m a writer, I know how to turn the scene around. Having a tooth extracted means a liquid or soft diet at least for a day. Hello chocolate pudding. Chocolate ice cream. Many flavors of yogurt, oh and cream of potato, cream of everything soup.

 

 

One again. . .
It was the best of times.

Blessings!

Elizabeth
Words from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

Happy Valentine’s Day by Elizabeth Goddard

What are you doing on just the biggest romantic day of the year? I searched the statistics for Valentine’s Day and found some interesting stuff. The kind of things you’d imagine and expect, of course. Roses, cards and chocolates spending somewhere in the millions—the total Valentine’s Day spending in the billions.

One item that caught my attention on the spending list was the percentage of women who send themselves flowers.

Fifteen percent.

That percentage of women sending themselves flowers is not a small number. I have to wonder why send yourself flowers when you can spend that money on romantic reads. I mean, if you’re going to pretend, why not become engrossed in the whole story?

That brings me to my next questions. Romance with a happily ever after? Or a love story—Nicolas Sparks style—often with a tragic ending? Actually the last several of his stories/movies have had an HEA. There’s enough tragedy, enough of “real life” to go around, so I vote reading stories with a satisfying, happily ever after.

Make that a CHRISTIAN romance novel, and you truly can have a satisfying ending, because not only does the romance work out, the spiritual issues of the heart end well, too.

Why not dive into one of these romance novels, written by Christian authors who know what they’re doing? These a just a few on my large to-be-read list. Enjoy the day!

 

Blessings!

Elizabeth Goddard

The End of a Book by Elizabeth Goddard

My son recently finished reading Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. He loved the story but he said it made him feel sad that the book had ended. Funny that we continue to read when we’re immersed in a story—to pull from Maureen’s earlier post—only to rush to the end. It comes all too soon, especially if we love the story.

Many times I feel a little down like my son because I finished a great novel, and I wanted to spend more time in that world.

Too often when I finish a novel, I’m not sad but rather frustrated because the ending was rushed. As one friend put it, she wants a long, savory ending. Reviewers and readers alike complain when there isn’t an adequate and lengthy ending, but often the ending can’t fade out like music because of the word count limits or requirements of the publisher. There are ways around this, of course, and that is to cut words elsewhere in the story to give more breathing room at the end. But most of the time cutting back on another element isn’t a good solution either.

Have you read books where you felt the ending was a little rushed? Or are you the type of reader that’s ready to put the novel down as soon as the mystery is solved?

 

Perfect Reading Weather by Elizabeth Goddard

Lazy summer days or warm cozy evenings beside the fire. Which would you choose for enjoying a good read?

It’s been raining here for days, and our backyard is a lake. Though snow is a rare event in central Louisiana, I love gray skies, whether they bring rain or snow. I’m sure I’m in the minority, but my preference probably stems from the fact that I work from home and don’t have to drive in inclement weather.

How I love a rainy day, cold or not. To play up the ambiance brought on by this week’s weather, I tried a new vegetable stew recipe and baked a fresh loaf of bread—all good smells filling my home.

What better to go with a rainy day and good food than a good book?

I began my hunt for just the right one. When I couldn’t find anything to fit my mood in my over-sized TBR (to be read) pile or on the shelves, I started searching on my Kindle, and then finally went to the Kindle Store. We have so many choices these days! Seeing a few good candidates, I then downloaded reading samples.

Do you download and read samples before you buy?

I’ve mentioned reading samples before, and that it’s even more important for authors to catch readers’ attention quickly. But we should already know that. Even in a bookstore readers can peruse as far into a book as they want until they make that final decision to buy.

But I don’t want to waste a good rainy day trying on books to see if they fit. So I eventually settled on a romantic suspense by one of our very own Christians Read authors. As I write this article the rain is coming down  harder, and I’m looking forward to settling into a comfy chair with my bowl of stew, bread and my good book.

Have a blessed day!

Give the Gift of Books

Like you, I’m busy catching up on shopping for Christmas as well as taking the time to remember what Christmas is about. In addition to all of that, I’m busy writing on two different books for approaching deadlines. The writer’s life is not to be envied. As Christian authors, we pour our blood, sweat, and tears into the stories that bring the message of Christ whether subtle or inherent.

The Bible is about HIS story, and Jesus himself told parables or stories in order to bring understanding to a deeper message.

Why not  give a gift that holds the deep messages of Christ and brings the recipient several hours of enjoyment along with that spiritual nugget?

Merry Christmas

Elizabeth Goddard

_____________________________

Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of over a dozen romance novels. Treacherous Skies is her newest romantic suspense.

Is Reading Dangerous to Your Health? by Elizabeth Goddard

I have enough writing deadlines these days (which is a good thing) that my health might be suffering.  Okay, there’s really no question. And that’s a bad thing. You see, I don’t have time to do much more than write, which means I’m sitting.

A lot.

TrekDesk Treadmill/ Amazon.com

I need to exercise. This isn’t about making excuses either. I used to run every day until about two years ago when I started writing on double deadlines.  But you don’t have to be a writer to have this problem.

If you’re crazy about reading this could be you too. Maybe you’re not a couch potato, technically speaking. But do you spend hours reading every day? Still, I don’t think we’re going to see the Surgeon General Warning on books, at least anytime soon.

Thinking about this reminded me that years ago before I was a published and had writing deadlines to meet, I spent the time reading, and a good part of that time I spent riding a recumbent bike while I read.

I’m not sure what happened to that bike. Did it end up in a garage sale? Or sent to the Goodwill?

I’d love to have it back.

Fortunately, I’m not the only one with this all-consuming work schedule so there are many exercise machine solutions out there. I might even think about asking for one of these contraptions for Christmas. Think about it—you can read and write while you exercise on a TrekDesk Treadmill or any number of other offerings.

Sounding like a commercial isn’t my intention.  I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve tried the various exercise machines that allow you to read or use your laptop while you exercise. What do you like or dislike? I really want to know.

This could be the answer to my exercise problem.

___________________

Elizabeth Goddard

Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of over a dozen romance novels. Treacherous Skies is her newest romantic suspense.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let’s make a few lists.

A. I wrote several pages listing everything that I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. I started with breathing. That’s right. We should be thankful for each and every breath. If you start there when creating your list, you realize the list can go on and on. The list is infinite.

You better understand the scripture:

1. O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting.1 Chronicles 16:34

Or . . .

2. Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

God’s love is infinite. It never ceases, therefore our thanksgiving and praise should never cease.

The list of thanksgiving scriptures goes on.

B. Then I also wrote a list of things needing prayer, and things overshadowing my Thanksgiving. Two things that loom darker than the rest are:

1. Israel

2. Black Friday

The two hardly seem to go together, but there it is. There’s nothing more I can do for Israel except pray and prayer is most powerful. (And yes, our  nation needs major prayer too.)

On Black Friday, I have a question for you. I have never been one to brave the chaos on Black Friday, which has now morphed to include Thursdays, too. If you’re one of those brave souls, I assume you’re in it to save hundreds of dollars, otherwise what’s the point?

I’ll share with you that my dear grandmother beat the crowds to the Dollar Store one Black Friday. That’s right—the Dollar Store. Ahem. . .there wasn’t exactly a crowd there either. But picture that in your mind, and I hope it makes you smile.

Back to the topic. Are books ever on your list of items to grab during the chaos? No? Do you ever enter blog contests to win a free copy of an autographed book? They make great Christmas gifts to the book lovers among your friends and family. If you’re not interested in taking the time to comment on blogs for free books, perhaps consider shopping at your local Christian bookstore. If we want to remain thankful for the ability to shop at these stores, we need to support them.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Be Blessed!

Elizabeth Goddard

Time to Read by Elizabeth Goddard

More often than not I run across people who don’t read. It’s not because they don’t have an interest in reading a good novel, it’s because they don’t have time.  Someone went so far as to say it was more about getting hooked on a book or series of books, and then getting distracted from work or life or chores or family. I’ve heard this same “excuse” several times lately from various people.

You’ve heard that we make time for things we consider important.  But it’s difficult to find time even for the important things, isn’t it? So how does one fit reading into a hectic schedule?

It’s true that you can get hooked on a book and then other things get pushed aside. There’s the other side of the equation where the important things interrupt your book world in the middle of a great scene and you have to put the book down.  A painful experience, to be sure.  I understand the mindset that if you never pick up a good book to begin with, you won’t have to feel the pain of putting it down when life interrupts.  You won’t have to worry about neglecting the more important, the more necessary things of life.

Then why put yourself through it? How important is reading for pleasure anyway?

To an addict, reading is as vital to life, to the soul, as air is to the body. Okay, maybe that’s going a little far, but once you’ve experienced where words can take you, time is no longer your master because you become a time-traveler.

Time isn’t your enemy. Time is your friend.

Lifetime Readers

Maureen mentioned her non-fiction reader friends react somewhat negatively when she brings up a book she just read. Jim mentioned that he’s facing an empty-nest, but the good news is his wife is starting to read novels.

So where do lifetime readers come from?

In one of my previous posts, I talked about receiving a big box of books for my home schooling efforts.  I remember reading somewhere  that home schoolers are driven to produce readers. I know that’s true for me. Unfortunately, I’m in competition with the video gaming world, but the good news is—I think it’s working!

Life has interrupted a few times, and I had to put off reading to them. I wasn’t even sure they enjoyed our reading time, or if they were listening. But apparently all three of them have listened.  My middle son has been spouting off silly metaphors he learned from one of the books.

Imagine my pleasure when my oldest asked when we were going to read again—he really missed that particular story. I was ecstatic, too, that the kids groaned when I finished the chapter because they were anxious to hear what happened next.

Don’t get me wrong, they read a lot on their own, which I anticipate will also produce the desired results—lifetime readers.

If you’re an avid reader, never give up on your efforts to enlighten the non-readers around you.

 

Blessings!

Beth

 

Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of Treacherous Skies, releasing November 27th.

 

 

 

Novel Recommendations by Elizabeth Goddard

I can’t believe I’m the first one to post on this!  I returned from the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference on Sunday with an armload of books to read. Usually, I don’t bring too many books back because it’s tough getting them into the luggage for my flight home. But this time I drove to the conference so I could take as many books as I wanted.  One of the fun things about the conference is there are a lot of free books.

Thomas Nelson gave out copies of The River by Michael Neale, and Zondervan shared copies of Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman, for starters.  I came home with many more books that I’m eager to start on but I also purchased a few from the Carol Award Winner’s list, including a book the earned a perfect score in the contest–Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate. I also plan to read the finalists, too.

While my TBR (to be read) pile is growing, I’m working hard on getting the books read and loving every minute of it. In case you haven’t seen the list, I’m sharing the 2012 Carol Award Winners here.

Be blessed with some of the best that Christian fiction has to offer.

2012 Carol Award Winners

Debut Novel
Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson)

Long Contemporary
The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell)

Long Contemporary Romance
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale)

Long Historical
Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson)

Long Historical Romance
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers)

Mystery
Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan)

Novella
An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense
Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson)

Short Contemporary
Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired)

Short Contemporary Suspense
Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense)

Short Historical
The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell)

Speculative Fiction
Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller
Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction)

Women’s Fiction
Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley)

Young Adult
The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

How Do You Choose a Book? by Elizabeth Goddard

When you visit your local bookstore and browse the books, what are you looking for? What catches your attention—the author’s name, the cover art, or the back of the book blurb that tells you what the story is about.

Then if everything is right—the cover and the blurb intrigue you—do you open the book and read the first few pages to see if you’re hooked?

What about when you browse the books online at Amazon or Barnes and Nobles? Is the cover still important? Do you read the back cover copy and look at the reviews too?

Something new that I’ve been doing is downloading a free sample of the book. Then if I’m hooked by the time the free reading is over, I’ll most definitely buy.

The pressure is even greater now for authors to hook readers within the first few pages.  But there have been many books I’ve greatly enjoyed because I’ve pushed through the slow opening to be rewarded with a spectacular ending.

I’ve asked so many questions in this post because in this changing publishing world I have no answers. I’m curious about the changes in the way we decide what book we will buy.

Thoughts?