Today I would like to reveal what I am reading, or have waiting for me loaded on my Kindle now, and share how these books influence my writing and marketing decisions.
Fiction
Local Girls by Alice Hoffman
I am a huge Alice Hoffman fan, reading everything she writes. I will travel to hear her do a reading as I am a true fan. If you have never read her books, or seen the movies they inspire, you have no idea what you are missing. Ms. Hoffman creates a wonderful, haunting world within our own real one, with complex characters and compelling stories. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one about a family “torn apart by tragedy, bound together by devotion.”
The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris
Since writing Our Love is Here to Stay I have been motivated to learn more about Chicago’s history, with an eye toward penning books set here in my hometown. This book “brilliantly captures the dynamic atmosphere and dazzling music of the Jazz age.” I suspect that The Jazz Palace will prove inspirational, as well as a great read
Blyss (The BlyssTrilogy) by J.C. Cliff
These are dark books of erotica, love and manipulation that have drawn me in. Blyss, it turns out, is a drug that revs up women’s sex drive to unheard of levels, resulting in the women’s cooperation when they are sold as high-priced slaves. Enter our strong-willed heroine, smart enough to cheat the system and totally determined to take down the bad guys. Add a sexy insider to help her escape her dark fate and you have the makings of a great story. I’m already deep into book two; I warn you these are hard to put down.
Seduction in a Suit: An Office Romance Collection
I purchased this collection as research for my own writing. In this time of #metoo and sexual harassment, the story of romance between boss and subordinate, or between colleagues, has become more complex. I strongly adhere to the belief that my novels need to support my moral compass (last week’s blog link) and office romance novels walk a fine line for me. I am anxious to see how other authors handle this increasingly sticky situation.
Non-Fiction
As an author and solopreneur, I seek the advice of experts. As a human, I do that too. Self-help books are a large part of my reading so it is no surprise to find these among the books on my ‘shelf’ right now.
Create by Meera Kothand
This book weighs a lot. I mention this because I got it in paperback and still carry it with me. It’s hefty. And helpful. This is my new bible for planning my writing – my social media writing, blog writing and of course, book writing. Create provides a layout for creating in a more logical manner. It supplies a structure which increases my productivity. It has reduced my stress as I try to double my output. Yeah, it’s worth carrying this weighty tome around.
The Every-Other-Day Diet by Krista Varady
My wonderful friend Kate told me about this diet. It worked for her and her husband too. Kate looks thinner and healthier now, and she swears by this plan. While the jury is still out, I love a diet that requires willpower every other day. It’s easier to pass on the chips today when I know I can eat them tomorrow. Eating only 500 calories on diet days presents more of a planning challenge than a willpower one. As long as I don’t have events days in a row, this plan seems to work for me. I’ll keep you apprised of my progress.
Discoverability by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
I am halfway through this fact-packed book about increasing customer awareness in a digital marketing world. I initially began Discoverability to learn how to grow views on my website, gain more blog readers and eventually increase interest in my books. While I find the reading slow, the advice and information are useful, so I will stick with it. Rusch promotes marketing books as products, rather than locking into traditional publishing models. It makes sense to me.
The Five-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
I haven’t started this one yet, but one of my book clubs already tackled it and loved it. That is why I have added it to my to reading list. According to the synopsis on Amazon, “In The 5 Second Rule, you’ll discover it takes just five seconds to:
Become confident
Break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt
Beat fear and uncertainty
Stop worrying and feel happier
Share your ideas with courage
The 5 Second Rule is a simple, one-size-fits-all solution for the one problem we all face —we hold ourselves back.“
With over 2000 5-star reviews, how can I not give this book a chance?
What to Read Next
If the titles above aren’t tempting you enough, then you might prefer Cheryl Bolen’s Counterfeit Countess, a Daphne de Maurier Award Finalist for Best Historical Mystery. This is the first in a four-book series. When a woman believes she is married to an Earl only to learn he is an imposter, what is she to do? Why, throw herself on the mercy of the real Earl of course. Ms. Bolen never fails to entertain, and this Brazen Bride novel is no different. Enjoy!
So, what’s the last book that kept you up all night? Or the last self-help book that really made a difference? Please share your favorites in the comments below.
This Week’s Contest
Sloane Huyler plummets from the top of her world to the bottom. Her father is in jail, her fiancé has jilted her and her future seems limited when Randall Parker comes to the rescue in Beholden.
Who else helps rescue Sloane?
1/ Lawyer Sandra Berensen, who helps her father get out of jail
2/ Her father’s old friend, John Berensen, who encourages Randall’s relationship with Sloane
3/ Her mother, who offers her the proceeds from the family home in Glencoe when she moves to the city
4/ Her ex-fiance’s wife, Keeli, who overlooks their past differences, hiring Sloane as President of her fast-expanding jewelry business.
Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wow, I have read Dr. Rusch’s amazing fiction but not her marketing info. I think the most impactful book I read was “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” which put things into perspective for me.
I haven’t read her fiction but I can tell you that she knows her marketing! Thanks for sharing.
I love Alice Hoffman’s books. This one sounds fantastic