How many books do you read a month?

Here is a subject that many writers are familiar with.

As a writer, reading often becomes 'something I used to do'. But not me. I make a point of reading at least two full length books a month and several 'snippets' in between. First because I want to see what all of you are writing. I want to be supportive to my author friends. And that means I actually buy your books directly from the publisher. Yeah, I can save a few pennies by going on a discount site but I'm not going there if I don't have to.
I find it completely necessary to read what is being published out there. Both to inspire me and to encourage me. I try and analyze how an author keeps me on the edge of my seat, or how they keep that sexual tension so bloody high I curse at the phone when it rings.

Most writers don't take the time to read. Yet reading is what started almost every writers journey to publication.

Take the time. Sit back and read a book. It will make you a better writer in the end.

Sony vs. E-Bookwise vs. Kindle

Okay...

I know this has been talked about before, but I really need to know what to ask Santa to bring me for Christmas this year.

Let me see if I have this right:

Kindle - The Cadillac of e-readers with a pricey bottom line - Drawbacks are the back light?

Sony - Second in line on price with a 'okay' back light but ease of downloading.

E-Bookwise - Price is cheapest of them all but downloading is a problem with some formats but the back light is good.

How long is the battery power on these babies? And can I adjust the size of the font as my eyes just ain't as good as they used to be. grin.

Devon Grey's Playing for Keeps is out today.

I'm just going to plug an author who I really enjoy reading. Devon Gray's second erotic story is out today over at The Wild Rose Press. Devon's story, Addicted, inspired me to write a short erotic in first person. And since that story was contracted this week I thought I should bend your ear to check out her latest.

Why do you choose the E-Books you read?

Today's blog is my way of doing a little research about where to put my advertising dollars.


But before I get into the questions, I need to thank all of you who helped get my first blog off the ground. WOW! RWA and the questions in regards to E-Publishing is quite the hot spot. I think I'm going to keep my RWA membership for the next year and see if it makes any difference in the coming year. So thanks again for giving me your two cents on the subject.


Okay... On to my next topic.


Now that I'm going to have two books out next year, I need to know how you pick the books you read. I will have a series of polls asking specific questions during the month so please stop by once and a while to answer them.


Do you choose a book based on who the author is? Did you read an excerpt on a blog, myspace or a yahoo loop? Do you look for best sellers? Do you check the reviews?


I do look at the best sellers, but I'm known to cross reference those titles with the reviews. I look for recommendations from other readers a lot. I'm known to pick up an e-book because I've talked with, blogged with and watched an author go from-wanna be-to-published. If the excerpt doesn't spark my interest and the blurb is confusing I won't pick it up.


Let me know what sold you on the last E-Book you read.

In one day it all can change!

The top two pictures are from today. You see the chopper loading water from the golf course. The fire is in the back ground. To the right of the chopper is a closer view of what is happening right now. The wind is calm and that is why the smoke is going straight up.

The second set of pictures are from yesterday. The Sylmar fire had already done its damage to over 400 homes.

Waking up to this at three in the morning is never fun. This is the back side of the Sylmar Fire from my living room. In southern California we have beautiful weather most of the year. But with all that beauty there are some risks. And fire is one of them.

Two days ago my blog was about if I should continue my RWA membership and today I look out my window and hope the fire stays up in the forest. My heart goes out to all those people who lost their homes and if I decided to let my RWA membership lapse, the money I would have spent will go to the Red Cross to help those who have real problems.

To join RWA... or not to join RWA... that is the question.

Okay, so my title is a bit cheesy. Give me a break. This is my first blogger blog. Yeah, I've blogged on MySpace. I've posted several comments on blogger, but never bit the bullet and wrote my very own blog here.

Here it goes...

I'm blogging today about my decision to stay with Romance Writers of America. As some of you know I signed my first e-book contract this last week, and I couldn't be happier. I've worked long and hard for this contract and at the current time have four other manuscripts being reviewed with E-Publishers. Needless to say, I'm a e-pub author at this stage in my carrier. When I first started on this journey to publication everyone told me to join RWA. "It shows the publishing world and agents you're serious about your career." So, I did. I've not had the time to go to local chapter meetings and in all honesty have found a wonderful support system on-line. My critique partners and fellow authors are one instant message away. I guess what I'm saying is I don't see the need to spend the money on gas to go to a chapter meeting where I don't know anyone. Now, I like the RWR magazine, and have found many of their articles worth reading. But the one that really stuck out to me was the last one from the new President of RWA.

Us vs. Them: Those of you who've read this know what I'm talking about. Many of you have blogged about it but have any of you let your membership to this organization lapse? Are any of you going to not write that check this year because you see no need to be a part of this organization? I haven't decided yet. I don't like that my books will never be eligible for the RITA. And I want to ask RWA why not? What are they afraid of? If a e-book wins a RITA will that book change every ones view of e-pubs and maybe open the eyes of the nay-sayers out there?

Let me know your thoughts.