I read fiction and non-fiction, freely. I enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, young adult fiction; I also read non-fiction that questions the "norm", i.e. that explores the bigger picture we as humans are a part of, such as spiritually, politically, environmentally...

The main thing I look for in fiction is well-developed characters and dialogue that is believable. I'm not an age-ist and I don't have a preference of the gender of the character.

I won't say "never", but I RARELY read romantic fiction NOW-- although I read tons of heaving-bosom-damsel-in-distress-type-historical-fiction (think Kathleen E. Woodiwiss)-- when I was a teenager. I'll confess, I'll confess- I basically looked for the sexy parts first (didn't we all?)

I RARELY read Sci-Fi; I RARELY read horror (Stephen King is about the scariest I get, and I love his books about writing. I have read a lot of John Grisham's "lawyer" novels; I have NOT read any of his novels that veered away from stuff like "The Firm."  I dabbled in chick-lit and enjoy Liza Palmer a lot, among others. As far as a steady diet of Chick Lit, though, no.

I have read every book that Chris Crutcher has written EXCEPT The Deep End, because certain elements of it are too intense for me. That's one of his rare "grown-up" novels, although I know a lot of adults who read Chris Crutcher and love his writing as much as I do.

I have of course read several of my other Kunati authors' books; in particular, I enjoyed Rabid, The Game and The Last Troubadour; Whale Song, bang Bang; Women of Magdalene, On Ice, Toonamint of Champions, Shadow of Innocence-- and I have already ordered Madicine, Janeology, and Callous. I can't wait to read Bathtub Admirals, Nuclear Winter Wonderland, and Hunting the King.

So, how about it? Do you stay in your "Comfort Zone"?

Beth Fehlbaum, author

Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse