L.T. Suzuki, click
here to update your pages on AuthorsDen.
Blogs by L.T. Suzuki
It's All About the Books Part 2 8/16/2010 8:52:49 PM
Thank you for joining us for part two of this fascinating interview with book reviewers Joanne Chase, Nicole Hicks and Adrianna Colwell.
Picking up where we left off last week I have yet another question for you ladies! As a lesson to the aspiring author about what not to do, whether it’s story that sputters to an anti-climatic ending, a POV that jumps all over the place, etc., name that one thing that drives you crazy (in a bad way) about a story you’ve read.
JC: The one thing that bothers me the most is a lack of research, or simply getting facts wrong. I read a book recently where the author stated a civilization existed on earth 50 trillion years ago…. Sorry, but that just doesn’t cut it for me. He also lacked verbs in some of his sentences. I didn’t get past page 50 of 400 pages.
NH: Drives me crazy in a bad way? Lol. If it is historical and the research is not there I agree that is aggravating! Or an unexpected segue between characters. If you segue between characters it needs to be noted, that way it is not confusing. Being confused while reading is an easy way to get out of “the zone”, and one that makes it hard to get back into.
AC: You are both so right and those things are what drive me crazy as well. Spelling, sentence structure, etc. really get on my nerves as instead of enjoying the read, I am making corrections to the book in my head. I also want to be immersed in the story and if it is not believable you just cannot do so. I recently read a historical novel which was pure fantasy as details were not accurate in the least - if you are going to write, make sure to do your research as it shows through in your work.
LTS: Writers take heed! These are excellent points! So, what are you reading now and how did it make it onto you’re to-read list?
JC: Right now, I’m reading Blunt Force Trauma, by Danielle Monique. Her book made it to my list from a recommendation by Claude Bouchard. We know Danielle from Twitter.
NH: Right now I am rereading The Guardians of the Light series by Renee Wildes. It made my reread selection because of her ability to draw pictures with her words. She is a talented Samhain author that I enjoy losing myself with.
AC: I am currently reading The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan as my son likes to have book discussions with me so I try to squeeze in some of his books as well.
LTS: I’ve heard authors say that a good review is better than print advertising as most would take the word of a friend or an unbiased reviewer than the publisher’s endorsement to buy a book they invested money in to produce. Do you feel you have the power to sway a book buyer’s decision?
JC: I hope so. I think that’s the whole point of doing book reviews. I know how hard it is for self-published authors to promote themselves, and there are so many very good writers out there that need help selling their books.
NH: It is a thought that has occurred to me, and one I would enjoy believing. We are here to not only give our opinion of an authors work, but to help others find new authors that they would not normally have known about. It is a nice thought that we are able to help new authors find a niche with readers.
AC: I would be thrilled to think that my review may help someone find an author they may not have otherwise found. If my review has helped a reader and/or author in any way then I have done my job. Personally, I look at reviews by book lovers and do most of my purchases based on those reviews.
LTS: Because I’m old and I’m old school, I prefer reading from a print book (possibly because I spend so much time staring at a computer screen when I’m writing a novel). So, ladies, is it print books or ebook for you? What do you prefer and why?
JC: I like both, but with two weak wrists, I find ebooks easier. I read on the train commuting to work and if I’m reading a brick of a book, it’s difficult to lug around.
NH: I am afraid I have gotten a bit spoiled once I got a Kindle. And now that I have a Kindle DX I am very spoiled. While I go to Barnes and Nobles for the “new book smell” I prefer eBooks. For me it is simply easier, both personally to not have to add to the absurd amount that I already own as well as always having a mini library at my fingertips, but to pass out to my reviewers as well.
AC: I prefer print as I like having a book in my hands although, if I had a Kindle.... I don't enjoy reading a book on my laptop or iPhone nearly as much as reading an actual book in print. Perhaps my wish will be granted someday and I will have a Kindle to compare it to :)
LTS: Are any of you ladies using an ebook reader like a Kindle or iPad? Would you recommend your e-reader to others? If so, why?
JC: I have a Sony Reader and a Kobo. I would highly recommend the Sony over the Kobo. It’s a sturdier product, has more features on the menu and although it’s a little more expensive, it’s really worth the extra money.
NH: I have had a Kindle (first gen), and now a Kindle DX. I would recommend any of them, although I personally prefer the DX even if it is larger. The ease of having so many books at your fingertips is amazing. If you are taking a trip or travel a lot it makes it more feasible than taking books with you. And with the whispernet you have the availability to get new books as they come out without having to go to a store or using a computer. The iPad I have looked longingly at, for the simple fact that you can use so many different “stores” to get your books so it opens up your choices.
AC: I don't have one :(
LTS: With each generation of eReaders, it seems that they are making them user friendly in terms of downloading ebooks, ease of reading on a screen than paper, etc. I sense there will be an eReader in your future, too Adrianna! For me, I’d consider the iPad, but mostly because of its versatility. Now, what do you think will be the future of print book with the growing popularity of eReaders?
JC: I think there will always be people who prefer print (under circumstances like not having access to a computer to charge the reader, for example) but hopefully, we’ll save a few trees.
NH: I agree with Joanne, I think there will always be people who prefer print, prefer having the book actually in their hands, as compared to an eReader. But with the popularity of eBooks rising I think that it will be less and less who buy print. I think that it also helps being able to send the stories to our men and women overseas, to bring a small piece of home to them, so easily when they are so far away.
AC: I believe that there will always be people who will prefer to read print. There is nothing better than spending time in a bookstore and library would be sad to see those disappear. I think that e-readers is certainly the way of the future as we have become very impatient and would rather download something now then wait to go to a store to buy a book.
LTS: I get the sense that as the prices come down, making the eReaders more affordable, there will be a huge upswing of ebook sales. With the rising cost in printing, warehousing, distribution, etc. making print books more expensive, a decade from now the print book will still exist, but will become more like a specialty item. One friend referred to print books as a souvenir, one that you can have your favourite author autograph and keep forever!
Thank you so much for sharing in your thoughts and the review process, ladies! I’m confident my fellow writers will learn a lot from your words and wisdom.
Nicole Hicks: Thank you Lorna for having us! This was an interesting and fun experience being on this side of the questions! www.howlinggoodbooks.com
Nicole Hicks FaceBook Fan Page: Howling Good Book Reviews
Twitter accounts: .nicholandria and .HGBreviews
Adrianna Colwell: Thank you for the questions - nice change to answer questions instead of asking them.
Twitter Account: .bookgoddessno1
Adrianna Colwell Blog: Book Goddess No. 1
Joanne Chase: Thanks so much for inviting us! I really enjoyed meeting with all of you.
Joanne Chase’s Website: Cut to the Chase Reviews
Twitter: .Joanne_chase
Email: Joanne_chase.
