Sunday, May 19, 2013

Summer reading

by: Joelle Charbonneau

First off, I want to say WHOOO HOOO to Steve Weddle's news.  I am so excited that Country Hardball will be published by Tyrus Books.  It couldn't happen to a more awesome person and writer.

Second, THE TESTING launching is just over two weeks.  So if you find me chewing my nails or hiding under the bed--that's why!

Third, the weather has finally taken a turn and spring has arrived...just in time for summer to start.  Trust me when I say I'm not complaining.  As a matter of fact, the less than fabulous spring weather has made it easier for me to stay focused on the work that needed to be done.  I am thrilled to say that I am almost to the end of writing A CHORUS LINEUP and will also soon finish my first round of revisions on GRADUATION DAY.  These two events signal something pretty astonishing for me.  These are the last two WIPs that I have under contract.

I know most writers do not want to go a day without having a book under contract, but I'm pretty stoked to see the light at the end of the contract tunnel.  Oh - don't get me wrong, I've already put together a proposal for the next project that I hope to work on.  But having finished writing the books I had under contract means something very important to me.  Now I will have time to read.

That probably sounds crazy, right?  I'm a writer, so, of course, I read.  Rarely does a day go by that I have not read at least a chapter or two of a book.  But before I started writing, I used to read a book in a day.  I used to curl up in a chair with a story that gripped me and not go to bed until the story had ended.  I miss being able to do that.  So as soon as I am done with this manuscript and the revisions I have to finish, I have promised myself at least a week of doing nothing but reading.

7 days.

7 books.

Since this is a celebration of sorts, I want to make sure that every book I pick up is a fabulous read.  This is where you come in.  I need recommendations.  What books do you think should be on my celebratory to-read list?  Here is a chance to tell me about your favorite author, your favorite book or even something you've written.  The floor is yours.  What books have gripped you that you think will entertain me?

4 comments:

Thomas Pluck said...

Thanks for posting this, Joelle. After listening to deadline mania and writers who are sad that they can't fully explore an idea with a deadline looming, it is good to know that a prolific talent like yourself CAN find breathing room in a fulfilling writing career.

Joelle Charbonneau said...

Ha! It can be hard to find time to breathe. I think due to the nature of the business we are always looking for our next job because we're worried that we might not get that next job. But, that being said, it is important for authors to know when they need a break...even if it is only a week or so. I've been on the writing hamster wheel of 5 books in 19 months for the better part of the last two years. I know it is time for me to take a moment and breathe. And after that moment is over, I'll be dying to get back to writing. I'm crazy that way!

Scott D. Parker said...

The last book that truly gripped me was Redshirts by John Scalzi. At once a humorous book about "Star Trek," it is the most recent book that brought tears to my eyes. And I can barely get through a retelling of it without breaking down, so, if you like Star Trek, I'd recommend it. Moreover, if you are into audio books, Wil Wheaton reads this book and he brings just a little extra snark to the narration. Dan Brown's Inferno is on my summer reading list as well.

EA said...

This is my first exposure to Steve's news. FANTASTIC! Well earned and about time.