Today we're delighted to have with us Ashlyn Chase, author of seven steamy books that have garnered wonderful reviews, in part because of her ability to give readers a good dose of humor with the romance. Something I, for one, look for in a book, so I'm going to head off and browse Ash's bookshelf for something good to read this weekend because I .... Oh--you don't care what Liz Jasper is doing this weekend and want to hear what Ash has to say? Okay then...
What I’ve Learned As A Reader Vs. A Writer
I’ve learned many things recently simply by reading tons of books in my favorite genre. How? I don’t recommend the way I did it—spinal surgery, followed by bed rest and a neck brace for several weeks, but everything has its uses, if you look for them. Sometimes, it’s an eye opener to take a step back (or several) and witness the life you lead.
First of all, as a writer, I rarely get the chance to just read. I mean, to read as much as I want, anything I want, every single day for as long as I want. Over that awful recovery time, I read print books, ebooks on a PDA and audio books. I purchased some and borrowed some from the library. I even had some that came from God knows where but they found themselves on my ‘to be read’ pile and I was extremely grateful to have them. Every media has its uses and for readers to have a choice is so valuable that everyone wins.
Observations:
It really is all about the story. Yes, good writing is essential but I learned even more beyond that. I read some New York Times bestsellers that put me to sleep. I’m sorry, but it’s true. I also read an author’s debut ebook that had me so awed and fascinated that I couldn’t put it down.
Editing counts too. Errors are such a jarring disappointment.
I learned what I like. I thought I knew this before, but I was able to fine-tune my taste and learn how much this subjective factor has to do with the enjoyment of reading. Seriously. It’s so subjective that reviews might as well be taken with a grain of salt. I’d been told that before, but I never believed it. Now I do.
It may take months to write something and get it just so. The reader will show their appreciation by devouring your book in a day.
I knew I wanted to write because of what books meant to me, personally. How they saved my sanity in periods of extreme and unfair challenges. How I needed a great escape. I think the confinement confirmed the awesome responsibility we have as writers. I hope I remember to give my best effort every single time. So far, I haven’t put anything out there that I’m not proud of. I may not please everyone, but I can’t control that. What I can be sure of is that as long as I please myself, I’ll keep writing and loving it.
Where there's fire, there's Ash
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I'm right there with you Ash; I can't remember the last time I read for just pleasure. My "to be reviewed" list is longer than both my arms put together.
I, too, am bothered by the typos or missing words when I stumble across them in books. I think it's partially because I'm a perfectionist and I cringe if I ever see an error in one of my published articles, and also because I've always been an avid reader and mistakes used to be so unusual when I was younger, but now I rarely read a book without at least two errors in it.
Best of luck with the rest of the tour. Keep writing and keep promoting!
Cheryl
Great interview, Ash. You reminded me of what it's all about--reading. Good stories always have a place somewhere and touch lives in ways that we can't know. My own life has been deeply touched by many good writers.
Thanks again for a fresh perspective. And I'll watch those typos.
Ash, I think you gave the readers exactly what they want in a book: relaxation and fun.
When I read a book I won't pay attention to a few forgotten typos, but I cringe at continious shifts of POV, slow pace, lack of conflict or useless dialogue that make me scream at the book, so...where are we going?
Ah, the curse of being a writer. I know I have a really good book when I stop analyzing and I'm just reading. Still, I learn something from every book I read.
Also, being a writer cuts into your reading time in a big way!
Great post, Ashlyn!
I enjoyed your interview. Reading a great book always inspires me to write best story I can.
Great post, Ashlyn. I have a huge tbr pile. Some are novels I think I should read for research into the genre, some are ones that have been recommended and some just caught my fancy. I've learned to take a risk now and then and pick up something new.
I'm not bothered by a few typos but too many annoy me. I've also tried some NYT bestsellers that don't work for me. I give them until chapter five if it's a book I think I should like. After that I chuck them if they bore me.
One of my biggest bugbears is annoying characters who do stupid things.
I have several TRP piles. I do read for pleasure.I really need to do that often.
Yes errors make me cringe, especially grammatical errors.I taught Engish /language arts for 15 years and old habits can die hard.
It's hard for me to enjoy a book that hasn't been edited properly. It looks bad on the publisher. Of course, my own book has an error that went through several people. It still bugs me!