Monday, January 18, 2010

Why Read?

Stephanie Newton here...I've always had a very active imagination. My mom and dad took me to the library at least once a week as a kid--probably to keep me out of trouble. As long as I had a book to read, they could count on the fact that I would be where they left me.

I read all the Nancy Drew and Bobbsey twin mysteries. Cherry Ames was a nurse who always found trouble whether she was a department store nurse or a flight nurse. Grace Livingston Hill wrote over a hundred books and I'm pretty sure I read all of them. I even read Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour (thanks to my grandfather's collection).

Gothic romances suited me in middle school. Who doesn't love a good drama in middle school? Victoria Holt was my writer of choice then. Looking back, romance adventure has been a consistent favorite. I always wanted Nancy and Ned to end up together. :)

Reading has been such an important part of my life, obviously shaping a career. So, I decided that this year I'm going to be more deliberate about what I read. I want to read more and a variety. I'll probably always be drawn to romantic suspense, but I want to try some of the other types of books, historicals and contemporaries. Reading spurs creativity, making the brain work better. I could definitely use that!

Think about the types of books you've enjoyed. Why not keep a list of what you read this year and try something new? A new author, a new genre. And if you want to see my list, you can check it out at my blog!

Stephanie Newton's latest book in the Emerald Coast 911 series is on shelves now! Is an arsonist targeting firehouse chaplain Jake Rollins through his loved ones? FBI agent Chloe Davis is on the case—even though it brings her far too close to the handsome pastor. Chloe has always worked undercover, trusting only herself. How can she believe a man who says he knows her—and loves her—for who she is? Only when the smoke begins to clear will Chloe learn to see past her doubts and fears…and find the vengeful killer closer than anyone realizes. FMI, check out Steph's website: http://www.stephanienewtonbooks.com

8 comments:

Renee said...

I'm definitely trying to keep a reading list this year, and I'm trying (eek) to step outside of my preferred reading genre.

Stephanie Newton said...

It can be tough to do that, but I've already had one success stepping outside my reading box, so to speak. Historicals really aren't my thing, but I loved the Loretta Chase book I read.

I also can't wait for Renee Ryan's February book in the After the Storm historical continuity. An excerpt was featured in the back of my book and now I'm dying to read it!

Renee said...

Stephanie, if you are looking forward to Renee Ryan's, I suggest that if you haven't already that you read Valerie Hansens' High Plains Bride. It's out this month and from my understanding the two are connected. And, I read Carla Capshaw's The Duke's Redemption and really, really loved it, too. But then I love historicals. :)

Stephanie Newton said...

I'll definitely do that, Renee--thanks for the recommendation! :)

Camy Tang said...

Lately, I've been reading a lot of Harlequin Presents novels! They're a bit like candy--I can't stop even though I know there are other things I should read to add variety to my reading "diet"! I suppose I'll stop when I get tired of them ... eventually ... ;)
Camy

Stephanie Newton said...

Camy,
I do that sometimes--go on a reading glom of one series or one author. I love it when I find a "new to me" author with a huge backlist. It's like Christmas. :)

Sierra Donovan said...

Steph, I had a reading list ... then I lost the little memo pad I was keeping it in. Sounds like a good time to start it up again!

And I look forward to seeing your reading list.

Stephanie Newton said...

Sierra, I love it. I'm so like that...somewhere in all these sticky notes, I had a note about something important, LOL.

I hope that keeping the list on my blog will keep me honest--and motivated to read.

Hope to see yours on your blog!