Because I write contemporary romances, romantic suspense and medical romances, I read these genres to study the market, but I read historicals to relax. Recently I developed a liking for paranormals, and particularly for werewolves, after reading Stephanie Burkhart’s The Wolf’s Torment, The Hungarian, and the Count’s Lair.
If I have to choose between short length, full-length and novella, I prefer full-length novels— if well written. Lowering my head in embarrassment, because if the book isn’t well written, I can’t continue reading after three or four chapters. I rarely read novellas. They finish too early for my taste. Category books are perfect for character-driven stories.
Most of the books I read are in third point-of-view, but I read a few that were fantastic in first point-of-view, Courting Danger, a short romantic suspense, by Carol Stephenson, that I read in one sitting, and the hilarious comedy, Replacing Barnie by Patrice Wilton.
My greatest fear after becoming a published author has been, and still is, the need to promote until death. Particularly participating in live chats. Strange, since giving presentations at conferences or meetings was part of my job description as a director of analytical chemistry. But chat... I was literally in panic mode at my first author’s chat, hoping no one would show up so that I could run away and hide. But many friends were there, holding my hand. I relaxed and enjoyed the chat immensely.
My hope is to share wonderful stories with my readers and take them around the world through my stories. In contemporary romances, readers can relate to the characters, their conflicts and emotions. My stories tackle problems that are real and often emotional. But I always lighten the drama with humor.
I was told by reviewers that I create unforgettable characters in unique settings.
The Romance Studio chose TO LOVE A HERO as Sweetheart of the Week. ~ Ms. Risk is one of those authors who puts together a tale that captivates from first page to last.
Night Owl Romance chose FRENCH PERIL as Recommended Read. ~Mona Risk will pull you in with her amazing characters and in-depth twisting suspense... Travel has never been this suspenseful nor this cheap!
The Long and The Short Reviews chose BABIES IN THE BARGAIN as Best Book of The Week. Ms. Risk has done an outstanding job with Babies in the Bargain and is a very talented writer who gives the reader what they are after.
Happy Ever After gave a MUST BUY to NO MORE LIES: “A wonderfully written book about true love and the rarity of second chances.”
2011 EPPIE Award Finalist and Readers Favorite 2010 Best Contemporary Romance.
Special at amazon.com for $0.99
http://tinyurl.com/3lenmfd
A lie that brings a smile... or the truth that draws tears?
Dr. Olivia Crane lives a quiet life. No one questions why she doesn’t socialize or where she spends her weekends. When the visiting physician from France strolls into her office, with open arms and a confident smile, her perfect control is about to crumble. He’s Luc George, the man she loved ten years ago. Should she return his scorching kisses, or should she lock her door before he digs into her many secrets?
Secret daughter, secret friend, secret enemy. Had Luc really known his sweet Olivia back then? He wants her back, but he wants the truth too. Now, Olivia has to face her past before she can grab her second chance.
What are your preferences about reading and writing?
13 comments:
Great blog, Mona. I have preferences, too. I read the newer authors to study what publishers are demanding of debut writers. I find their writing crisper and more emotionally enticing than those who've been on the NYT best sellers list. I'm also finding I enjoy reading from a Kindle as much as from a book. I didn't think I would; once again I was wrong.
Hi Mona!
I'm with you, if a book hasn't grabbed me by chapter three, I don't stick around. I prefer full length books, which is weird since I also write category length. I do love the tight knit stories required by category romance, though. It's just that when I am enjoying a story I don't want it to end so fast, you know?
Vonnie, I completely agree with you. I've stopped buying books from actual bookstores, and buy almost exclusively ebooks. There are so many great stories there, such as Storm's Interlude, After Midnight, Wholesale Husband to name a few. I'm going on a trip to see my granddaughters soon, and loading my Sony with enough reading to keep me entertained.
Hi Lynne, I love your category-length medical romances. They were very special in that genre.
Hi Mona! Okay, guilty pleasure time. My favorite thing to read is super-duper long fantasy novels. Usually the ones that are hard to hold and become more and more difficult to keep open the closer I get to the end. Yep. I think that's why I write from such a detailed perspective. Those types of books are very different from the romance genre, and prior to being published, I had NO IDEA there were all these different categorie length novels. When my editor told me I needed to cut my word count down to around 100K, I was SHOCKED! Just goes to show, you need to read what area you write in. I now sprinkle a romance in here and there, but without fail, I always return to my first love. Long fantasy.
Hi Mona,
I'm with you. Life is too short to finish a bad book. (God, I hope no one ever feels that way about one of mine) but really, that is what inspired me to write my own. I go through stages. I love a quick, funny, contemporary romance, but curling up with a full length historical or fantasy does it for me too. Ultimately, I just love to read.
Your preferences mirror mine in many ways. I have to admit (she flushes with embarrassment), a good portion of my reading is while I'm in the bathroom. About the only time I get some privacy!
Makes me want to read French Peril even more now that I have it! I write cowboys mostly, not always, but I do always write contemporary. I have begun to write paranormals as well, but again I write what I term (or maybe it is the proper term) contemporary paranormal. Set in the now, with contemporary heroines (so far anyway) mixed with shapeshifters. My shifters at the moment, and as far as I can see into the future are contemporary Cherokee warriors.
What do I read? Full length for the most part but I like short stories if they are tight and crafted well. I like some historicals, not all and no specific time period. These depend on the author's voice and how well they are written if they catch my attention. I read a few novella erotics if they have a good plot and story. I don't care for all sex and no story. When I want a breather, a creative well filler, I will go to a novella because I can start and finish them in a short amount of time, and then get back to work or whatever I'm doing. But usually I turn to paranormal and contemporary. I read a variety of contemporary, but cowboys will suck my time faster than any other because it's what I know and what I love.
Great post, Mona.
Hi AJ, long time ago before I started writing, I was like you and loved long, very long historical. In the nineties I wouldn't have been caught dead reading a short Harlequin. Things changed after I started writing. No more time! Mona in VA and away from my own computer.
Hi Mckenzie, may I suggest a lovely romance, EPPIE finalist for only ninety-nine cent? Try NO MORE LIES. Shameless promotion. LOL, but honestly, you won't be disappointed! Mona in VA and away from my own computer.
Patsie, don't blush. I do the same LOL. Yes we have similat taste as I loved Aimee's Locket from first to last page. Fell in love with your hero. Mona in VA and away from my own computer.
Hi Calisa, French Peril is a contemporary romantic suspense set in French. It received several 5* reviews. Before writing a love scene, I take a three-day break and read several erotica to put me in the mood. Then the love scene flows easily. LOL Mona in VA and away from my own computer.
Got it, Mona. Looks like a lovely read to keep me busy while watching the games today. ;-)
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