by Linda O. Johnston
A couple of weeks ago, Hannah Dennison wrote a post here about “So Many Books! So Little Time!” I certainly agree with that concept. I’m always writing, of course, and I’m also always reading. Like many writers, and readers, I collect a lot of books.
How do I decide which to buy? Well, I’ve been pondering that, and the results don’t surprise me. And I suspect that’s true with a lot of others who love to read.
First, I write romantic suspense stories these days for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, as well as mysteries for Crooked Lane. Guess what. Among the books I read the most are Harlequin Romantic Suspense books, and mysteries. For one thing, I am writing books for the vast and long-lasting Colton stories for HRS. I have one being published in December that’s the eleventh in the year-long Coltons of New York mini-series. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that I’ve been reading the earlier ones in that series this year. And I’ve done the same thing with the other Colton series I’ve written for in previous years.
I also have my own HRS miniseries about a Shelter of Secrets, where a very special animal shelter also shelters people in trouble. I do read other HRS books, especially those that also contain dogs. And yes, I read other Harlequin books, too, many of which contain dogs.
And that’s something else. I’m a dog nut, so I’ll also pick up a lot of books that are stories including dogs, even if they’re not romantic suspense or mysteries.
My mystery series for Crooked Lane is the Alaska Untamed series, under my first pseudonym, Lark O. Jensen. It has wildlife, and dogs, in it. I like to read many kinds of mysteries, and those that take place in Alaska also intrigue me, especially if they have dogs. And other stories in Alaska also get my attention. Plus other mysteries…primarily with dogs.
Anyway, you get the idea. I’ve got some particular interests and love to read stories containing those subjects. Do I also read other books, including best sellers? Sure, especially if they’re recommended by friends. But I have to figure out my time first.
How about you? How do you select the kinds of stories you read?
The Writers in Residence 
I, too, read books in genres in which I write. That would be mostly mysteries, but I will venture into types of mysteries that are vastly different from my own books. Sometimes they are a tad too graphic and every now and then the hero is somebody I really don’t like and wouldn’t want to be around, so I put down the book and move on to another one. When I teach my writing classes I do mention that the main character should be somebody the author would invite into their home. Obviously some of these characters as well as the author have different tastes. But that’s why there are so many books out there. I keep reading and keep finding characters that I admire and keep buying those books. Read On!
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I agree that it’s best when the protagonists are people we like, or can identify with. Yes, read on!
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Now we really know who you are, Linda. My taste is eclectic, fiction and non-fiction . I just downloaded the entire works of Conan Doyle and realize I prefer him to Christie because his research is so great and educational especially of foreign lands and culture. Good luck with the new books, Linda.
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Aha, so you think you know who I really am? Well, maybe so. A good part of me is certainly my reading and writing… and love of dogs.
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Early in my professional career I enjoyed reading anthologies of science fiction, one bite-sized story before bedtime, which transported me to fantastic places. Now my reading choices are more akin to throwing a dart – I find an author, genre, or theme I like and select more like that until I strike out and miss, then throw another dart.
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I was sort of that way about reading mystery short stories starting out, especially since that was the genre of my first published fiction, and it won an award. Now, I still read them sometimes, interspersed with everything else.
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I’m always impressed with your prolific writing, Linda! I wish I had more time to read. But when I do it’s often mysteries set in Old Hollywood, WWI or WWII. But my favorite escape reading is light mysteries set in the Mediterranean…. a literary vacation…
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Thanks, Rosie! Your reading choices sound good to me, especially Old Hollywood and the Mediterranean. A literary vacation is always a fun one.
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I have your Alaska book, and am waiting until I return from England to read it (and a couple of other ones set in the land of the midnight sun) because………………we are taking an Alaska Cruise in September, the Lord willing!
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PS: Will you write any more for that series?
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And yes! The sequel to Bear Witness, called Cry Wolf, will be published later this year.
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I’m envious! No plans at the moment for another Alaskan cruise. I hope you have lots of fun on yours, and I’ll want to hear about it. And I of course hope you enjoy Bear Witness.
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I read mostly mysteries and enjoy any that focus on the arts: music, dance, writing, libraries, cooking, etc. I especially like California settings, as I lived in LA for many years and often miss it. Reading lets me enjoy it vicariously. When I travel, I like to read something with the setting I’m visiting. While I prefer to like the main character, sometimes not liking her/him is interesting.
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Your mystery choices sound fun. And I always enjoy California settings too, as well as places I’ve visited–such as Alaska. And some of the arts really inspire me to read and write too.
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Maggie, I like to read books set where I plan to travel too. For the last several months I’ve been reading mysteries set in England, especially the countryside and Cornwall. When I return I’ll begin with the 5-6 Alaska set mysteries I have before traveling there in September. It’s fun!
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Jackie, yes, it is fun! I wish you safe and enjoyable travels.
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I am so impressed with how prolific a writer and a reader you are, Linda! I don’t read as much I want to because of time constraints – job, aging mother, dogs etc. but as a general rule – I don’t read the genre I write when I’m writing to deadline. I will read historical non-fiction and biographies. When I’m in-between books – that’s when I’ll read mystery, thrillers and romantic suspense. At the moment I’m on a drop DEAD deadline which is why I am chiming in late here … so sorry!! And, as always – such a thought-provoking post!
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Glad you had a chance to reply, Hannah! You certainly sound busy. And I understand why you don’t read the genre you’re writing in. I have to be careful not to duplicate anything. Good luck with your deadline!
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