Writer JC Morrows On Reading

JC Morrrows, welcome to Writers On Reading. Your books testify to your vivid imagination, leaving me curious as to what entertains you! So, what’s your favorite genre? Other than genre, what else do you look for when choosing your next reading adventure?

My favorite reading genre is speculative. I look for a clean read, preferably with a Christian worldview or message.

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

 

 

I recently read the Lunar Chronicles (Cinder, Scarlett, Cress, Fairest & Winter) by Marissa Meyer. That may not sound so strange for someone who loves speculative fiction, but it was definitely a stretch for me. From the time it was released – and I started to hear the buzz about it – I was hesitant. And, honestly, I was mostly hesitant because mainstream novels are often labeled clean reads, but they're not quite clean enough for me. And I will say this for the Lunar Chronicles; they were more clean than I expected, but a bit too gory for my taste.


As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

This is a tough one for me because, other than being the reason I may or may not pick the book up to look at it, I don't truly judge a book by its cover. On the one hand, I never pick up books with covers that are gross or overtly sexy so I suppose you could say I'm judging that those books are not worth my time. Essentially, it boils down to the fact that I'm not going to spend money or time on something I can't bear to look at. On the other hand, I never read a book simply because of its cover. The blurb on the back has to interest me.

 

Very wise of you! Do you read during the months you spend writing a book? If so, what did you read while working on your last book?

 

I read incessantly and I read in multiple genres. I did discover that it's not such a good idea to read other books in my genre while I'm actively working on my own because authors are notoriously their own worst critics and I tend to start feeling as if I could never measure up . . . Not a good attitude to have when writing . . . or editing. Thankfully my editor and my amazing team remind me constantly to have faith in the story that GOD has given me!

 

That's special. What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

 

As a mother, I don't often have the opportunity to actually read a book that I just can't put down. The latest read that comes immediately to mind that I didn't want to put down is Jennifer Beckstrand's “Huckleberry Hearts”. Jennifer's books are always a favorite of mine and each one blesses me so very much.

 

Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

 

With each new book Jennifer Beckstrand puts out, I tend to go back to the beginning of the series and read them all over again. Each one of her novels bring tears to my eyes; both from depth of emotion

and from laughing so hard. Her Huckleberry Hill series is a MUST READ!

 

Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading? (And do you still have a copy?)

 

I read incessantly as a kid/teen. I carried a book with me everywhere. Unfortunately, I don't have any of the books I read as a young child. Between moving often and some unfortunate incidents, all of my books were lost or sold or thrown away.

 

When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

 

I don't know that there was a specific time in my life when I made the decision that I wanted to write. I have always been a storyteller. From an extremely early age, I told my mother the stories that crowded into my brain and I've scribbled them down in notebooks as long as I can remember. I think the desire to write is fueled more by the infinite number of fictional universes that fill my mind and imagination, than by any one book I've read.

 

With spring coming soon, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal spring reading experience?

 

There are far too many books on my to-read list to name. I am not really someone who gravitates toward a certain type of book during a certain season . . . except Christmas. I start reading Christmas books in October or November.


Thanks for visiting, JC! It was fun getting to know you as a reader. Folks, you can continue to connect with JC, and find out more about her books at the links below.

 

 

BIO:

 

JC Morrows – best-selling author of YA Christian speculative fiction, drinker of coffee and avid reader – is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word.

She finished her first speculative fiction novel purely for the enjoyment of her mother – also known as her biggest fan.

JC has been telling stories in one form or another her entire life and once her mother convinced her to write them down, she couldn't stop.

She gives God all of the glory for her talent and ability!

 

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

 

 

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

 

Website: http://jcmorrows.com

Amazon:  http://amazon.com/author/jcmorrows

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7279550.J_C_Morrows

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/jcmorrows

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCMorrows

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/jcmorrows/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JC.Morrows.Author

Tumblr:  http://jcmorrows.tumblr.com/

 

 

 

“A Dangerous Love” Pre-Order Links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1Pfxipq

Nook: http://bit.ly/1PAbaYT

Apple: http://apple.co/1Qv14Y9

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ORAVya

 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1TjQGmL

 

Writer Valerie Comer On Reader

Valerie, welcome to Writers on Reading! I’m looking forward to getting

to know you as a reader. Your most recent novel, Berry on Top, releases in February, and looks very fun. I also love farm-fresh-romance theme from your first series.

I’m curious if you read mostly romance and any other quirks about your reading habits. Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a reader? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

I read a lot of Christian contemporary romance, the genre in which I write. I have several authors on auto-buy, but I also like to try out newcomers in the field. Sometimes themes seem to repeat, but that may be coincidental to the order in which I read them. I find it endlessly fascinating how authors can spin new characters into tried-and-true scenarios and come up with unique stories. The possibilities are endless!

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I actually read an Amish book recently, based on the recommendation of one of my street team members. It was Jennifer Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Summer, in which the young Amish hero is

an environmentalist, which ties in well with the themes I write about in the Farm Fresh Romance series. I enjoyed Ms. Beckstrand’s storytelling voice so much that I’ve read a couple of other books in the series. In general, I’m not a fan of Amish fiction, so this was a big departure for me!

That's very fun, sounds like a good fit for you! As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

I’m far less cover-conscious than many readers and go more by author or recommendations from friends. Once the book is on my old-school e-ink Kindle, the cover no longer matters at all, as I never see it again! Sometimes when I’m browsing, though, I cringe at some of the covers I see. I’ll still buy them if a friend recommends them, though.

Having published so many stories over the last couple of years, do you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?

In my early writing years, I found it difficult to read fiction, especially in the same genre as I was writing. That’s not a problem anymore. When I finish one first draft and have cleaned it up to send my beta readers, I start on the next book while awaiting feedback. So… if I waited for a gap, I’d never read, and I love it too much for that to happen. I read on average of an hour every evening, which works out to at least a book a week. Most of what I read is contemporary Christian romance, though not all.

Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I was ‘that kid’ for sure! Early reading memories include Heidi, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, The Borrowers, and the

Trixie Belden mysteries. We lived in a remote northern community and didn’t have access to a library. Even my three-room school didn’t have a library, although each classroom had a book cupboard at the back of the room. I burned through the available books quickly then reread my favorites.

Great insight into your reading past! That's why I love these interviews! So, when did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

I started writing many stories when I was a child. I loved the ability of books to send me to other places and other times, and wanted to do the same thing for others, but had no idea how. I abandoned all of them just a few pages in.

I toyed with writing for years as an adult, too. I always wanted to do it ‘some day,’ but the driving passion to make it a priority wasn’t there. In 2002 I found myself with a job at a small-town flooring shop. There were empty hours to be filled most days, and my bosses were totally fine with me bringing in a computer and writing in the back corner of the store. I spent the next few years applying myself to learning to write fiction through how-to books, an online forum, critique groups, and lots of practice.

I thought I had it made when I sold a romance novella to Barbour for release in 2012, but the doors didn’t truly open for me in traditional publishing. I’ve been an independent author/publisher since July, 2014, and I honestly couldn’t be happier! God has blessed me beyond my dreams. So, so thankful.

Wonderful to hear. You've really found your nitch. So, with a chilling winter upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

Winter reading. Hmm. In December, it’s mostly Christmas novels and novellas, but now that we are well past that, I can enjoy stories set in any season, even if it doesn’t match the blowing snow outside!

Ideal experience? I’d like to say in my armchair near the fireplace, with a quilt and a kitty on my lap, a mug of mocha on the side table, and soft music playing. The reality is a bit less romantic! I usually read in bed with a few down pillows behind my back just before lights-out, so the mocha with its caffeine hit are out! But both my cats are likely to be curled up tight against me, and their soft purring provides a pleasant backdrop.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Before I began writing, I used to reread books all the time. Now I no longer have time to do so, plus I have enough books in my Kindle queue to last me even if I didn’t hit that one-click-buy for quite a while. Which never happens!

Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Valerie! Folks, you can continue to connect with Valerie—and find out more about her books!—at the links below.

BIO:

Valerie Comer's life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local food movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.

Valerie writes where food meets faith and fiction in her Farm Fresh Romance series and Riverbend romance novellas. Visit her at www.ValerieComer.com.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Berry on Top is the sixth book in the Farm Fresh Romances. It can be read as a standalone, but will make the most sense as part of the series.

Find out more about the series here: http://valeriecomer.com/series/farm-fresh-romance/

Berry on Top is available for Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook here: http://valeriecomer.com/books/berry-on-top/

About Berry on Top:

God forgave him — but can she?

Liz Nemesek’s first visit home in forever is tough enough before Mason Waterman shows up. Despite her best efforts, she’s never forgotten — or forgiven — him for the hurt he once caused.

Former bad boy Mason Waterman has returned to northern Idaho to raise his five-year-old twins. The kids are determined to find a new mommy, but Liz is the last person they should latch onto… and the last person he should find himself falling for. Again.

If Mason has really changed, can Liz re-open her heart to him… and to the God who could have prevented her decade of heartache?

Writer Susan Anne Mason On Romance Reading (Valentine's Post)

Susan, welcome back to Writers On Reading—what perfect timing for

your visit as we approach Valentine’s Day! Your latest historical romance, A Worthy Heart, the sequel to Irish Meadows recently released—another beauty—and I confess I am personally excited about the third book in the series. (Wink.) 

As a genuine romantic, do you have any reading recommendations for us this Valentine’s Weekend?

I have a few actually, but one that really fits for Valentine’s Day is Courtney Walsh’s Paper Hearts. I read this last year around this time and was so charmed by the whole story and the concept of a husband and wife sharing romantic thoughts on paper hearts. It’s a story that doesn’t disappoint!

Wow! Sounds like a delight. Can you share the best romance book you’ve read or heard about during the year since you visited us?

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren was fabulous! So was To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander.

Excellent recommendations. (You've good taste in books, my friend!) Looking back through the years, is there a romance story that sticks with you above all others?

I’d have to say Gone with the Wind and The Thornbirds were equally instrumental in my life. I saw both of these stories in film during my

teens, and then read the books. The star-crossed lovers theme really resonated with me, but I would have written the endings different for both of these stories. My character Rylan Montgomery in Irish Meadows, who was in the seminary when he met Colleen O’Leary, was born from the idea in The Thornbirds of a priest falling in love. 

What fun insight into your books. What was the last romance you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

The most recent one was Julie Lessman’s new contemporary novel Isle of Hope. It’s a big book, and I read it in like 2 days. Her characters are so compelling, and the storyline catches you up. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve loved all Julie’s historical romances and was thrilled to find her contemporary story even better!

Okay, we're gonna have to look at that one. I confess I might have passed it up, not wanting to see her "change genres"! Is there a certain kind of romance that draws you? Something you look for in a hero or heroine when you’re browsing books?

I’m very much drawn to a wounded hero, one with deep hidden scars that only the heroine, and God, can heal. John Brady, the hero in Julie Lessman’s A Passion Denied is an example of this type of hero. 
I also seem to write these types of heroes. Adam O’Leary in A Worthy Heart is just such a hero—and Matthew Clayborne, the hero of my third historical, Love’s Faithful Promise, can also be described this way. It’s such fun pairing them with strong women who help them find their true worth and a renewed faith in God’s love.

Yes, those are the best! Again, I love your taste. What was the first romance you remember reading?

I’m not sure if it was a real romance, but as a kid I read Anne of Green Gables and all the books that followed, mainly to see how her romance with Gilbert Blythe turned out!

Oops, you made me laugh. So true and relatable, right, folks? Susan, when did you know you wanted to write romance? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

After my kids got a wee bit older and I had more time to read, I picked up a book in a used bookstore by an author I’d never heard of before: Nora Roberts. (I know, I was living under a rock!) I loved her romances so much, I started reading as many as I could. That seemed to spark the idea of writing again, and of course I wanted to write romance since that’s all I wanted to read!

That is fun. I just love knowing that about you. Do you have a to-read list you’d like to share with us?

Sure! These are some I bought with Christmas money and haven’t had chance to read yet:  From the Start by Melissa Tagg, The Mistress of Tall Acre, by Laura Frantz, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt and Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall. 

All good books, I'm sure. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing the spirit of this Valentine’s! Folks, you can continue to connect with Susan—and find out more about her sumptuous romance books!—at the links below.

BIO:
Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys. A Worthy Heart is her second historical novel in the Courage to Dream series. Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA. 
Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She loves red wine and chocolate, is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian, and is ecstatic on the rare occasions she has the house to herself. In addition to writing, Susan likes to research her family history on-line, and occasionally indulges in scrapbooking. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.com.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Website: www.susanannemason.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.anne.mason.333/ 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=susan+anne+mason 

Christian Books: http://www.christianbook.com/new-2-a-worthy-heart/susan-mason/9780764217258/pd/217258?event=ESRCG 

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-worthy-heart-susan-anne-mason/1122232802?ean=9780764217258

Bethany House: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/a-worthy-heart/355430 

Writer Janet K. Brown On Reading

Your novels, Victoria and the Ghost and Worth Her Weight, couldn’t be more different. I cannot imagine your reading list! So… as a reader are you drawn toward certain genres? Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a reader? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

That’s funny, but true, and not only do I write multiple genres, but I read multiple genres. I read young adult, romance, suspense, mysteries, non-fiction, women’s fiction, general fiction.  I guess I look more than anything for hope in impossible situations. I don’t only read Christian. Sometimes, the story provides hope because the protagonist learns what’s really important in life. However, since God brings everlasting hope, I do prefer Christian novels.

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I guess I would say “Joseph’s Cradle,” a children’s Christmas book. (I told you I read everything.) It was new view of the nativity, showing Joseph’s point of view, and I liked that. I chose it because I had become acquainted with the author.

As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

True confession: Lately, I’ve mostly read books that I agreed to review or that I won as a gift, so I haven’t chosen just by cover in awhile. I will say that my all time favorite cover is the one Kimberly Pennell did for my devotion book, Divine Dining. It’s not just me. I’ve been told that by others.

Having published other books do you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?

I read all the time. Reading makes my writing fresher, or at least, that’s my opinion. Besides, I need to get into a story other than my own. I keep a non-fiction and a fiction going at all times.

The last few months, I’ve been on deadline to finish Worth Forgiving, the sequel to Worth Her Weight. During this time, I read Remembrance by Danielle Steel, In This Together by Gail Kittleson, and Moonlight Can Be Murder by Blanche Day Manos.

What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

The Debt by Angela Hunt

Oooh, good choice! Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer.

Children in novels always make me laugh. In this one, little Lily was a reader of wild western novels, and especially ones written about the exploits of the man that became their protector. The shivers came with the girl’s kidnapping, and the crying when they learned how the precious child had been used for criminal gain.

Lots of sighing over the protagonist and the hero’s opposing ways of looking at things, but again we learn that in romance, opposites attract.

Sounds great! Judging by the cover, that's a book I've been wanting to read. Now I have a real excuse. Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I don’t remember reading a lot before college. The first I remember was a LaVryle Spencer book. But, as a lonely child, I made up my own stories, some in my mind, some written. My imagination was my book.

When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

My junior high school English teacher was extremely hard on me. At the end of the school year, I got up the courage to ask her why she didn’t like me. She told me she was harder on me because she saw promise in my writing. That sparked a dream that never went away.

I'm so glad you asked her! How special! Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

The Debt by Angela Hunt made a lasting impression, again because of the theme of hope for an impossible situation, and in this case, redemption despite sin.

With a chilling winter deep upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

Actually, I don’t read as much in the winter as I do in the other months. I read in thirty minute swatches between writing, promoting, Bible study, family activities, and watching movies during this time.

We travel with our RV during the spring, fall, and some in the summer. My husband and I like nothing better than to sit outside and read overlooking a gurgling brook or a mountain scene.

I’m now reading 74 Seaside Avenue by Debbie Macomber. My next book to read is Virginia by Cathy Marie Hake and the one after that will be Private Eye Protector by Shirlee McCoy.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

I rarely reread a book.

If Lacey from Worth Her Weight were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Lacey, my protagonist, likes romance and is a Christian, so she’d probably read Margaret Daley or Linda Goodnight.

Thanks so much for visiting, Janet, and letting us get to know you better as a reader.

I’ve enjoyed it, Deirdre. Wow, you ask tough questions. Made me think.

BIO:

Janet K. Brown lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles. Writing became her second career after retiring from medical coding.

    Worth Her Weight is the author’s first inspirational women’s fiction, but it makes a perfect companion to her previously released, Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness. Both books encompass her passion for diet, fitness, and God’s Word.

Worth Her Weight marks Brown’s third book. Who knew she had a penchant for teens and ghosts? She released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012.

    Janet and her husband love to travel with their RV, work in their church, and visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren.

    Janet teaches workshops on writing, weight loss, and the historical settings of her teen books.

Find her at http://www.janetkbrown.com

on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janetkbrowntx

on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707

E-mail:  Janet.hope@att.net

Purchase Links for Worth Her Weight:

http://pen-l.com/WorthHerWeight.html

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Her-Weight-Janet-Brown/dp/1940222958/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth-her-weight-janet-k-brown/1120982917?ean=9781940222950