Writers On Reading Closed for Today

Hello All, No post this Friday---Good Friday. May all of you have a blessed weekend! Here's what I'll be reading and recommending this Easter weekend. :0

Writer Marilyn Turk On Reading

Marilyn, welcome to Writers on Reading! Your debut novel, The Gilded Curse, released mere days ago and looks sumptuous. I’m curious…as a reader are you drawn toward the genre you read in? Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a read? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

I love historical fiction, especially Civil War era books, but I read all historical eras.

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

A contemporary suspense, whodunit. I don’t like to read about murders, but I try to choose a variety for my book club, because they don’t all like historical and some like more contemporary suspense or mystery, so I try to stretch my reading selection.

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?

Probably Lisa Wingate’s book, The Story Keeper, which I enjoyed immensely and bought her next book as a result.

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 always have a book that I’m reading. I think it helps keep my mind in gear.

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

The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate. I like the way she combines historical with contemporary so I have two story lines to keep up with.

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

Well, I just read Esther, by Angela Hunt, and it made me shiver because of the

horrific things that people did to people during that time period in Persia.

I cried when I read Dan Walsh’s book, Rescuing Finley – it’s a sweet story.

And I laughed when I read Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin and also laughed when I read Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock – both books I loved.

Thanks for the great recommendations! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

As a preteen I read Nancy Drew and loved those books.

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

I’ve wanted to write devotionals for a long time because I like reading them. I suppose my writing style is a combination of Nancy Drew and historical because I read a few historicals as an older teen, such as The Silver Chalice, Captain from Castille, and Ramona.

With a spring just sprung upon us, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal spring reading experience?

I love to read sitting under an umbrella at the beach. That’s got to be my most favorite setting. Fortunately for me, the beach isn’t far away, but with family responsibilities, I often don’t have that leisure. I’m looking forward to reading Once Beyond a Time by Ann Tatlock and The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

No. Not enough time to reread with all the books I want to read.

If the antagonist/protagonist in one of your books were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

That’s a hard one to answer. I think I’ll pass on this one.

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

BIO:

Marilyn Turk Bio

Marilyn Turk has been published in Guideposts magazine, Guideposts books - A Joyful Heart and A Cup of Christmas Cheer, The Upper Room, Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Lighthouse Digest magazine. Her book, Lighthouse Devotions was published in 2015, and The Gilded Curse, a historical suspense novel, was released this month. Her weekly lighthouse blog can be found at http://pathwayheart.com. She lives in Florida with husband Chuck and enjoys boating, fishing, tennis, and gardening when she’s not climbing lighthouses or playing with her grandsons.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

@pathwayheart.com 

@marilynturk.com

Blurb 

In 1942, Lexie Smithfield becomes the only heir to her family’s dwindling fortune after her brother is killed at Pearl Harbor. A mysterious telegram beckons her back to Jekyll Island. Ten years before, the family quit coming to the exclusive Millionaire’s Club after tragic events convinced her mother the island was cursed. Club Superintendent Russell Thompson knows the truth, but he swore never to tell. Will he and Lexie discover the real danger before it’s too late?

Writer Glenn Haggerty On Reading

Glenn, welcome to Writers on Reading! Your MG/YA, book Run, released last October. I had

the delight of reading the first pages in a contest last year and am thrilled to see this now available to readers. I’m curious over what you read. Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a read? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

Courage and resourcefulness to overcome physical danger, if well done, usually snags my attention. I like a relatable, imperfect character who somehow finds faith/hope and the grace to overcome.

Yes, that makes for excellent reading! What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carlson. I’m not normally into teen girl romantic problem situations—but I review Christian fiction for tweens and teens, and the title grabbed my attention. This book is intriguing, a frumpy nerd is transformed by her new step mom into this hot chick, who turns out to become—well—a jerk magnet. The transformation like, What Not to Wear, plus, plus was educational, and the character transformation was likewise intriguing. And the author’s portrayal of teen guys was IMO pretty much right on.

Okay, I’m intrigued. Sounds like a fun book. 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?

Robot Wars, Death Trap by Sigmund Brouwer. I really didn’t like the cover, but inside was an interesting sci-fi concept that the 2015 movie, The Martian echos (I think). It was well done with great character development as well.

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 like to read at night before I go to bed. Actually due to my visual impairment, I don’t actually read but listen. I usually have two books on hand. One, an exciting (hopefully) current YA/MG title or just about any westerns, then when I really need to actually sleep, I switch to a boring historical. I’m thankful for the auto 5-15-minute-turnoff-function because those usually put me right to sleep.

Hah! That’s fun. (And I can say even though there’s nothing I’d rather read than a good history book, lol.) What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

Recently, Waterfall by Lisa Bergren. Interesting historical/fantasy, great character and action, and I was just wondering how the protagonist would extricate herself from the delightful mess.

Another excellent recommend. Uh-oh, this interview is going to be just terrible for my to-read list! I don’t think I want to ask, but…did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

I mentioned this on my website, but Jack Staples and the Ring of Time by Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark, with vivid Biblical analogies excited me spiritually, reminded me of the reality of the deadly spiritual battle that rages around me everyday. Similarly, I too want to excite and encourage my readers spiritually while providing such intense entertainment.

Good for it—and good for you! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

Yes. I got hooked on reading in sixth grade. Somehow I found myself in the library and picked up a copy of Jack London’s Call of the Wild . . . The rest is history.

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

C.S. Lewis dazzled me with his Christian allegories, but his genius was too high to encourage me to move in that direction. I think Bodie Thoene’s Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenant teased my interest in Christian historical and action adventure. But I didn’t really think writing might be in God’s plan for me until sometime after I became disabled as a result of complications of Glaucoma surgery in 1995. After years of rehabilitation and additional schooling, I dove into writing in late 2006-7.

And I’m so glad you did! BTW, Bodie Thoene is my favorite modern author, the author who first incited my respect for the Christian Ficiton genre all those decades ago! So, now I know I just have to add all the books you’ve recommended, including yours, to my reading list! Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

I reread much of Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby in January, and it encouraged me yet again to draw close to God and join Him in His amazing adventure that lays before me each and every day!

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

Okay how about Spring! J. I’m actually looking forward to writing my third novel in my Intense series. Working title, Hyde, and it’s about modern day pirates, buried treasure. There’s murder and kidnapping in the mix and a thorny teen problem to dive into. I get excited thinking about it!

You’ll have to let us know when it’s available! Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

So many new books to read, I can’t think of a fiction that I’d reread instead of something new at this point.

If the antagonist/protagonist in one of your books were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Thirteen-year-old Tyler would definitely pick up Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker, The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan, or one of Eddie Jones Caden’s Chronicles.

Those sound like perfect fits! What a fun interview. Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Glenn! Folks, you can continue to connect with Glenn Haggerty—and find out more about Run and any of his upcoming, intense MG/YA books!—at the links below.

BIO:

Glenn is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, father of six and grandfather of six. He likes tandem biking and kayaking, and lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two youngest college age children. Glenn is also an award-winning author who combines his love for teaching God’s word with his passion for writing exciting fiction. Run is his first novel.

Website: www.glennhaggerty.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor,

Twitter, @grhaggertyjr

Blog(Youth Book Reviews): www.christianbooksfortweensandteens.com

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Run-Intense-Book-Glenn-Haggerty-ebook/dp/B015QP5YY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445632525&sr=8-1&keywords=RUN+Intense

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1122803977?ean=9781940727172

Writer Henry McLaughlin On Reading

Henry, welcome to Writers On Reading! Your most recent book,

Riverbend Justice: Book 2 in the Riverbend Sagas, released at the beginning of this year. These look like such great Western books, so I’m excited to get your opinions and recommendations! Finding good Westerns—real westerns—like yours is hard. Aside from Louis L’amour and Zane Grey…what have you found to interest you?

My favorite Western writer is Elmer Kelton. His stories are historically accurate. His characters are real and intriguing. He has the ability to put the reader in the saddle with the main character and keep him there. And he explores stories not usually done by other writers. Among my favorites are Buffalo Soldiers, Llano River, The Good Old Boys, The Time It Never Rained, and The Day the Cowboys Quit.

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

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. It was recommended by Donald Maass in a writing workshop as an excellent example of keeping secrets. And it is. Even more, it is also a fascinating story about the Holocaust in France and one journalist’s efforts to tell the whole story 60 years later and the layers of family secrets she unveils. I highly recommend it as a story to read for its value as a story. And the craft displayed is subtly awesome.

Wow that is a recommendation—and does sound out-of-character for you! When you are writing, do you find time to read? 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’m always reading at least two books, one non-fiction and one novel in addition to magazines etc. Reading is my favorite leisure activity. I recently completed a fantasy series. While I was working on it, I read a lot of fantasy. I wanted to immerse myself in the genre and learn from the best, so I read a lot of Orson Scott Card and Terry Pratchett, among others.

Sounds like a series we can look forward to. Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

Yes, I was one of those kids who always had his nose in a book. The book that had the greatest impact on me was The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. I loved how it took me deep into new worlds. It’s probably the book that planted the seed to be a writer when I grew up. Now I’m a writer, but I haven’t grown up yet. Don’t plan on it either.

Hah! Fun stuff. With a chilling winter just starting to let up, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal cozy reading experience?

I’m looking forward to reading Jacqueline Winspear’s next Maisie Dobbs novel, Journey to Munich.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Books by Elizabeth George and Jacqueline Winspear are always interesting rereads as is Orson Scott Card. Specific titles I will probably re-read this year are The Book Thief  and Sarah’s Key.

Thanks so much for visiting, Henry, and letting us get to know you better as a reader. Folks, you may connect with Henry and discover more about his books at the following links.

BIO:

Tagged as “one to watch” by Publishers Weekly, award winning author Henry McLaughlin takes his readers on adventures into the hearts and souls of his characters as they battle inner conflicts while seeking to bring restoration and justice in a dark world. His writing explores these themes of restoration, reconciliation and redemption

His debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the Operation First Novel award sponsored by the Christian Writers Guild and was published by Tyndale House.

Henry has a life-long love for history and the American West and the stories of the people who lived there. In his fiction, he seeks to bring their adventures to life, to show the struggles and triumphs over man and nature that helped build a strong people.

Henry and his wife of nearly fifty years live in North Texas. From this home, they enjoy their church, their friends and traveling, especially to visit their far-flung family.

Besides his writing, Henry treasures working with other writers and helping them on their own writing journeys. He is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers. He regularly teaches at conferences and workshops, leads writing groups, edits, and mentors and coaches.

Visit him at http://www.henrymclaughlin.org.

Follow him on Facebook.

Visit him on Twitter

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Riverbend Justice on Amazon

Writer H.L. Wegley On Reading

H.L., welcome to Writers On Reading! Your most recent series, Against

All Enemies, perfectly depicts your tagline—a climate of suspense and a forecast of stormy weather. I just love the way you blend your past accomplishments as a former Intelligence Analyst and a Weather Officer, into your writing. I’m eager to know what you find draws you as a reader? Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

Action stories with high stakes always grab my attention. That’s pretty much the definition of a thriller. In addition, I like to see strong character development, maybe a little romance and, as for themes, anything patriotic wins a spot in my heart. As a vet and a grandson of immigrants who kissed American soil on Ellis Island, I pray that, as we go forward, the USA remains a nation I can continue to feel that way about.

Beautifully put! Who cannot agree? What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I’m reading, but haven’t quite finished, Worth Her Weight by Janet K. Brown. This is a book primarily for women who struggle with their weight. However, men can learn some things about these women, too. Generally, if there are no weapons and no running for your life in the story, I won’t read the book. I made an exception, in this case, because J.K. Brown and I exchanged books. She’s a great writer and, if she hasn’t given up on me finishing her story, I will soon be saying that in my review.

How fun! I interviewed J.K. Brown just a few weeks ago. (Folks, you can find her interview here.) H.L., 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?

Judging a book by its cover means, for me, “I don’t like the cover so

I’m not even going to pick up the book.” This works out pretty well because I haven’t found many bad books with great covers. There have been a few times where, regardless of the cover, I have read a book based on recommendations from people who knew me.

Having published multiple books in recent 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?

When I’m intensively writing or editing, I like to keep the whole story—all the technical details, setting, plot, and character details—in my head until I’ve finished writing or editing. This is the best way I know of to prevent logical inconsistencies, plot holes, and dangling story threads, all of which drive me crazy. So, the answer to your question is it’s either/or for me. Which is frustrating for my wife. I know that because she sometimes pretends to be a character in my story just to get my attention.

Before beginning my current WIP, I read Charles Martin’s Water from my Heart, a great redemption story.

Okay, I’m still laughing over your comment on your wife. When I recover, I’ll ask if you were the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

When I was growing up in the ’50s and early ’60s, we had the great outdoors to explore, neighborhood kids to play with, and sports. Most kids didn’t start reading novels until high school. But I started reading novel-length stories when I was about 9. At first, I read novels for boys—outdoor adventures and sports stories. I can’t remember the titles. But, when I discovered my best buddy’s dad had the whole Tarzan collection by Edgar Rice Burroughs, as well as the

whole Zane Grey collection, my buddy and I, using rainy winter days and lazy summer afternoons, read our way through those 100+ books in junior high and our first year of high school. I don’t remember the very first book I read, but my first Tarzan book was, of course, Tarzan of the Apes.

Delightful answer. I can just see you two. When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

I’ve written since elementary school. Most of my adult life I’ve made a living by writing. However, the nature of what I write has changed several times. As a research scientist, I wrote research reports, scientific books, scientific papers, and professional journal articles. After earning an MS in Computer Science, I wrote computer system specifications, then computer code, over a million lines of that arcane stuff.

Only after retiring did I write a novel. I was hooked, immediately. It wasn’t any book I read that influenced me. It was more that authors get to create worlds from nothing, then populate those worlds with characters we also create. There’s something satisfying about that.

In the beginning, after each part of creation, God’s word says, “and God saw that it was good.” In other words, He created, then felt satisfaction. Maybe God wired us a bit like Himself. We create, whether it’s writing stories, creating art, or something else, and then we feel that satisfaction. I get mine through writing stories.

Again, HL, that is very nicely put. (I’m definitely more interested in your stories the more I get to know you!) Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

I seldom reread novels, but one I’ve read 3 times is John Grisham’s The Testament. Lately, my wife and I have both talked about rereading Grisham’s The Street Lawyer. Both are redemption stories.

I’m beginning to see a pattern here. In addition to thrillers, redemption stories, even if they don’t have a lot of action, are at the top of my favorites list, too.

If Brock Daniels (protagonist in Voice in the Wilderness) were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

At 24, Brock is already a rising star in Christian Apologetics. I suppose he would choose something like Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale.

Thanks so much for visiting, Harry, and letting us get to know you better as a reader. I know I greatly enjoyed this interview, and I hope everyone else does too! Folks, you may connect with Harry and discover more about his books at the following links.

BIO:

H. L. Wegley served as an Air Force Intelligence Analyst and a Weather Officer. In civilian life, he worked as a research scientist, publishing in the scientific literature, then developed Boeing computing systems for 20 years before retiring near Seattle with his wife of nearly 50 years where they enjoy their 7 grandchildren and small-group ministry. He is a multi-published author with a 4-book inspirational thriller series, a political thriller with romance, 2 nonfiction books, and 4 more novels on the way.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Voice-Wilderness-Against-Enemies-Book-ebook/dp/B013F47FA0   shortened: http://amzn.to/1EuEWnq

Book trailer/interview YouTube: http://bit.ly/1VuqLHz   

Website: http://www.hlwegley.com  

Facebook author’s page: https://www.facebook.com/HLWegley    

Twitter https://twitter.com/hlwegley