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     

Writer Beth Ann Ziarnik On Reading

Beth, welcome to Writers on Reading! I’m looking forward to getting to know you are a reader. Your debut novel, Her Deadly Inheritance, released mere days ago. I’m curious, are you drawn toward the same genre you write? 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?

Thank you for inviting me, Deirdre. It’s great to be here, and yes, I am excited about Her Deadly Inheritance. I’m hoping readers will find it as much fun to read as it was to write. As to the genre I’m drawn to, I’ve loved reading romantic suspense since I was a freshman in college. Like others, it comes and goes in popularity, but I agree with librarians. They tell me that fans of romantic suspense are always looking for that next one. I’m definitely one of those avid fans.

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?

Just recently, I saw the fascinating cover for The Dividing Stone by Anita Estes. I bought her novel and am thoroughly enjoying it. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a Frank Peretti novel, with angels and demons responding to people’s prayers in ever darkening circumstances.

Sounds shivery! I was a Peretti fan, too, back in his heyday. 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 enjoy reading other novels while I’m writing my own. They inspire me rather than distract me. While writing Her Deadly Inheritance, I read many Love Inspired Suspense novels by such authors as Margaret Daley, Dana Mentink, Debby Guisti, Lisa Harris, Christy Barritt, Terri Reed, Shirlee McCoy, Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Valerie Hansen, and so many more!

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

Actually, I can name two! “Fragile Blessings,” by Susan M. Baganz, one of three historical romance novellas in Love’s Christmas Past. The heroine has just lost her first baby in childbirth when her husband volunteers to take in three small children who just lost their parents in a fire. She’s aghast, but the deed is already done. I had to know how she would finally come to take those children into her grieving heart. The other novel is A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar, also an historical romance. The convoluted adventures of the heroine as she tries to find her sister in the midst of Civil War battles and, instead, finds true love in the most unlikely social situation absolutely captivated me.

Well, those are excellent recommendations! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

Absolutely! The library was my second home. Mom said I first set foot in a library when I was two weeks old. I don’t remember that, but I do remember the many childhood summers when I eagerly signed up for the reading program—check out a book, read it, give a little book report to the children’s librarian, who then stamped another “stone” along the pathway of a themed sheet. Great memories, especially finishing the number of books required to participate in the celebration party. What kid doesn’t like candy, games, and prizes? Maybe that’s what set me on a lifelong pattern of reading novels.

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

I was ten years old when the desire struck. How I loved reading fairy tales, especially books loaded with stories of princes and princesses who had to overcome great challenges before they could live the rest of their lives in love. My favorites were a series: The Red Book of Fairy Tales, The Blue …, The Green …, The Pink …, The Yellow …. The colors went on and on, and I read every one of them! One day, I thought how wonderful it would be to write books that gave others as much pleasure as these books gave me. I didn’t know it at the time, but God had planted the seed of novelist in my heart that day.

What a special memory! Thank you for sharing that with us, Beth. Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

The novel that has stuck with me down through the years is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The heroine faced such awful challenges—orphaned and mistreated by those who should have loved and cared for her. But she rose to the challenge and grew up to be a woman of courage, a woman who risked the unknown and chose to do what was right in God’s eyes even when it cost her dearly. And because she did, the Lord rewarded her in the end by giving her the desires of her heart.

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

When I was a child, I loved reading in the crook of a tree or on my belly in the living room. These days, I like to cuddle in my bed with a soft and warm blanket, and multiple pillows behind me. I keep my to-read novels stacked high on my bedside table. Nearly all are romantic suspense, including Foul Play by Elizabeth Rees and Compromised Identity by Jodie Bailey.

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

If Jill, the heroine of Her Deadly Inheritance, were to select one of today books, I think it would be Pesto & Potholes by Susan M. Baganz. She would find common ground with Susan’s heroine who longs for a place in a loving family but isn’t sure how that would ever happen.

What a delightful and intriguing answers. Wasn’t this a fun interview! Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Beth! Folks, you can continue to connect with Beth—and find out more about her Romantic Suspense books!—at the links below.

BIO:

A long-time fan of romantic suspense, Beth Ann Ziarnik offers her first novel with all the twists and turns, cliffhangers and romantic tension she and readers have come to love. She is a co-founder of Word & Pen Christian Writers in Northeast Wisconsin and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In addition to her 450 published pieces (several included in anthologies), she is the author of Love With Shoes On, her ten-year devotional column about love in action and based on 1 Corinthians 13.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Her Deadly Inheritance

www.bethziarnik.com
www.facebook.com/beth.ziarnik
www.bethziarnik.wordpress.com

Writer Lillian Duncan On Reading

Lillian, welcome to Writers on Reading. Your novel book covers are soooo intense! I can’t wait to discover if your reading tastes are just as daring. So…when picking your next reading adventure does “murder and mayhem” draw you in as it does in your writing? Do you find one genre snags your attention more than others? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

Even though I write suspense and mystery, I love to read in all genres, even horror and science fiction.

Those are also very intense genres. I can see you loving them! What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I’m reading An American Gothic by Alice K. Arenz right now. It’s written in first person, something I’m not particularly fond of. In spite of that, I’m getting hooked into the story.

So special how a good story can draw a reader past their initial feelings. Your most recent suspense, Deadly Intent, released less than a month ago. Do you find time to read during the months you spend writing a book 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 keep my reading time and my writing time separate, so one has nothing to do with the other. In the past year, I’ve gone back and read all the Left Behind books as well as the Last Light series by Terri Blackstock.

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

I really got hooked into the Left Behind series. Even though I’d read them before, I

couldn’t put them down.

Nothing better than delving back into a favorite book—like returning to first love. Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I never went anywhere without a book in my hand! I remember going on camping and fishing trips where I’d find a rock to sit on and read while everyone else was fishing! I think I was about ten or eleven when I read Gone With The Wind for the first time. Of course, I loved all the Nancy Drew books and Agatha Christie as well.

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

As much as I loved reading books, I didn’t start writing until I was forty. To me writers were like rock stars, and it never occurred to me that I could do it. But once it did, I was hooked!

Actually, the idea came to me when I wrote my own obituary as an exercise. I wrote down that I was a multi-published writer. It was a complete surprise to me, but when I read those words, I felt a surge of excitement. And I still have it.

Oh, Lillian, that is such a hoot! What a moment that must have been! With a cozy fall coming up,

what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal autumn reading experience?

If I can find the time, I’d love to caught up on Terri Blackstock’s books, including Seaside and Distortion. I’d love to sit out on my deck with a nice warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate!

Sounds like the ideal autumn reading experience indeed! I hope you get an hour or two to enjoy it. Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Lillian! Folks, you can continue to connect with Lillian—and find out more about her books—at the links below.

BIO:

Lillian Duncan: stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem!

Lillian is a multi-published writer with several Amazon bestsellers, including The Christmas Stalking and Betrayed. Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch or two of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words

to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. Tiaras & Tennis Shoes is her personal blog at www.lillian-duncan.com.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Deadly Intent

Amazon: http://buff.ly/1JobWTP

Pelican Books: http://buff.ly/1ifNiuX