Writer Gail Pallotta On Reading

Gail, welcome to Writers on Reading! With award-winning YA books to your credit, I’m dying to know 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?

 

I enjoy well-written books of all genres. I discovered quite a few interesting reads in a book club where we delved into different members’ suggestions. They ranged from I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven to Fannie Flagg’s Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven. When left to my own devices, I will often migrate to a good mystery or suspense.

Sounds fun. Makes me wonder what was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I read it quite some time ago, but it’s Princess Sultana’s Circle. I heard the author, Jean Sasson, speak about her experiences in Saudi Arabia. She and the princess conferred to write the Princess Sultana books and shed light on life behind the veil.

Oooh, that’s gotta be a good book! 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 I have an impending deadline, I’ll wait to read a book. I’m always writing something. It’s just a part of what I do, kinda’ like eating, so I read while I’m writing.

If so, what did you read while working on Mountain of Love and Danger:  Jack’s Beanstalk Rescue?

One would think I was reading a fairy tale, or at least, fantasy, but I was actually reading The Last Detail by Lisa Lickel. It’s one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read, not a formula romance.

 

Oh, that’s fun to know! Thanks, Gail. So, what was the last book you absolutely couldn’t put down? Why?

Glimpses of Paradise by James Scott Bell. I was fascinated by 1920s Los Angeles with all of the glitz and glitter of the movies, life in the speakeasies and the desperate situations of hobos and an unwed Mother. The characters were so real they jumped off the page, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to them next.

There's a good recommendation. Did a book recently make you laugh/ cry/ sigh/ shiver?

Sarah and Three Times a Charm by Gay Lewis made me laugh. A bumbling, little angel, Sarah, is such a fun character. Legacy and Love by Paula Mowery brought out the “Ahhh” factor kind of sigh because of the warmth Ms. Mowery created and the faith that spilled out in her book. The mystery in Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl made me shiver.

(Psst. Folks, we recently interviewed Paula Mowery.) Okay, back to focus, Gail, were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

Oh yes, I loved to read as a kid and teen. It’s difficult to remember the first, but I read Jane Eyre, Nancy Drew mysteries, and Zane Grey books my grandmother sent me as a kid.

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

I’ve loved to write for as long as I can remember. I published my first piece in grammar school when a friend and I put out a class newspaper. However, I didn’t take writing seriously until I enrolled in a course in college taught by William Paulk, an award-winning poet and short-story writer. He influenced me tremendously with his work and in the classroom. At the same time some of the classics, such as Of Human Bondage and An American Tragedy inspired me to write.

With a cozy fall coming up, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal autumn reading experience?

I love to snuggle up on the sofa in our great room with a cup of tea and read. I have quite a few books on my wish list. Among them, Sweet Mountain Rancher by Loree Lough; Rising Darkness, an upcoming mystery by Nancy Mehl; and Romeo’s Rules, a new thriller by James Scott Bell. When I have my nose in a good book, either paperback, or on my kindle, my husband can turn on the television and watch it. I never know he or the TV are in the same room with me.

That's the sign of a true reader; I think we all know what you're talking about! So, one last question, if Margaret were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Since she’s busy trying to solve a mystery in Stopped Cold, she probably would read a Lois Duncan novel.

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

Thanks for having me.

Folks, you can continue to connect with Gail—and find out more about her books—at the links below.

Bio: Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s been a Sunday school teacher, a swim-team coordinator and an after-school literary instructor. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her teen novel, Stopped Cold was a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. Gail's novella, Mountain of Love and Danger , has been a best-seller in amazon's paid kindle store. She's published two hundred articles, several poems and two short stories. Her flash fiction story, “Lifeline,” will appear in the upcoming Splickety Anthology. Some of her articles are in anthologies while two are in museums. Coming soon, Barely above Water with Prism Book Group.
Purchase Links:

Stopped Cold is available on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KK5C0NK

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Stopped-Cold-by-gail-pallotta?store=book&keyword=Stopped+Cold+by+gail+pallotta

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/441547

Mountain of Love and Danger is available on Smashwords -

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/476357

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NKV31LG

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mountain-of-love-and-danger-gail-pallotta/1120360103?ean=2940046169652

Connect with Gail

on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore

her web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com

and blog at http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com

Writer Angie Brashear On Reading

Angie, welcome to Writers on Reading! Congratulations on your debut book, Of The Persecuted, recently being chosen as a finalist for the Laurel Awards, as well as all the other accolades it has a garnered this year! Since it and its sequel, Of The Coldblooded, are both Young Adult Fantasy, I’m curious as to what’s your favorite reading genre? Other than genre, what else do you look for when choosing your next reading adventure?

Thanks. I’m excited to hang at Writers on Reading today—can you hear my squeals through cyberspace?!? {very big grin} My favorite genre is Fantasy Romance. I love speculative fiction, and while it took me a long time to admit it, I also LOVE a strong romantic thread. These days, now that I’m blessed to call so many writers friends, I rely on their recommendations when choosing my next adventures. But…covers have a huge impact on whether or not I make a purchase. I love to stare at beautiful designs and to smell the pages of a new paperback. Just sayin’…

Hah! I didn’t know anyone else sniffed paperbacks! Well, since you mentioned covers, 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?

Oh, I DEFINITELY judge books by their covers. I can’t help myself! The Selection by Kiera Cass, and it worked out well for me. I enjoy a strong romantic thread, and that’s just what I got.

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

Okay, {imagine me with pink cheeks}… I read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn not too many months ago. I thought it was no more than a psychological thriller, which it was, but the content was a little too risqué for my preference. Well, a lot risqué. Yet, I finished the story and, quite honestly, found it to be disturbingly brilliant. In my opinion Gillian Flynn is an incredible writer. She seems to possess a unique grasp for realistic dialogue. I must admit, since then I’ve taken more care to dig deeper into reviews before plunging into a new book. LOL!

Laughing with you! I imagine you will. Your most recent book in this series released this summer, but you’d better be working on the third book we’re anxious to get our hands on. Do you read during the months you spend writing a book? If so, what did you read while working on your last book?

After a much needed vacation from my non-fantastical day job and from writing, though I love it greatly, I’m definitely working on book three (of which only my amazing editor, ahem…you, and my critique partner know the title). I do not generally read when I’m in writing mode. I’ve so little extra time outside of work and taking care of my three awesome kids that I tend to focus on two of three “hobbies” at a time. Long-distance running, reading, and writing—inevitably one of my loves suffer.

I well understand. (Wish I shared your love of running, been sitting at my desk waaaay too much lately.) What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

Hm, tough question. Most of the books I read consume me until I’m finished. But probably The Selection. I read the entire series in one weekend. What can I say, the romance was fun.

The entire series in one weekend. Well, there’s a recommendation! Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

Ah, how about cringe? That’d be Gone Girl.

Angie, seems someone else I know is “wicked honest”! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading? (And do you still have a copy?)

Oh, yes! The very first book I ever stayed up all night to read and reread was Key to the Treasure by Peggy Parish. I must’ve been in first or second grade then. To this day, I imagine how fun it would be to spend the weekend searching for treasure. I remain a proud owner of the adventurous story, and even my kids have read it.

That’s special! See why I love these interviews? When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

Writing became my dream when my fifth grade teacher read aloud to my class The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Adventure and possibility became real to me through Lucy Pevensie’s journey. Most importantly the story opened my heart to faith in the One True God and ultimately led to my salvation. Though it wasn’t until a few years ago when my assistant suggested I take up writing that I admitted to others my childhood dream was to be a writer. I’d kept it a secret until God used my assistant to motivate me, to help me believe in myself. There’s so much more to this part of my journey, way too much to share today with you. But…I welcome anyone to hop on over to my website to read about my journey to publication.

(Folks, you should read her journey.) Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

Defier by Mandy Fender. She’s a fellow Indie author and dear cyberspace friend. (Can you believe we both live in Texas and have not yet met?!?) It’s Christian dystopian, but unlike so many other stories of the same genre, readers have the excitement of watching our “normal” become dystopian. Most frightening in a realistic way, the main character’s journey represents the possible future of Christians, at least from a standpoint of persecution.

Sounds like a good book. I do love dystopian done well! With summer in full bloom, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal summer reading experience?

Next up for me is A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr. Last summer, I judged a contest in which the second book of the series, The Hero’s Lot, was a part. I loved the story and have been meaning to read the entire series since. And now it’s next on my list—yay! My ideal summer reading experience includes a hammock and uninterrupted reading, though triple digit temperatures in Texas prevent such luxuries this time of year.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Yes, A Time to Die and A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes. She’s my critique partner, and it’s fun to reread her stories just before she sends me the next to critique. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the final installment in her Out of Time series! Truly, she’s a talent amongst her peers.

Another great recommendation. I do have to read those soon…Speaking of reading lists, if Laila, the heroine from your fantasy series, were to choose a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Probably exactly what I’d choose. Seriously. In a lot of ways, Laila is like me. As a teenager, I was insecure (probably somewhat annoyingly so) and had to grow into confidence. So she’d adore an adventurous love story…just like me. In our opinion, it’s the best kind of escape story. A lay-in-a-hammock kind of escape story.

Fun to know and so true. Not to mention a kind you write well! Angie, thank you for dropping by. It was a hoot getting to know more about you as a reader. Folks, you can continue to connect with Angie and find out more about her acclaimed books at the links below her bio.

BIO: When Angie Brashear isn't working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She's a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her football-loving, nonfiction-reading husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord's presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children. Along with being a Laurel Awards Finalist, her debut book also received these notable considerations:
Clash of the Titles Winner for June 2014

Shelf Unbound Notable BookCategory of Epic Sagas for December/January 2015

Finalist in the Fantasy Romance Category in EPIC's eBook Competition for 2015

Foreword Reviews' INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards Finalist for Romance for 2014

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS

Of the Persecuted

Of the Coldblooded

Visit Angie's Website!

Like Angie's Facebook Page!

Follow Angie on Twitter!