Writers Need to Read

Welcome back to Motivational Monday!  Hope your writing is going well.

I have to say, on the subject of writers reading, that I wholeheartedly agree with what Stephen King says:  “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.  Simple as that.” (from Stephen King On Writing)  I read–A LOT!

First and foremost, you need to read in the genre for which you are writing, or wish to write.  That’s not to say you must only read those, but the majority needs to be what you want to write.  By doing so, you’re feeding your subconscious with the timing of that genre’s stories.  (And, in case you don’t know, cozy mysteries and thrillers have VERY different timing.)

I’m afraid I’m an overly-critical reader.  I find mistakes everywhere.  They yank me out of the story, and that irks me no end!  People who borrow physical books from me are very familiar with my green ink notations.  I can’t help myself.  (I used to be a teacher.)  I’ve even been known to e-mail an author or two and point out glaring errors.  Most are grateful for my comments.  (I mean, who wants to be known for having their corpse “shiver?”)

That having been said, here is my alphabetical list of cozy authors I’ve been reading and enjoying:

Ellery Adams – Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries  Jessie Crockett – Sugar Grove Mysteries   Sue Ann Jaffarian – Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries   Elizabeth Lee – Nut House Mysteries   Jenn McKinley – Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and Library Lover’s Mysteries   Paige Shelton – Country Cooking School Mysteries and Dangerous Type Mysteries.

And we can’t forget Agatha Christie.  Her autobiography is a MUST READ for cozy mystery writers.  I’ve also recently read The Moving Finger and A Caribbean Mystery.

And, of course, feel free to read MY books.  There’s the Two Old Biddies Mini Mysteries (novellas), and my Stevie Coral Mysteries.  The first is more “cozy” than the second series, but if you enjoy Native American things and animal spirits, give Stevie a try.  And for suspense, sarcasm and humor, Annie Malone’s you gal.

When I switch to writing suspense, I’ll read Harlan Coben (Tell No One, The Woods) or any of C. J. Box‘s Joe Pickett Series.

Sometimes I read just for laughs, which finds me picking up Carl Hiaasen (Skinny Dip), or Janet Evanovich‘s Stephanie Plum Series.  They’re always a hoot.

So, grab yourself some e-books and/or physical books, kick back and go visit another world from you writing desk.  You’ll be glad you did, and your reading will inform you intuition, so the timing of you own book will be spot on.

Happy Reading and Writing to you all,

Jill-Ayn