Sara Reyes | New, Updated, Reissue...or a Cheat?

On Sara's Bookshelf: Mary Balogh classics and latest from Jacqueline Winspear

Last week I whined, moaned and generally threw a fit over something that usually doesn't bother me too much -- reading a series out of order. And let me tell you, my friends and acquaintances heard it over and over. I was SO unhappy and felt the need to share. Aren't you lucky you only had to read about it? Trust me, you should be! But during all my whining I must admit that I continued to read Christine Warren's books. I've now finished all that are available (still missing the two which were released as e-book and not yet "rewritten") and I've got some semblance of order in my mind. I've also had a few good hours of reading enjoyment. And in the end, isn't that what is important?

But my moaning to others brings to mind, how do you feel about books that are initially issued in a format and then re-written or expanded into another format and you as the unsuspecting reader purchase said "new" book? Are you upset? Do you take it in stride? Happy to have more material? Or do you feel the original is enough, thank you!

The topic came up at book club and it's been something I've stewed over for years. It's not anything new with the popularity of ebooks, many previously published series books have been expanded or updated and have new titles slapped on them and issued as "new." For those of us who had read the original this is very aggravating and annoying, for those who never read the original, it's no big deal. However, it will happen to them. History does repeat itself.

So, if something is "updated" do you want to know, say, on the copyright page? The back cover? The front cover? Clearly listed on the author's website? Or do you just not care?

Until next time...Get out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests

See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

PSS a big thank you to all who helped me try to piece together a reading order of Christine Warren's Others books. I won't say we achieved complete success but we've made a serious and workable dent!

Sara Reyes | To Read or Not To Read... Is It Work?

Reading...it's something I've had to do every day since before I can really remember. Reading is so fundamental, to quote a literacy ad campaign, I can't imagine life without it. In fact when my eyes shut down for a week I remember not the physical pain but the agony of not being able to read. I felt isolated, depressed, and very uneasy with life. So when I got a groaning sensation in my head because I had "mandatory reading" to do this week, it was time to reflect.

And also time to think about books...in general I always read at least one fiction book a day. It helps me settle down so I can go to sleep. This is my shut down period and I'm seldom so tired I can't read a good part of a book. Even if I'm up till 3am to finish some work. So. like so many addicted readers, I have a stash of books in most rooms I use in my house: kitchen, living room, family room, dining room, bedroom, bathrooms, and hall. You never know when you'll have a moment to read so better be prepared is my motto. And I take advantage of the stashes.

But I also read non-fiction, self-help books which are usually computer, technical or business centric. I need the computer stuff to make my business better (you know, Fresh Fiction and other sites), the business stuff on improving the company, and inspirational stuff to keep going. Also enjoy reading biographies and histories about people, events and cultures to help make sense of the world I live in.

So, this week I had to cross a line in my head, I had three books to read so I could be prepared for book signings and interviews. And the reading felt like work. I sorta groaned and forced myself to take time to read. It wasn't really hard but there was this part of me that just was stubborn and wanted to read something else. I even wanted to finish a book on how to make an iPhone app! Seriously, that is so wrong on so many levels.

My question or thought is ... do you have the same problem at times? Is there a book you bought and you feel obligated to finish? Does it feel like "work?" Do you just blow it off? Or are you slightly resentful?

Until next time...


Get out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests

See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

Sara Reyes | Out of Order, It's a Mess!

Look, I'm not usually cranky about reading books out of order, but thanks to a reading friend, I've discovered Christine Warren's world of The Others, and OMG, HELP me figure this out!

It's not that the books are bad...actually they are quite entertaining, but I've been spending SO much time trying to figure out the timeline and how all the stories fit together that it's absolutely pulling me out of the stories. As I said before this usually doesn't bug me, but this series is doing a real trip on me.

Back story is...apparently the books were first issued as shorter ebooks and now that Christine has hit the best sellers lists, St. Martin's Press is having her re-work the shorter ebooks into longer novels. But since I never read her ebooks, the tantalizing snippets of people such as Luc and Corrine, Danice and Mac confuse me. Then I've got to know whatever happened to Logan? He shows up in BIG BAD WOLF as such a great secondary character and then just disappears. But they keep mentioning he moved to Connecticut. Huh? It's really annoying! And what's with the demons and Fae, are they sticking around or not? And whatever happened to the witches? And who's on the Council and who's the guy in charge? The cast of characters in the books keeps changing and so does the timeline. Don't give me a book as the Others #9 when it's really the beginning of the timeline. It just kind of messes with my brain too much.

So, anyone else have an opinion on books reworked from earlier versions and then published out of the timeline? Or am I the only crazy reader here?

Until next time...


Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests


See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

Sara Reyes | Do You Glom?

I've been thinking about the characteristics or traits of a bookaholic recently. Maybe it's time for introspection or I'm bored, no matter, I've been thinking about "stuff" and one of those is why do I call myself "addicted to reading." I am. I read every thing. I read the paper. In today's world that might be old fashioned but I enjoy fighting with the paper to get to the next part of an article. And it's always a battle for me. The paper NEVER cooperates and folds nicely on the creases. I also read abandoned brochures. Sure some day I might buy that lake property in Arkansas, it could happen. I read any magazine left around unless it's too grimy or in a doctor's office. I never read magazines at a doctor's office because I've got the theory stuck in my head the previous readers were sick and I'm sick enough thank-you-very-much. But I do read magazines when I'm waiting at the stylist. Those handlers when I think about it have just as many sick germs as the doctor's office. Hmm. Well, most days while I wait I read my phone because it has email and NPR on it, so I can connect. Anyway, the point is I read obsessively and all the time. Enough that I've labeled myself as addicted to reading.

But one of the most misunderstood descriptions of an addicted reader is glomming. Non-readers really don't get it. First, my definition of "glom" is the search for ALL published material by an author or within a series. Glomming is the act of finding and acquiring said material. Glommer is the person who performs the search. I've only glommed for twenty or so authors in my life. Or at least the life I remember. One of my first glomming incidents was discovering the world of Pern and dragons and obsessively collecting all the Anne McCaffery Pern books. I even picked up her non-dragon books and was delighted. Another author was Mary Stewart. She may have been my very first, beginning in junior high. Wow, she wrote of a sophisticated world that was a universe away from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Filled with spies, murders, intrigue and international European settings. I loved her. Then she wrote Merlin books and lost me. Ah, well. It wasn't my time for Merlin, maybe later. After my European adventures I discovered Jane Aiken Hodge. Ah, European, but not just England. She tossed in France, Russia, Poland, Vienna, and Savannah. She made European history in high school come alive for me.

More recent gloms have included Lois McMaster Bujold and Janet Evanovich. the Bujold Vorkisian universe and characters are ones I revisit yearly, almost as a ritual. The Evanovich I sold. Sometimes books hold up and sometimes they do not. It's sad when you go through a glomming adventure, finally collect all the books and then settle in for a good solid week of reading and then feel left down. It happens. But it's more the case you'll glom and have a wonderful adventure of reading a new-to-you author who delights with every book, or at least makes you feel it was worth all the effort.

Recent glomming has been made so much easier with the Internet. Ten years ago you discovered new authors from reader groups, yahoo or listserves. That's how I found Mary Balogh, Jo Beverly and Mary Jo Putney. I had some of their books but never realized they had whole series! Then groups like book store junkies formed of like-minded people who could help you find and price books. I remember being SO excited when a package would arrive filled with books from a far away state or country. It was like Christmas and birthday rolled up into one. But no one in my family "got it." They seriously could not understand my excitement over plastic wrapped used books. Better than an Amazon package because those packages contained something that a glommer treasured, a book or two to complete a set.

Today I have a good friend who will hunt down books for me, and I love her! Amazon and other sites will help you find entire backlists easily and quickly and give you and idea of what they're worth. But there is still the joy in the hunt. Of wandering into a used book store or garage sales with a book table or boxes or into a thrift store and finding that one book you've been looking for and not having to spend $30 to acquire.

But things are changing, now old backlists are being issued as Kindle versions so that search may not be so hard. And the annoyance of finding the book you're reading is number 8 in a series and only the last three are still in print, so good luck in finding the missing ones that will explain all those nasty gaps you just don't get may finally have come to an end. And maybe if an author doesn't sell book three of a trilogy to their old publisher, it will still see the light of day in an e-version. I have high hopes!

So are you a glommer? If so, who have you glommed? How do you do it? Search in stores personally? Hire / commission a glommer? or do you buy online?

Until next time...


Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests


See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

Sara Reyes | Best Tea Etiquette in Three Easy Steps

One of the burdens of being a coordinator for a book club that meets for a high tea is doing the research. Yes, the research of trying out new tea rooms or houses or restaurants touting their tea service. It's a glamorous life you'd think but unfortunately because you can spell "tea" it doesn't mean you can serve a "tea" I've found. Plus there is a price point that must be met as well. Our DFW Tea members have been meeting since 1995 and they, as I, have become very particular. There is nothing wrong with our tastes or our requirement that a tea shop delivers a great solid high tea. After all, we have a tea every month, it's sometimes the highlight of our week, we enjoy meeting fellow members and author guests and we have FUN!

This week I tried out a new tea room by attending a class on tea etiquette. Even though I've gone to teas for a few decades it never hurts to learn the etiquette or see what I'm doing right (or wrong in case I stray from the rules). Our instructor Cindy was a true conessieur of tea drinking and gave us a fast overview of what to do a tea in three easy steps. She also covered the history of tea and some of its most famous incidents! She was so much fun I hope we'll have her at our fall conference with Sherrilyn Kenyon, Readers 'n 'ritas. Although we'll have a margarita happy hour, perhaps there will be time to imbibe a cup of tea!

Three Easy Steps to the Best Tea Etiquette
1. Tea is a social event so be prepared to be friendly and outgoing. The rules are thank the hostess for inviting you and move on. Compliment her on the table setting to show your appreciation. Once you are seated be sure to introduce yourself to every one else at your table and include how you know the hostess. In the case of our tea group I'd add what type of books I like the most or what I've read last.

2. Tea is communal. Practice your sharing. You'll share a sugar dish, a jam jar, a Devonshire (clotted) cream bowl and possibly butter. Use the communal instruments with care simply to move a personal portion from the server to your plate or cup. After the portion is on your plate, use your own knife or spoon to place on the scone or biscuit. And your own spoon to quietly stir your tea.

3. As a tea is a bridge meal and a social occasion, your food is served in small sizes, so you may use your fingers to enjoy the sandwiches, sconces and miniature desserts. But try to take small enough bites so you won't be surprised with your mouth full when you're asked a question.

And basically, that's it to a high tea. I'd personally add, have a matching brewed tea with each course and always include chocolate in the final course, but then I'm picky. Our teas have been going strong for more than a decade. I've become accustomed to checking out tea rooms in cities and towns that I visit across the country, and you'll find someone in your area that loves to do "tea." Just look around and make an excuse to spend an afternoon enjoying the company of friends or new acquaintances over tea. You'll be glad you did when you discover the fun of "having tea."

Oh, yes, that pinky raised bit, not necessary with a handled cup. There you go!


Until next time...


Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests


See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

Sara Reyes | 5 Reasons to Get Out Of Town

One thing I learned at South By Southwest (SXSW) is to occasionally have blog posts with a number in the title. So, being I finally got home after an event-filled eight days, yes, I counted them, and thought, why there is my blog title! Woo Hoo! I originally wanted "Dead To Me" but thought definitely too negative. I'd really rather concentrate on the positive this morning. So here goes: Five Reasons to Get Out of Town.

• 1. Anticipation is to be savored

It's exciting to anticipate the journey. Sometimes the thought of leaving is so thrilling and adrenaline pumping it makes or breaks the entire trip. Be wise and temper the enthusiasm if you're emotional, otherwise let 'er rip!


• 2. Make New Friends

Don't be afraid to talk to strangers. If you need to give yourself an out, take a page out of Gwen's playbook and "be the hostess" the one who performs the introductions, makes sure no one is standing alone, put out your hand, shake and introduce yourself. Ask about the other person. It works, trust me!


• 3. Be Flexible

Rigid is not a good thing. So if the panel is full, or you meet someone who wants to keep talking, let it flow! If your companions insist on going to a restaurant you don't like, be gracious. New experiences will lead to unanticipated results. Sometimes just trusting fate works out very well. You never know who you'll meet at that restaurant you can't stand and if you'd thrown a fit, it would never have occurred! How tragic!


• 4. Expect the Unexpected

Know that something not just good but great is going to happen! Every SINGLE day! Go at it from the minute you leave the door of your room to getting on the elevator to the last minute of a long night that something wonderful is happening and you're living the experience. If you combine expectation with being flexible you will have a series of "perfect" days. Think of Ferris Bueller. Even though his day had ups and downs it was a "perfect" day. It really works!


• 5. Review Your Experiences

Take the time to internally review every thing that occurred or you learned. Do follow up immediately, send a thank you email while it's fresh, write up your thoughts in a note book or your computer, where ever it's practical for you. If you can, talk about the trip with others. The writing and speaking help solidify your experience.

Home is a sweet place to be

After all the traveling, snafus, strange coffees and stranger beds, it's always good to come home to where your pets and family love you, you know how to work the shower (or bath for those who are addicted to bathing) and you don't have to worry about running out of anything! Being greeted at the door by an excited canine is always gratifying. The dogs are usually more demonstrative than the husband, but hey, you get it where you can! And waking up to a your own coffee is heavenly for this coffee addict!

So, I'm home and back to work after a night's sleep on my own bed with its wonderful sheets and a dog sprawled across my legs. Bliss!

Until next time...


Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests


See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books in this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

Sara Reyes | Off to the Festivals

I'm not quite sure what I should use as the label for South by South West (SXSW) or "South by." It's a film festival, a music festival and now more than ever an "Interactive" conference / festival. It's the result of what's happening in the "real" world. You know, the convergence of our lives and the stuff we do. Like we listen to music which is now almost all electronically stored on files, played in little devices that make us laugh when we think back to the days of the Sony Walkman, or even, bless me, the LP. We get our movies and shows on our computers and even on our phones which have become handy devices to entertain while we're waiting or bored. We can see what's happening in our worlds, check the weather forecast, listen to music, watch a film and read a book. It's a wonderful gadget and almost every one has one type or another.

So this gathering in Austin, the SXSW experience is amazing. I've met all ages, types, sizes and nationalities of people. From the geeks for tech to the nerds for film, to the secret readers of "trash fiction" (that would be what I read I gathered) to evangelists for change (political, cultural, or other). It's an amazing time filled with much anticipation, energy and innovation.

Why do I go when all I do is "books?" Well, the experience over the years has given flight to my imagination to do things at Fresh Fiction. My doing things pays off for fellow readers and authors. It's all a big circle and it keeps getting larger with all the "new" stuff we can do.

And yeah, I'm seeing people standing in lines reading their Kindle, their Sony, their Nook. Oh, yes, and the old fashioned paper books. It's a people thing. Whatever floats your boat.

If you're curious I invite you to follow our Tweets (@freshfiction through next Saturday. We'll be 'rawking' Austin and the festival!

Until next time...


Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests


See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS comment and you could win signed books from Dakota Cassidy, sponsor of this weekend's blog contest. Two WINNERS!!!

Sara Reyes | My World's Not All Fiction...

This week I've had some blocks of time during the work day away from the office. Usually I take my laptop with me, find a place with electricity and WiFi and work, but this week was a bit different. I knew there wouldn't be WiFi, and each stop would be about 30 minutes or less and I may not have a place to unpack a laptop even a small one, so I decided to do some "work" reading.

To me, "work" reading is that stuff I've let slide for one reason or another that isn't "fun" related. Or, non-fiction technical or self-help books. I took along two: HEAD FIRST AJAX: A BRAIN-FRIENDLY GUIDE and TOTALLY TONED ARMS. Opposite poles of the non-fiction spectrum for me. Something all techie and something all probably not going to happen.

And to be honest, the TOTALLY TONED ARMS or Get Michelle Obama Arms in 21 Days never made it out of the bag. But I did get through two chapters of AJAX. Not sure if I'll retain any of the knowledge but at least I tried.

And I really regret I didn't take something more fun to read...like oh, say, Shelly Laurenston's Mane series. I finally have all four of them and since she's coming to book club this month, it's time to re-read and catch up. I've read Shelly for a couple of years but suddenly she's a hot topic in reader circles and at our book clubs. Her paranormals manage to be really funny, not stupid-funny, are sexy or HOT, but not too hot. Her characters stay with the reader and just manage to provide a fun reading experience. In other words, she's a keeper and "everyone should read Shelly" quoting one of our members.

I'm always happy when an author gets "discovered" because in some ways if I've been mentioning her / him for awhile it's nice to have the validation. Plus then I can talk the ears off people who have read the same books and we can have fun comparing who we loved, hated and "wow, I missed that completely!"

So, how about you? What do you read for "work" and what do read for "fun?"

Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010! with Sherrilyn Kenyon and more guests
See you on the Twitter> (@FreshFiction)

PS Comment and you could win! We're giving away books from our collection. You never know what goodie you'll get!

Sara Reyes | What Ever Happened to...?

When you've read in a genre for over five years you'll find that some of your favorite authors seem to stop writing or no longer publish books. And it makes one wonder, whatever happened to...? This month I've stumbled across that phenomena when I was entering the books for the Montana Mavericks series being re-issued by Silhouette. This was one of the last continuity series I ever collected, sorry, continuity series are not my favorite thing and as I can read out of order, collecting before reading misses the appeal with me. But for some reason, I'll blame the first Fortune family, in 1994 I collected a year's worth of the "Mavericks." But when I looked at the ones in the series I realized that nearly half of the authors are no longer publishing. And I wonder, what happened. Did they retire? Did they die? Did their books go out of style? Seriously, what happened?

Am I getting to be an "old" reader? This could be a serious problem. I always assumed reading kept me going, learning new things, going new places, learning a new lingo (which is probably a very dated term, ah well). So, let's examine the Montana Mavericks authors:

• 1  Rogue Stallion by Diana Palmer
  Return to Big Sky Country
  
• 2  The Widow And The Rodeo Man by Jackie Merritt
  
• 3  Sleeping With The Enemy by Myrna Temte
  
• 4  The Once And Future Wife by Laurie Paige
  
• 5  The Rancher Takes A Wife by Jackie Merritt
  
• 6  Outlaw Lovers by Pat Warren
  Man most wanted.
  
• 7  Way Of The Wolf by Rebecca Daniels
  The verdict.
  
• 8  The Law Is No Lady by Helen R. Myers
  The marriage.
  
• 9  Father Found by Laurie Paige
  The Search.
  
• 10  Baby Wanted by Cathie Linz
  He would be the father!
  
• 11  Man With A Past by Celeste Hamilton
  His eyes promised secrets; and so much more!
  
• 12  Cowboy Cop by Rachel Lee
  Partners in passion.
  

Finish reading What Ever Happened to...?

Sara Reyes | Bring on the Book Resolutions....

A new year and time to put into effect resolutions. Some resolve to become healthier, happier, successful, or more learned. I'd say knowledgeable but I'm fond of the word "learned." I think my fascination with the word "learned" began in my childhood when every year my grandmother resolved to read the entire Bible in a year. Yes, that is the childhood I had, but my grandmother had a different spin on the whole-book-in-a-year resolution. We already read the King James version every single day, but she'd come up with a different version or translation so we'd have our normal chapter or two of the KJV then we'd re-read in some other translation. My most memorable year was the year of the "New News for Modern Man" version. I seriously think she argued every single morning trying to reconcile the versions. But it all was in the quest of being "learned."

Talk about resolutions...read more...

Sara Reyes | Something Delicious in the Kitchen means...

It's the time of year when I need an extra special escape moment or two so I do my old handy escape -- fall back into a book. I feel a bit sad because my mother is not longer here, my "old" home in Pennsylvania belongs to Amish families and I feel separated from my roots. It's a time of reflection on the good old days, or as my son states, "anything in the pass was golden." That is not true naturally but it does seem sad that I'll no longer be able to wistfully pine on not being able to go east to the snow and see family. Of course, I had not been able to do that in about 20 years anyway but the point I can not do it ever again makes it all the more poignant.

So to return to present day, it's also the time to be happy for what I do have. First and foremost I have memories and the cookbooks to create some good times for my family today. We practice making the cookies from the MENNONITE COOKBOOK, my grandmother and mother's only "cookbook." I mean, if it wasn't in the MENNONITE COOKBOOK you didn't need a recipe! Okay, I learned to supplement with a composition book with notes of interest: don't be afraid of lard, just need to find good quality in a speciality store; butter is not evil; stone-ground flour is better; and best of all what a pinch, thimble, palm measure out to be. Poor kids they've never seen a thimble much less have a clue what it would hold!

My edition of the MENNONITE COOKBOOK is the original 1950 version but I know there is a "newer" edition with "modernized" measuring but I find it comforting to read the old directions, try to figure out the differences between "sweet" milk and "sour milk" and not to be confused with buttermilk, and to read about gone-by-times. Seriously, are you going to be participating in a barn-raising this weekend? Think of it as food with history, so it's educational!

So I'm curious, do you have special traditions with "food?" If so, what are they? If not, then what would be your perfect tradition?

Until next time...

Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010!

Sara Reyes | Season's Greetings...what are you reading?

Now that we're in the beginning of the final countdown for the holidays, what are you reading? Is there a book or series of books you just feel compelled to re-read each year at this time? Or perhaps, you go looking for and save up the "holiday" books that started appearing in September. Or is there a favorite author who wrote some truly emotional book that touches you that you love to read again and again?

My reading at this time of the year includes pulling out and dusting off my old Signet Regency Christmas anthologies. Stories by Mary Balogh and Barbara Metzger and Mary Jo Putney still make me happy to read. Then I'll read a truly emotional contemporary such as Robyn Carr's Virgin River Christmas or Marie Bostwick's COMFORT AND JOY or SNOW ANGELS.

One of the things we discuss this month at book club is, what are we reading for the holidays? It's always good to get an idea of a new book or author to try out. I heard Susan Wiggs being discovered for the first time by one member and another willing to try Robyn Carr but the number of books in the Virgin River series is daunting (11 at last count).

And then we always get around to what was the best book you read in 2009. So, today's questions are:

What's on your reading schedule?

What is on your list of the top five books you read in 2009?


Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 12-14, 2010!

Sara Reyes | Author Signings...My First Real and Virtual

Book Signing
Originally uploaded by freshfiction

This week's guest blogger, Susan Wiggs, had a post about the most horrible signings she's ever been on. And I found it interesting reading. I also thought about the comments. I haven't always been so lucky to live in an area where authors come every week to sign their books. When I was younger, in the sixties and 70s I lived in a very rural area and don't remember ever visiting a real "book store" that wasn't run by the Mennonite Church. Which trust me had a very small fiction section. And that store was 40 miles away and we only went once a year to pick up grandmother's materials. Our reading time was spent reading a chapter every day from the Bible and reading through the World Craft Encyclopedia. Our local library was located over the one engine firehouse. It was a small room with about 1,000 books in it. I did learn to love Zane Grey and Elswyth Thane. But it wasn't somewhere we visited often. Then I went to college and oh, what a world there was! Books were sold in stores like the downtown Philadelphia Woolworth which I haunted every Saturday morning to buy a book. My money was very tight, so fiction reading was my guilty pleasure and let me tell you, it was a very delicious guilty pleasure!

After college it was off to Germany to live with my husband on a military base. The library was limited, to be kind, again I honed up on my Louis l'Amour and Zane Grey until one day someone dumped off a grocery sack of Harlequin Romances and Presents. My eyes were opened. I was desperate and read anything. I also made friends with the bookseller at the base, a little building next to the PX where I worked as assistant manager. As long as I finished a book over night and it was still in perfect condition, she'd let me take a book to read for every book I bought. She was the first fellow reader I ever knew. We talked every day about books and I read my way steadily through the Woodiwiss and Rogers and the Regencies that were beginning to dominate the shelves. Then the Germany days were over and it was back to the States to a new world for me. Not only did I land in the suburbs of Philadelphia but they had bookstores in every mall, at least TWO, and used book stores. I never knew about these places before. As a young mother, we didn't have lots of money so the used bookstores became my friend. Every day after dropping the kiddo off at kindergarten and first grade, I'd go to the used book store and I started at the beginning of the category romances and buy through. I never knew about subscriptions, I just knew these books were mostly delightful, and got me through the day. After my son was in second grade, I also started at a job. In the mall, near a Waldenbooks. Ah, heaven. The 80s were a drifting decade for me. And when my collection of books really took off.

Curious, read the rest and learn how to win some books...

Sara Reyes | Tea, a Saturday Tradition Bears Fruit... with Vampires!

Fun Books to Read!

Today is tea day, Means gathering books, getting dressed somewhat nicely (no "work" pants, jeans okay), putting on the minimal amount of make-up (mascara, lip gloss) and heading out the door by noon to go meet the girls. Sorry, no guys allowed in this part of the book club. Then we gather at a tea room and enjoy at least two hours of conversation, book chatter, life chatter and consume a four course (sometimes five if we're lucky) tea. We do this at least once a month, sometimes we luck out and get to do it twice in a month. I can't remember a three-time but hey it could happen! It's really lots of fun and since we usually ALWAYS do a book exchange, you come home loaded to the gills with new books to try. It's the closest thing to a reader paradise I know.

Except maybe book club night, a whole different concept.

So, anyway, today is the Saturday after "Vampire Diaries" and with all the vamp talk being going on about this one, starting in the 1990s when the L.J. Smith books first came out and Gwen discovered them. Those were the books that allowed her to participate more fully in that Saturday ritual of tea book group. Before the Smith books, Gwen was bored. And there is nothing worse than a bored teenager at a forced to go because you've got to spend time with your mother outing. And it was a regular type thing. Once a month seemed like it went on forever. How do I know, because as a mother I was on the receiving end of this treatment. But I digress, L.J. Smith's books were read even back in the 90s by both teens and adults. And there were several adults in the tea group who loved all of them as much as Gwen. So began a common discussion of books. Something to even look forward to. And with a couple of booksellers in the group, it made it so much easier to get all the copies, even first edition versions of Smith's books.

So, spin forward a dozen years or so...read the rest....

Sara Reyes | Holiday...I'm really going off the clock...

Probably for about six hours. GASP. I know, it's a shocker and I really should have thought about this earlier and had someone else guest blog today, but duh, sometimes the details overwhelm.

Anyway, it was brought...FORCIBLY ... to my attention that I haven't had any "Sara" and "family" time this year, what with celebrating our FIFTH, isn't that a kicker! It seems like we just started two years ago -- ANNIVERSARY. I always say, go with your passion and you'll be happy. And it works for so many people including me!

So talk among yourselves or take the day off with a good book! I'll be back tomorrow or definitely Monday (like I can go away for longer than 24 hours, ha!) and we'll chat then.

Oh, yes, taking a book or two with me in case I have free non-people time. I'll tell you about it later.


Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 14, 2009!

Sara Reyes | Author + Books + Video = Excitement?

I always tell people -- find something to do that connects with your passion in life and you'll be successful! And the rule has proved itself over and over again. My passion is books and reading. My talent, if it can labeled, is remembering what I've read and making connections. I connect readers with books. If I know someone likes a certain type of book: say historical with lots of sexual tension but with emotion, I'll say try Mary Balogh or Mary Jo Putney or Loretta Chase. Because those authors will make you weep, laugh and sigh. If someone likes gritty urban fantasy I point them to Kim Harrison or Kelley Armstrong because you'll find a fast paced action packed adventure in a world that is familiar and yet, not. Well, you get my drift. I'm fortunate as I read fast and I've read steadily for a loooong time!

Fun Books You Should Get!

But I've also been able to meet authors, and authors are wonderful people, especially after you get them to open up about their work. Then you can see the passion in their eyes and the emotion in their voice as they tell me about the twists and turns of their plots but usually and most importantly about the characters. It's a fascinating conversation and I never get bored listening.

This has been a week for authors and their passions. Last Saturday we had a signing with three funny and talented ladies -- Dakota Cassidy, Michele Bardsley and Candace Havens. Now, one-on-one they are all entertaining but you put them in the same room and they light up the place! They played off each other and engaged the audience in their back stories, their characters and the varied worlds they create. In the end we all spent more money than anticipated, but that's the fun of meeting authors.

But wait, we're not done ... read the rest and see how YOU can win some prizes this weekend!

Sara Reyes | Reader Interrupted, I Hate When a Good Book Butts into Life!

I picked up two sets of books last weekend at ArmadilloCon, both fantasies, one set by Scott Lynch about otherworldly thieves and Patrice Sarath's set in an alternate world of New York about an alternate world coexisting with ours. both have two books in their series and I bought all four books. I even surprise surprise started at book one of each set. Yeah, I'm one of those odd people who can pick up a book and as long as it's interesting doesn't matter if it's book one, seven or three in a series.

Started reading the Scott Lynch thieves books. First off let me say, these suckers are HUGE, as in 700 pages. Which makes for a heavy paperback with very thin paper. But they are also fascinating which makes me wish for days without anything else to do but read. Unfortunately that isn't possible. I have other things crowding my life, such as work, family, even needy pets getting in the way. So I had to resort this past week to sneak reading. Ah, the mark of addiction.

First I'd read at night until my eyes couldn't focus anymore. Who cares about disrupting the house? A pillow over the head keeps most of the light out. Learn to sleep with a little glow. At least I'm quiet unlike a television! That's all I'm saying! It's the eyesight strain that will get me first. So I start off my day of work on maybe two hours of sleep. That was being overly generous I'm afraid so picture me cranky. Then I'd find reasons during the day to take off a few minutes or a chapter here and a chapter there sandwiched in between other chores. Taking a book in the car when I'm carpooling is not a smart thing. Especially a thick book. There is only so much you can read at a stop light. Seriously! And the stops and starts of "car reading" are not my favorite way to savor a good book.

And worse is the distraction by the characters. I mean seriously, Locke and Jean kept worrying me. What were they doing while I was trying to work? How were they going to get out of this new mess? Who was the Gray King? Did the others know it was a double triple cross? Hey, did I really think it was a double triple cross? Maybe that was a ploy? So finally on Wednesday I finished the Lynch adventures and now have to wait so patiently, right, whatever, for the next one. Out this year I think.

Oops there's more, click here to read the rest of the article AND be entered to win!

Sara Reyes | Why A Reader Attends a Science Fiction Fantasy Literary Convention (or "Con")

Some Con Books you should get!:

"Why are you going to xxxCon?" Something I get asked each time I tell my book club I'm going to a con soon. And I've been going to these "things" for over 10 years. Before that I went to the media ones with my husband and son who loved the Creature cons with guest stars from all their favorite movies and television shows. I've been to Barbie Expos too. That's where collectors of Barbie dolls get together and show off the dolls (some headless the way Gwen kept hers in the early days) and accessories. It's always amazing to me what to one person is a collectable and to another is trash.

The answer used to be simple, I'd go because I wanted to find people who liked the same books I did. Not necessarily to talk to them in depth about the books but to find ones I may have been missing. I'm always afraid there is an author out there and gasp, I've missed them! They are probably fantastic and will change my life for EVER and because I didn't know their titles or name I'm missing out. Don't other readers feel that way sometime? Or am I all alone?

So, I would go to a Con by myself and sit quietly in sessions, some that would bore me beyond tears, some would make me sit up and take notes. And I always found someone or series of books I would have missed. Over the years I've learned to figure out which cons were best for a "reader" versus a "writer" and I'd always attend.

Recently there is an upsurge in paranormal romance and urban fantasy at the cons. A welcome, may I say in all honesty, change. I was getting weary of the women-hating fantasy ones. *grin* So if you're an urban fantasy or paranormal romance reader, get yourself to a local con. Almost all cities, large and small have at least one per year. They're not expensive either. Don't be shy you'll be surprised by the fellow readers you'll meet and you'll come home with books to read, suggestions in your notebook and some new friends! Besides, they always have FREE parties at night in rooms and you can practice your social skills. It's a blast!

Learn more by clicking here...

Sara Reyes | Anniversaries of Books, Authors and Web Sites...

In August Fresh Fiction will celebrate its 5th anniversary. In the Internet world it's a real milestone, as it is for a small business. Most go within a year, 18 months at the outside. But against all odds, Fresh Fiction has managed to stick, thrive and grow. We have a team of addicted book lovers to thank and the resilience of people who well, for lack of a better description, love to read! And love all things about reading: the books, the authors, fellow readers, expressing opinions and always thirsting for more.

So this month -- August -- we'll be exploring all the parts that make up Fresh Fiction and create our book world. From the publishers to the authors to the books to the reviewers to booksellers and all things associated with our love of books and reading. I hope you'll join us several times this month and let us know what YOU think.

We'll also be celebrating with special blog posts, contests and give-a ways. So be sure to stop by and enter.

First up is my little story, or the founding of Fresh Fiction.

Well, curl up my friends and listen to the tale...ah, you see, I'm not really a writer and decided not to even try to be one about 15 years ago. It was a nice idea but I didn't suit the rigors of lonely writing, because to be honest, I'm really a reader. I've got to read and I don't want to dissect a book to see what makes it work. It's why I can't be an art critic either, I either know I like it or I don't. Ditto with books, I either love them or hate them. I can passionately discuss books until people's eyes turn blank or glazed but writing one is beyond me.

But I'm also really curious. When I find a book I like or an author that intrigues me I want to know ALL about them: their other books, who they are, what they are writing. I want to get a sense of understanding. And unfortunately most author or publisher web sites are either impossible to find or once found do NOT contain the information I crave.

So after talking to some fellow readers I came up with a plan. A site listing all the books as they come out, searchable by author or book with summaries, biographies and excerpts if possible. Tanzey Cutter said can we do reviews too? And how about a little column about books and authors? Candace Havens wanted to show how books and film mix together (she's a big time entertainment reporter). Shanna Swendson said, "I go to lots of conferences, can I write about those?" And not just romance, but other genres we're reading like thrillers, mysteries, fantasy. Just not "Oprah" books. And from that meeting in a line waiting for a signing to open, Fresh Fiction was born.

So fast forward five years, we've added more excerpts, more reviewers, lots more columnists, over 30,000 authors with their book lists, contests and tidbits here and there to entice. So for a labor of necessity ... to get more information about books ... I think we're doing what we set out to accomplish.

So, please tell us what you think, why do you come to FreshFiction.com? What else would you like to see?

Until next time...

Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

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