Wow, we write a lot of different genres! YA was the winner (I think more than half of us write YA-- at least sometimes), but there were a few other MG writers, some non-fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, picture books, contemporary fiction, steampunk, chick lit, women's fiction, sci-fi, Christian, and paranormal. I'm glad we aren't all writing the same thing! And I'm glad to know such an interesting mix of writers.
Today I thought I'd ask, what do you read?
I like almost all fiction. I love 18th and 19th century English and American literature (Dickens, Austen, Hardy, Bronte, Twain, James etc.). I read a lot of children's, MG and YA. I like fantasy, women's fiction, memoirs, and a little bit of science fiction/dystopian.
I don't read much romance, non-fiction, chick lit or paranormal, but when I do I'm usually surprised by how much I like them.
What do you read? Do you do read a lot of books in the genre you write?
26 comments:
Currently, I'm only reading YA. Since that's what I'm writing it helps keep me in the right mindset. But, I'm open to reading anything really. Especially if it's recommended by a friend.
I have just dusted off the old reading shelf, so a lot of my answers are probably not any new authors (and I apologize, truly!) and I don't read any current YA (though I will-it's on the list). However-I devour James Patterson's Cross Novels, Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series...and anything else they write, really. I enjoyed the one book I read recently by Barbara Delinsky, but it's not usually what I would read. I wish I could write the type of books I read-thriller, suspense...I am in awe of those authors.
I will read almost anything. Although looking at my bookshelf I am noticing that I don't read a lot of YA. But I do enjoy what I do read. I read anything from Stephen King to Jodi Picolt and quite a bit in between. I enjoy reading debut authors no matter what genre and love reading non-fiction. Memoirs etc.
I read anything and everything. I'm most fond of YA because that's what I write, but I try to steer away from it when I'm actually writing. I'm afraid I'll inadvertantly adopt another author's voice.
I am reading a lot of YA now. I also like action/thriller (will read anything by James Rollins), some romance with paranormal elements, historical, and fantasy/scifi.
I read a lot of YA and Christian fiction. I also like certain nonfiction (memoirs, biographies and historical books). Romance and chicklit are good for a fun escape.
And once again, I love the picture. So beautiful!
Another good post. These are fun :)
I read Mysteries, Thriller and YA mostly. I also read a lot of books about writing. Since I'm still a bit of a newbie to writing novels. I dig humor too. Depends on my mood.
Beautiful picture.
These days I read a lot of YA fantasy because I write it and I find it fun and thrilling to read. I've never cared for gore or psychological thrillers but I have read various vampire stories. I also read adult fantasy/sc-fi and some literary fiction when I love the authors. For instance, I'm dying to read the new releases by Audrey Niffenegger and Margaret Atwood.
Mostly YA/MG fantasy and thrillers/commercial fiction... mostly as books on tape...
I think I've finally come to the realization that I'm more MG than YA.
I love classics and literary fiction and am always trying to stay current in the mg/ya/pb world.
I read satirical fantasy, traditional fantasy, steampunk fantasy (noticing a trend here?), and the occasional military sci-fi. Sometimes I'll read Grisham and Koontz as well -- but not really any of their works recently. I'll admit to having read every Dan Brown book except two (Lost Symbol and I think there's one other).
Other than that, pretty much whatever I can get my hands on.
I read a little of everything. I mostly enjoy a good suspense/thriller with romance mixed in. But I also enjoy historicals, fantasy, inspirational, etc.
I'm a chick lit snob... I love it when it's good, but there are very few that I actually consider good enough. I'm more likely to read SFF/horror or something that's on the line between commercial and literary.
If a story doesn't have some kind of romance in it, it's extra hard for me to read (Hmm. I wonder why that is?) So, you could call me a romance junkie. Regency Romance, Historical Romance, American West Romance, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, YA Romance. I just love to watch two people connect and end up happily ever after.
Honestly, Natalie, I don't have much time to read these days! And when I do, I find myself often disappointed! When I do read, I usually stick to my genre--historical or historical romance. But I read a TON with my children and we focus on the classics or on historical fiction. And, we listen to most of our books on tape, as you know! :)
I read mostly YA, but I do like to dabble in other genres, especially historical fiction.
Yes, I often read in my genre...Elizabeth Berg, Jodi Picoult...etc. I like family saga and tragedy to triumph stories. I don't read chick lit very much at all or sci-fi or paranormal. I'm not sure I've ever read YA either now that I think of it.
~ Wendy
I mostly read the genre I write, YA, but I also love and read MG, women's fiction, and classics. I think MG is very cool, and I could see myself writing both YA and MG in the future.
Hi Natalie. Congrats on going for Nanowrimo, btw!!! You ought to get a Superwoman of the Year award with your Nano award, 'cause I can't begin to imagine the discipline it must take to "compete" while raising 3 little ones! Re what I read and what I write: I read anything I can get my hands on in French (to keep up my language skills.) This includes Mauriac, Zola, and other French writers, but I also enjoy novel translations into French (it's just a great literary language.) I picked up a copy of Elmer Gantry and 100 Years of Solitude when I was last over there. I also enjoy well-written historical non-fiction, especially about my favorite time period (which you know by now is the 1920s!) Re what I write, well, before tackling my current period piece, I wrote contemporary (women's) mainstream fiction. I prefer writing long-form to short (b/c I actually think the latter is EASIER!) Thanks for asking. ;-)
Oops, I meant long-form is easier ...
I read pretty much any kind of fiction. I love everything from Stephen King to Sophie Kinsella.
Now I read mostly non-fiction. I haven't picked up fiction for a long time. I read so much in my early years. I hope one day to stumble back on it.
much love
It's interesting to read all of the other comments. I can't read in the same genre that I'm writing until I'm finished with a manuscript. It interrupts my voice. I enjoy a good romantic suspense novel, or nonfiction, like political magazines - that's how I relax in the evenings.
All kinds of stuff and not nearly enough. There are so many great stories out there and not enough time to read them all. :(
I read a lot of Margaret Atwood, so I suppose her writing could be considered dystopian (Oryx & Crake, The Handmaid's Tale). I like contemporary Canadian Literature - we have quite a few talented writers up here, and some of them have a way of capturing what being a Canadian is all about. Douglas Coupland grew up in my neighbourhood and its always such a treat when he mentions a local landmark in his book - it's a little like an inside joke sometimes. I also like "mem-wahs" and biographies. My husband is all about mysteries and political thrillers. - G
I read mostly YA and romance these days, but only because that's mainly what I write. I still love a good mystery/suspense or horror book every now and then.
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