These are fellow writers who write similar genres and who all know a lot about the craft of writing, but we had dramatically different reactions to the books. It just goes to show that reading is so subjective. Even when the writing is strong, everyone has different views about what makes a book great.
As we talked, we realized that a couple of things really made the difference in how we felt about the books. Sense of humor is different for everyone. We all like to laugh, but we each find different things funny. Certain things that make some people laugh out loud simply make me roll my eyes. Something about the humor in the books we liked worked for us.
We also noticed regional differences. The book I loved was set in my neck of the woods. I related to some of the off-the-wall characters, but my author friend didn't relate.
To me, these are the reasons that this is a great time to be an author and a reader. We have so many options at our fingertips! Want to read about Amish vampires in space or fairy tales re-imagined with cowboys, there's a book for you. It also makes it possible for a group of sweet romance authors to exist. We're able to connect directly with readers who love the types of books we enjoy writing.
So have fun! Read the books that make you happy and keep you turning the pages!
Julie Jarnagin is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance. She grew up in a small Oklahoma town where her family farmed and ranched. These days she lives in Louisiana with her amazing husband and two young sons who tolerate all her nerdy quirks. Julie earned a B.A. in Journalism / Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma.
www.JulieJarnagin.com
Meg - Beach Brides Series: Meg Mullen's community theater is on the verge of closing if she can't raise the money to save it, but she's running out of time and needs a miracle. Television producer, Elliot Campbell, finds a message in a bottle from the perfect female contestant for his reality dating show. All he has to do is talk Meg into taking the job, convince her to choose one of the contenders, and figure out how to keep from falling in love with her himself.
Have you signed up for Sweet Romance Reads newsletter? It's full of great info and fun stuff from our authors.
I read anything and everything, Julie. You're right, we all have different reading preferences.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true, Julie! It happens so often that I'll read a book and just not get what a friend was raving about, and the other way around. That's why it's so wonderful to see so many books in every sub-genre and sub-sub-genre - there's always bound to be something for everyone!
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog post, Julie! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this. Thanks, Julie. So true.
ReplyDeleteJulie, it is so true that reading choices are subjective.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happens to me. I'll start reading something that others loved and my mind starts wandering because it hasn't held my attention. I'm so glad there are so many books to choose from.
ReplyDelete