Books I Love
Someone recently asked about my favorite authors and books. I love all genres from paranormal romance to the classics like Tom Sawyer, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Wuthering Heights.
My favorite genre is Y.A. Fantasy. Think witches, superheroes, fairies, vamps, werewolves, crystals, and magic. Camaraderie between characters is an attractive and essential element, not specifically described by the author but gleaned by the reader. It’s the quintessential show, don’t tell rule.
Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series displays this fellowship through the characters’ actions, struggles, and triumphs.
J.K. Rowling, a brilliant storyteller, masterfully crafted all seven Harry Potter books to include not only magic, fantastic creatures, and an exciting and extraordinary world but at the forefront is the special comradeship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. It was easy to fall in love with her magical adventures and characters. Each book in the series is at the top of my list for best-loved novels. Though I’ve never met her, J.K. Rowling inspired me to begin the journey of writing.
I enjoy repetition in my reading – a quirky habit I liken to watching reruns of a beloved television show. I’m weird like that. I find it relaxing to read the Harry Potter books forward from one to seven then back again. I’ve done this at least a dozen times. I hope to add a Y.A. Fantasy series to my writing credentials one day.
I’ve begun the query process for an Upper Y.A. Fantasy I recently completed. If you’re at this stage in the writing journey, I’m with you. I researched agents and publishers who are currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts in my genre. I’ve received some constructive feedback and as such I’ve trimmed my novel to the best of my ability.
As of today, I’ve sent six queries, but I still have a long way to go. Life sometimes gets in the way so my focus shifts. I carve out time as best I can to dedicate my energy to finding an agent or publisher while continuing to formulate ideas for the second in the series. I also write blog posts, add content to my website, manage my Facebook and Instagram pages, and edit my other fantasy novels to ready them for their own unique queries.
Whatever genres, authors, and books you love, I encourage you to read as much as you can because reading leads to better writing.
