Modern Good Reads discussion

I'm not sure Before Her Eyes uses technology and fantasy in the way you are thinking and I don't know any that do. It would be ground breaking. The problem is trying to describe these hybrid books. I have 86 reviews on Before Her Eyes and at the end some people get that there was a fantasy element and some don't. It's actually rather exciting. This is one area that we really have to trust the reader but it's very difficult to describe. I tried once with police procedural/fantasy but that didn't do it. Is this what you're working on?

Hi group,
I'm Deray Ogden with my first thriller out and enjoying the non-ending journey of writing. I live on the south coast of Victoria, Australia in a rustic beach house (um, hut more like it). My reading habits are varied but I lean towards historical thriller novels. So, I look forward to getting to know you all and getting involved in discussions.

Hi my name is Sophie. I love fantasy,adventure,romances an thriller books. My dad is a member of your group, John Dolan. I LOVE any book that can take me somewere out of this world!

Rebecca,
My book is hard to describe as well. Dual Karma, falls under fantasy, and I had that genre in mind when I was writing. I made up my own world, but it also focuses on a lot of today's technology likes cars and cell phones. It has magic in it, that gets set off when a series of events happen. What my main character turns into is based on a mythological folklore tale. It also covers real issues like abuse. I had a very hard time fitting where exactly it belongs.

Hi Deray,
Australia much be beautiful. I bet it's very easy to get inspired from it's enchanting atmosphere. I like thrillers as well.

Hi Sophie,
I love fantasy too.

I should have done this before introduced myself in the Author's Corner. Oh well. Better late than never, right?

I'm Catie Rhodes. I do write books, but I also read them. Especially the trashy ones. Which probably means the books I write are also trashy. Huh. Moving on.

Anyway....good to meet all y'all.

Hi Catie,
I was late too, but like you said better late then never.

Hi all. Thanks for the invite to the group. It sounds awesome. I'm a big reader of Scifi and Fantasy. I also delve into adventure, thrillers, and on a desperate hunt for books that defy genre. I write Scifi and Fantasy. I'm a big techie and I can't wait to get to know everyone better.

Hi Kyla,
Welcome to the group. I also love to read Fantasy.

Hi everyone
I am a writer, reader and reviewer. Anything to do with books really. My favourite genres are mystery, crime, thrillers, humour and some historical drama.
Outside of reading and writing I am a keen horse woman. I am lucky enough to own three horses and get up every day at 5.30 to spend my mornings with them.

Hi everyone, especially Diana who deals with 3 horses at 5:30. I'm up at 5:30 but dragging myself to the shower. :)

Hi everyone

I'm joining in from Australia. I read all genre fiction. Maybe not so much of the horror stuff, but never know if the story is good. I'm very much a character driven reader. If I can get involved with the characters then I'll generally take the ride with them. I'm currently writing romance. Nothing published yet, but I'm here as a reader really.

Looking forward to reading books and writing some reviews.

Hello Wendy! Australia is a reading place. I've made some lovely friends through the books. I think that's one of the best things about being a writer now - you actually can communicate with people all over the world!

I read and write mostly historical fiction these days, as well as history. I do love the occasional science fiction or romance, though—not to mention certain kinds of mysteries and even some YA or kid's books.

Apropos of nothing, how many posts must one make in this group before the annoying display of the rules disappears? In most groups, it's one, but I am well past five, and it still shows up every time.

I swear, I will not spam, insult, promote off-topic, or attack anyone. Honor bound!

I didn't know it would disappear at all. I thought I was getting slapped on the wrist as a proactive measure LOL

Rebecca wrote: "Hello Wendy! Australia is a reading place. I've made some lovely friends through the books. I think that's one of the best things about being a writer now - you actually can communicate with people..."

I love talking with writers and readers around the world. It really helps give you perspective on how diverse people can be. As an American I sometimes forget there are other points of view out there.

Kyla wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Hello Wendy! Australia is a reading place. I've made some lovely friends through the books. I think that's one of the best things about being a writer now - you actually can communi..."

My favorite part is that we all have the same sense of humor and, bottom line, a good book brings people together whether you're a reader or writer. I just heard from someone in South Africa today. That was so cool.

Wendy L wrote: "Hi everyone

I'm joining in from Australia. I read all genre fiction. Maybe not so much of the horror stuff, but never know if the story is good. I'm very much a character driven reader. If I can g..."
Welcome Wendy. I'm a sci-fi writer from Melbourne so it's great to meet another aussie. :)

Lambert wrote: "Yes, for sure:)"

Hi Allison, nice to see you on here as well.

Rebecca wrote: "I didn't know it would disappear at all. I thought I was getting slapped on the wrist as a proactive measure LOL"

Glad to know I am not the only one. ;)

I'm D L Jackson. I write romance, erotic romance in several sub-genres. I love to read urban fantasy, like Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and science fiction, like John Scalzi's, Old Man's War, and romance--all kinds by too many authors to mention. But to be honest, if it's not nailed down, I'll probably read it.

Hi Jessica. Yes, Australia is beautiful but vast and varied with most a desert...just like writer's immagination, hey? If you like thrillers, check out my author's page.

Jessica wrote: "Hi Deray,
Australia much be beautiful. I bet it's very easy to get inspired from it's enchanting atmosphere. I like thrillers as well."

Sent you a friend request. Is your book out, yet. If so, where is it sold at, couldn't find it?

Hi, I'm Heather. :) I live in Texas with my husband and our 18 month old son. I'm a licensed social worker for the state :) I don't write, but readreadread lol. I review on amazon and goodreads under Gatosqueak.

Hi - My name is Margo and I have always loved to read. I'm looking forward to discussing books & movies. I read different genres, including fiction, non-fiction (particularly memoirs), some young adult, and a lot of mysteries/thrillers. Margaret Atwood is my favorite author (espec. The Robber Bride), I wrote to her in college and she wrote back :) My favorite book however is The Women's Room by Marilyn French. Other favorites are A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Bell Jar, She's Come Undone, Wuthering Heights, Little Women, Broken (Cope-Moyers), The Quiet Room, & The Hunger Games Trilogy. I also listen to audiobooks while I'm walking the dog or doing housework.

hi guys. so Im charlotte, an avid crime thriller reader, but i also LOVE romantic novels which have some crime involved. however, i like reading in general and would be great to connect with other readers. :D

Welcome Wendy. I'm a sci-fi writer from Melbourne so it's great to meet another aussie. :)

oooh Hi I'm in Tassie, we're practically neighbours lol. I must agree with everyone about how fab it is to have communications worldwide these days. I love it.

Wendy

Hi and thanks for the invitation.

My background is theater, having received a MFA at Columbia U. Playwrights can't earn a living writing in the theater, so I made the transition to novels. Just recently my book Wipeout received a BEST INDIE 2013 BOOK Finalist Award. Hoping that helps me on my way.

Mostly now I read research material, reams of it.

Nice meeting yall.

Hi - I'm a writer and a reader (lit fic). great to join this group and hope to share some interesting thoughts together here. A particular hello to Jenna who sounds similar to me :)
I love literary fiction and just anything that's well-written and grabs my attention!

Thanks for inviting me Chris.

I'm Ashley. I like to paranormal, mystery/thriller all the way to erotica and YA. I have a wide reading range. I also like movies from horror to comedy and books turned into movies as long as they stay true to the book itself. Now that I read I can't quit lol.

Hi, all! My name is C.L. Stegall and I am the CEO (and an author with) Dark Red Press. I've written a Young Adult Urban Fantasy based in Greek Mythology and I have just released my second novel, a new take on the old vampire lore. I am a voracious reader of anything and everything! The last thing I read was the Post-Human series by David Simpson, a sci-fi, tech thriller series that is truly top-notch! I look forward to interacting with the community, here.

Hi, I'm Sebella Blue. I live in rural N.C. and am am avid reader of romance. I prefer adult PNR, but will dabble in romantic suspense and historical romance. I have been reviewing for 3 years with some major sites, and prefer to focus on the positives of each book. I will not sugarcoat but nor do I believe in bashing.

Wow, this is an incredible lively board. I just downloaded a few romantic suspense novels but I tend to read thrillers. Just finished a Carl Haissen (Star Island) and as always was in awe of his characterization. Not my favorite one of his but boy that guy is unique. I'm in Southern California.

Hi,

I'm Wayne, an associate member of the Horror Writer's Association, soon to be a full member (if I can keep on selling stories). I also write Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction, and some non-fiction.

As to reading, I read almost everything, just not while I'm writing. There are too many distractions as it is, when I start reading, I don't stop :)

In most ways I prefer the writing side. I can let my imagination lead me to places that no one else has been, and I have a really weird imagination.

Wayne

So Wayne, do you ever read anything that's the polar opposite of Horror, you know, just for fun? Something like romance or chick lit? Just curious! :)

D.H.

All the time. I love Space Opera, big fan of Doc Smith. I'm working on a Space Opera series of my own, inspired in part by Smith, but also everyone else who I've read who has written Space Opera. Or watched on TV, since Star Trek is Space Opera. David Weber does pretty competent Space Opera, which would be a lot more readable if he'd loose the calculator.

I do read some "romance" if it has a Fantasy component. Sharon Shinn, & Ilona Andrews are names I can think of, I'm supposed to be asleep, but my sinuses are revolting, so I can't think worth beans right now.

Like Fantasy too. Glen Cook's Black Company series is fascinating. Lois McMaster Bujold's Chalion series was incredible, and I wish she'd write more in that universe, like a story about Foix de Gura and his demon.

My problem is that as a writer, I see flaws. Take the new Star Trek movie (2009). I've done world building, and the world they portray is one where they don't mind endangering mankind's home planet by building starships with an anti-matter drive system ON THE PLANETARY SURFACE. Never mind the huge holes required if they are strip mining for materials, some elements are less than 1% of the ores mined. The "new" Enterprise, which doubled in length, and increased in ship weight by an estimated 3.5 times would have left a huge hole in the planetary surface! Search for the term "J. J. Abrams is a moron" and you'll probably be able to find the short article I wrote explaining that.

I like mysteries too, but again, depends upon the talents of the writer. Am a huge fan of Dashiel Hammett. That guy could write. So could Raymond Chandler. Agatha Christie? Great writer, but not a great mystery writer, she was too concentrated on being clever, and not enough on telling a story.

I love Janet Morris' Heroes in Hell series, but I'm hardly an unbiased observer, since I've submitted stories to the series, and I've sold stories which have been published by Fantom, which uses Janet's Perseid Press as a publisher :)

Wayne, I've never read any space operas, but if Star Trek fits, that sounds like something I'd enjoy. So what constitutes a space opera, anyway?

And what a coincidence, I'm going to be watching the 'new' Star Trek movie tonight! Now I might be a little distracted by the ship building, but if so, I'll just blame you! :)

Sounds like you enjoy quite the range of books! Is horror your all time favourite genre?

How about everyone else? Have a favourite?

Okay... Desert island. You can take as many books as you like, but only from one genre. Which would it be?

Hi, all I'm a thriller/action adventure writer from Swansea in the UK, I am the author of the Daltons Blues series of books on Amazon. I love reading thrillers, obviously, and also some horror and science fiction. Looking forward to meeting those I have not met yet, and I promise I will not try to sell you anything, he he.

Andrew wrote: "Hi, all I'm a thriller/action adventure writer from Swansea in the UK, I am the author of the Daltons Blues series of books on Amazon. I love reading thrillers, obviously, and also some horror and ..."

Hi Andrew, good to see you here too!

Thanks for the welcome, John.

Thanks for the invitation. Sorry I'm just getting the chance to introduce myself. I'm a mystery/suspense author and have just released my second novel.

I'm a mom to a precocious 7-year-old, have been married almost 14 years, and we have three obnoxious fur babies. Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Hi everyone! I'm an author with The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, and I write YA Fantasy. I've published the first four books in my current series, The Gateway Chronicles, with book 5 set to drop Fall 2013 here. On the personal end of things, I live in Alabama, USA, and I teach at a Classical school. I have been married for 10 years and have three young sons.

Great to meet you, Stacy and K.B. I hope you'll pop by the fantasy section sometime to say hello and chat about your favourite reads. Perhaps you'll also let us know about your books in our author's section. See you around the place! :)

Hi,
I am Morgan. I read for both pleasure and to become a better writer.I have read over 5,000 books. Yes, I did do the rough math to come up with that sum.

Hi, my name is Sarah, and I like kicking alien butt - or, writing about kicking alien butt. I kick butt anyways, in Kickboxing. I am an avid reader and an aspiring author with the first book of my science-fiction trilogy in the last stages of editing, as well as a children's book soon to be published (though not about aliens).

I love making connections with others. Feel free to friend me here or like my page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sarahakaider). And send me a message so that I can return the favor! :)

Hi, I'm Clive, author of Banker's Draft, a humorous, detective, quirky, fantasy thingy. A bit late in introducing myself, but better late than never!

Never have enough time to do all the things i should be doing, and even less time to do all the things I want to do.

Clive wrote: "Hi, I'm Clive, author of Banker's Draft, a humorous, detective, quirky, fantasy thingy. A bit late in introducing myself, but better late than never!

Never have enough time to do all the things i ..."

HI Clive! Nice to meet you - I'm a quirky writer myself- I'm going to check out your book

Hi Chris and everyone,

Looking forward to interacting in the group. I'm an author who loves reading thrillers and adventures as well as literary fiction. Good to say hello and virtually meet you all.

Clive wrote: "Hi, I'm Clive, author of Banker's Draft, a humorous, detective, quirky, fantasy thingy. A bit late in introducing myself, but better late than never!

Never have enough time to do all the things i ..."

HI Kerry, Nice to meet you too. Oooh, another quirky! ;)