Modern Good Reads discussion

Here I am, Chris. Better late than never. Oh, I can't believe a "writer" such as myself used that terrible cliche! Hahaha

Hi all,

I've been a member here for a while, but due to time constraints at work, have not actually spent any time on the board at all. Well today, that all changed. What a great group. Love some of the interesting discussions you've got going here.

I 'know' a couple of you through ASMSG, and other places in the social media world.

About me: I'm the author of two books. My debut novel, The William S Club is an erotic thriller, while my second book is actually book 1 in a new paranormal series called Vampire Origins.

Outside of writing fiction, I am also a journalist and communications specialist, as well as a wife and the mother of three teenage children. Life is busy!

Looking forward to getting to know you all more.

Thanks for inviting me. I love reading mysteries, horror, dark fantasies and biographies of people I admire. I'm a writer, actor and artist (painting and sculpting). I love animals and take care of many feral cats that I have gotten fixed. Some people fault me for that--but they keep the rats away. Remember the Black Plague anyone?

Hi everyone! I am so glad I found this group. I'm Kim and I am a full time book reviewer for a book review magazine company and recently branched out on my own and just opened my own website. I also review video games.
While I'm an Ancient & Classical History/Mythology nut, I have rarely met I book I wouldn't read and am open to reviewing just about everything. I look forward to interacting with everybody and am humbly at your disposal!

Hello --

Thanks for the invite! I am an author (self-pubbed so far but with a contract for a book to come out later this year) and a book reviewer and promoter on my website (which I'll tout around here somewhere once I figure out where is appropriate). I'm very impressed by this group layout! Something for all tastes, well-planned and executed. Personally I'm reading memoir and narrative nonfiction for review, while my fiction-reading leans toward the literary slash humorous and dips into sci-fi. I particularly enjoy Charles Portis, J.P. Donleavy, Kingsley and Martin Amis, Joseph Heller, Thomas Pynchon, Douglas Adams, Haruki Murakami, David Foster Wallace, Philip K. Dick, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert... oops, listing too much. Lol. I'm currently working full time at a nowhere swing-shift job while attending college studying accounting. High hopes for career improvements in a few years. I love Scrabble. I juggle. I blog. My girlfriend says I blog too much. It *is* addictive. Anyway, hi howdy nicetomeetyouall. Cheers, Uttley

Hi. My name is Patti and I'm a book lover. I'm an avid reader of horror, paranormal, fantasy and mystery. Movie and TV genre the same. I do love all genres, but those are my favs. I write children's fiction, adult fiction and poetry - though not published, just for the fun of it. I'm a social media coordinator for a large book business, so I'm in my happy place everyday. Happy to be part of the group.

Hi! I'm Olivia from Peoria, Illinois. I love reading thrillers, mysteries, horror, science fiction, fantasy, and more. Currently I'm reading Robert B. Parker's Lullaby.

Great to see so many new members! Hope you all find something here that compels you into discussion. We love talking books. If you have a great idea for a thread/discussion, please let us know.

So, welcome! Hopefully I'll see some of you around the Fantasy section sometime. Please pop by and jump into one or our talks!

I write thrillers, southern fiction and children's books. Fairly diverse... but there is a method to my madness. I write what I want to read and hope that others might find the stories entertaining. Check out my page and links and let me know what you think. I will do the same for others. You can't get better unless you explore and take critique.

I'm Ugo Agada-Uyah, the author of the newly released book, Omezue, the Complete Achiever. I'm a Nigerian. I don't really know what to say I love reading most. I'm an avaricious reader. I devour all I lay my hands on. I always try to find out what the author wants to communicate. But best of all, I love historical fiction, mystery, thriller and biography. No horrors please.

I'm a little late in introducing myself, but here goes. My name is Susan Laine, an author of MM erotic romances for three publishers. You can find me here. I live in Finland, and right now it's pitch black, cold and windy outside. So, a typical spring :) I'm a passionate reader, and I adore murder mysteries (Judge Dee Mysteries are my favorites), fantasy, scifi, and gay erotic romances. Great to meet you all!

Hi everyone,
Thank you for the invitation Shane. My name is Erik Martin Willén and I read almost everything. It can be history, fiction, drama, science fiction, action, horror, thriller, military, romance etc.
I’m also an author from Sweden and I have completed my first book in a projected series, and the second part will be released this fall.

Hey to all the newbies! Haven't been on for a while. Been busy doing other writerly things.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

I'm Kim, Ancient and Classic History grad student and lover of the dark side- demonology, death, and all things mythical. While these are my favorite, I will read and review anything I get my hands on including the mundane tech manuals. I am a bibliophile and my home library I'd asylum worthy! I strongly think don't judge a book by its movie and don't judge a movie by its book!

Kim wrote: "I'm Kim, Ancient and Classic History grad student and lover of the dark side- demonology, death, and all things mythical. While these are my favorite, I will read and review anything I get my hands..."

Welcome, Kim. Left you a comment over in R4R.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Hello everyone. I joined because this month's read looks awesome, even though I probably won't be able to participate. I do a lot of reading and reviewing when I'm not editing for catering to my Lords and Masters the cats. I might not be able to participate much as a result; I keep really busy. Lots to read. But I'll try to jump in once in awhile. Anyway, wanted to introduce myself before I start lurking!

Wonderful to see so many different interests and tastes in books represented here. I bet you'll all have much to add to our bookish discussions. Katy, I understand about the cats. I am presently owned by two of them. Karen-Anne, who's your favourite alpha male? And Kim, we have very similar interests. I'm looking forward to hearing about some of your top reads. ~D.H. (Danielle)

There are so many newer authors that it's always difficult to name favorites. As for older writers, my favorite authors are Laurell K Hamilton, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jim Butcher, and Tanya Huff as I really love long series that mix well with the mortal and immortal worlds. As for much older stuff, I love Divine Comedy, the Necronomicon, The Prince, and books written on all these subjects!

D.H. wrote: "Wonderful to see so many different interests and tastes in books represented here. I bet you'll all have much to add to our bookish discussions. Katy, I understand about the cats. I am presently ow..."

Katy wrote: "Hello everyone. I joined because this month's read looks awesome, even though I probably won't be able to participate. I do a lot of reading and reviewing when I'm not editing for catering to my L..."

Hey Katy, welcome aboard! How's the review business?

Karen-Anne wrote: "Hello, I'm Karen-Anne Stewart, a new adult, contemporary romance author. I love many genres, from classical to contemporary. I'm a sucker for an alpha male with a sensitive side. My favorite auth..."

Nice to meet you. And welcome to authorhood. I'm new, too. Author of Secondhand Shoes. Hoping to have book 2 out by December along with another book -book 1- to another series.

Shelly wrote: "Karen-Anne wrote: "Hello, I'm Karen-Anne Stewart, a new adult, contemporary romance author. I love many genres, from classical to contemporary. I'm a sucker for an alpha male with a sensitive sid..."

Don't know what happened. Meant this message for someone else. But welcome anyway.

Hi everyone! I enjoy reading horror, thrillers, science fiction and action & adventure. I am a first time author of the book Infinity - The Fallen. Look forward to getting to know everyone!

Matthew wrote: "Hey Katy, welcome aboard! How's the review business? "

Crazy! Over 900 in my queue ... O.O

Karen-Anne wrote: "Shelly wrote: "Karen-Anne wrote: "Hello, I'm Karen-Anne Stewart, a new adult, contemporary romance author. I love many genres, from classical to contemporary. I'm a sucker for an alpha male with ..."

Thank you. You, too.

Kim wrote: "There are so many newer authors that it's always difficult to name favorites. As for older writers, my favorite authors are Laurell K Hamilton, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jim Butcher, and Tanya Huff as I re..."

Sweet! I used a section from one of Gustave Dore's illustrations of Milton's Paradise Lost as a cover for my book, Wormwood. You probably already know this, but Dore illustrated The Divine Comedy as well. I had to share this with you because I'm not sure how many others would appreciate that. Pretty cool to meet someone that lists The Divine Comedy as one of their top books. :) ~D.H.

Hello to all the newbies! Been busy in the writing cave as of late or hair lopping.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Hello, my name is Denise Flora,a author of romance with a bit of time travel and magic. My new series, about the lives of the Murray clan, begins with "Mckenna", a modern day woman who stumbles on her destiny and heritage, bound through time to a sixteenth century highland laird.
I love to read, and romance is my all time favorite, so last year I thought I would try my hand at writing, a passion I have always had, and now have realized in paper. I hope you will join me as the journey continues through the generations of this family, as well as offer your criticism, and any ideas you may have.

Hi, Denise and welcome

I invite each of you to explore the world of historic action/adventure in my novel TOLTEC and my newest novel CUZCO to be released by my publisher June 4. Available in softback and all eBooks. You can check Amazon or www.alexwalkerauthor.com.
Adventure is the seed of discovery. Enjoy an unforgettable journey.
Alex Walker

Hey, everybody!

I'm usually a bit awkward with introducing myself on the internet, as any lady who has seen my profile on various dating sites could tell you.

Anyway, here goes: My name is Daniel. I just recently joined the group. My favorite types of books are historical books that read more like a narrative than an expository. My favorite historical author is David McCullough.

I also enjoy children's picture books. While I like all kinds, I tend to go for the kind that offer more developed stories with paragraphs on pages rather than one or two sentences.

I also enjoy a wide range of fiction and fantasy from Gaiman, Orwell, Tolkien, Lewis, Richard Adams, and Robert O'Brien. Just to list a sample.

Daniel wrote: "Hey, everybody!

I'm usually a bit awkward with introducing myself on the internet, as any lady who has seen my profile on various dating sites could tell you.

Anyway, here goes: My name is Daniel..."

Welcome Daniel! That didn't see so awkward.Nice to meet you.

Hello, my name is Marvin Thomas Miles but I go by the handle M.T. I am a cat lover from Down Under and I write erotic romance.

Hi, Daniel; welcome!

Hi Daniel. Great to meet you! I'm intrigued by your interest in children's picture books. As an elementary school teacher (my alter-ego), I completely understand. Personally, I've wiled away many hours perusing the stacks of books in my classroom library.
What is it that draws you to them?

Hey, folks! I'm a Welsh lad, 24, James Bond nut, eclectic taste in music, film, you name it. Studying Shakespeare's early plays at PhD level in Cardiff University. I've recently published my first novel.

Darren wrote: "Hey, folks! I'm a Welsh lad, 24, James Bond nut, eclectic taste in music, film, you name it. Studying Shakespeare's early plays at PhD level in Cardiff University. I've recently published my first ..."

What is your first novel about? Title?

Denise wrote: "Darren wrote: "Hey, folks! I'm a Welsh lad, 24, James Bond nut, eclectic taste in music, film, you name it. Studying Shakespeare's early plays at PhD level in Cardiff University. I've recently publ..."

It's a fictional memoir about a celebrity who fakes his own death called Cinnamon Twigs. Hoping people can take a look and let me know what they think. Thanks for the interest, Denise : )

Hi, Darren, welcome! Have always wanted to visit Wales...

Darren wrote: "Denise wrote: "Darren wrote: "Hey, folks! I'm a Welsh lad, 24, James Bond nut, eclectic taste in music, film, you name it. Studying Shakespeare's early plays at PhD level in Cardiff University. I'v..."

I will check it out. Congrats! I also published my first book last July, and the next will be out soon. Love this writing thing!!!

Katy wrote: "Hi, Darren, welcome! Have always wanted to visit Wales..."

It's unlike anywhere else in the world, that's for sure. I was surprised by how easy it was to conjure imagery of places I live nearby, certain beaches and woodland and tidal isles in my novel, so I guess it's actually quite beautiful! Hope you get to visit one day!

Denise wrote: "Darren wrote: "Denise wrote: "Darren wrote: "Hey, folks! I'm a Welsh lad, 24, James Bond nut, eclectic taste in music, film, you name it. Studying Shakespeare's early plays at PhD level in Cardiff ..."

That's great. I'd love an honest review if you ever find the time. I'll be sure to check out your work!

D.H. wrote: "Hi Daniel. Great to meet you! I'm intrigued by your interest in children's picture books. As an elementary school teacher (my alter-ego), I completely understand. Personally, I've wiled away many h..."

I have always loved the way the a story can be told with both words and images. What the words don't tell you, the pictures do and what the pictures don't tell you, the words do. It is an amazing thing when I read through a book that the author/illustrator were clearly using both methods to tell a story and the illustrations were more than just an afterthought.

Daniel, I find some of the illustrations to be spectacular as well. It's incredible to see the different mediums used, from ink to plasticine to ripped paper. Sometimes, however, I find that the illustrations detract from the story and don't always fit what I might be picturing in my head. Of course, that could be a fault of my head rather than a fault of the illustrations. :)

Hi, I recently joined this group a little while back but wasn't sure about what and where to post in this group so it has taken me a while to begin posting. Anyway I am subject based reader and writer of fiction books about animals, the relationship between humans and animals, magic, the supernatural, and some sci-fi. I also like to read and write nonfiction books about animals. I don't write but like to read fiction books about time travel, alternate dimensions, and living toys. I read almost every genre. So far the only ones I have never liked are romance and western.
Besides reading I like to draw, watch TV and movies, play video games, go horseback riding in which I ride both English and Western, and spend a lot of time around animals and my pets.
I currently have a rescued Chihuahua called Taco, two rescued Mini Rex rabbits called Chibi and Kojikaki, and a ten year old Goldfish, that I won at a carnival, called Pumpkin.
I have also owned many pets in the past. Some of these have included; a Toy Poodle called CeJaye, a Dalmatian fish called Perdita, several generations of Mickey and Minnie fish, an African Cichlid called Trouble, a silver Goldfish called Silver, a Goldfish called Sunny, a speckled fish called Speckle, a speckled fish called Sea Star, a black and white Dutch rabbit called Friendly, and a black and white Dutch mix rabbit called Oreo.
Oreo was the first rescue pet I ever owned and ever since her I have become rescue only when I am looking to get new pets.
I also do some random blogging in a blog called animalsandmagic. It is a wordpress blog that is normally book related. Sometimes I blog about my books, sometimes I do book reviews or author interviews on it, sometimes I just list books. Other times I blog about something more animal related. It just really all depends on what I feel like doing with it.
Besides everything I mentioned above, I also collect some realistic looking stuffed animals and plastic figures. I go to the library every Saturday to check out new books, movies, and occasionally video games. I also have a room full of many shelves unread books, which are unread because of my library habits. I am always reading library books instead of the ones I own, but one day every book in my room will be read!

Jennifer wrote: "Hi, I recently joined this group a little while back but wasn't sure about what and where to post in this group so it has taken me a while to begin posting. Anyway I am subject based reader and wri..."

Welcome! Sounds like you have a bit of a zoo! Very cool! I've had lots of critters in the past, but currently only 3 cats and a dog. I've had ferrets, rats, mice, hamsters, snakes, geckos, sugar glider, birds, fish... lots of different critters. I love animals.

Darren wrote: "Katy wrote: "Hi, Darren, welcome! Have always wanted to visit Wales..."

It's unlike anywhere else in the world, that's for sure. I was surprised by how easy it was to conjure imagery of places I ..."

I hope so as well; I've literally been obsessed with Wales since I was 10 years old.

Jennifer wrote: "I also have a room full of many shelves unread books, which are unread because of my library habits. I am always reading library books instead of the ones I own, but one day every book in my room will be read! "

Hi Jennifer,

If it helps, I'm the same - I seem to buy two books for every one book's worth of time I have to read, and as a result, our shelves are constantly overflowing (much to my wife's chagrin). On the upside, if I'm not in the mood for the historical tome I had intended to go on to next, there's always a an unread lit-fic novel or fantasy yarn to hand. Like most librarians (and recovering librarians) I know, I tend to buy more books than I borrow (my wife is an ex-cataloger; they're the exception to the less-borrowing/more owning rule).

M.T. wrote: "Hello, my name is Marvin Thomas Miles but I go by the handle M.T. I am a cat lover from Down Under and I write erotic romance."
I don't write erotic romance (I am 73 and probably a bit too old for that), but I do love cats. We live in the country with 30 indoor-outdoor cats that are busy to wreck our house.--Lilo Huhle-Poelzl

M.T. wrote: "Hello, my name is Marvin Thomas Miles but I go by the handle M.T. I am a cat lover from Down Under and I write erotic romance."
Correction: I wanted to say: "They are busy wrecking our house." It is past midnight, and my brain is already half-asleep.

Jennifer wrote: "Hi, I recently joined this group a little while back but wasn't sure about what and where to post in this group so it has taken me a while to begin posting. Anyway I am subject based reader and wri..."
Hi, Jennifer,
If you like animal-behavior books, make sure you read Jeffrey M. Massons related books. They are a must-read for any animal lover.--Lilo Huhle-Poelzl

Jennifer wrote: "Hi, I recently joined this group a little while back but wasn't sure about what and where to post in this group so it has taken me a while to begin posting. Anyway I am subject based reader and wri..."
Correction: I forgot the apostrophe. It should read: Jeffrey M. Masson's related books.