Sara Reyes | See You In Austin, or Texas Book Festival Ramblings...

Just realized it's been over 10 years that I started on this path, crusade, mission to meet and support authors. As I was rushing, literally, to finish up some can't-wait computer stuff, to jump in the car to make the drive to Austin for the Texas Book Festival, I had the strangest feeling of deja vu. And I realized I've been doing this since 1999. Maybe before that, but definitely 1999 was the year I started going to anything "book"ish -- conventions, signings, conferences, if authors would be there en masse, I made plans, found money and went. I've bought thousands of dollars more of books than I'll EVER read in this lifetime, almost all of which I've given away to my book club, through Fresh Fiction or as gifts to people. No one appreciates anything more than a signed book...especially if it's signed to them.

Anyway, there are days when I actually take stock, as in is this what I want to do? Am I having fun? Is it worth the little sacrifices -- and sometimes big sacrifices by my family -- to make these treks? But upon reflection, I have to say, YES. I do enjoy meeting authors, old friends I've read, new friends I'll start to read, and the fellow readers, they always make it so worthwhile. Kindred souls and all that!

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Sara Reyes | Author Signings...My First Real and Virtual

Book Signing
Originally uploaded by freshfiction

This week's guest blogger, Susan Wiggs, had a post about the most horrible signings she's ever been on. And I found it interesting reading. I also thought about the comments. I haven't always been so lucky to live in an area where authors come every week to sign their books. When I was younger, in the sixties and 70s I lived in a very rural area and don't remember ever visiting a real "book store" that wasn't run by the Mennonite Church. Which trust me had a very small fiction section. And that store was 40 miles away and we only went once a year to pick up grandmother's materials. Our reading time was spent reading a chapter every day from the Bible and reading through the World Craft Encyclopedia. Our local library was located over the one engine firehouse. It was a small room with about 1,000 books in it. I did learn to love Zane Grey and Elswyth Thane. But it wasn't somewhere we visited often. Then I went to college and oh, what a world there was! Books were sold in stores like the downtown Philadelphia Woolworth which I haunted every Saturday morning to buy a book. My money was very tight, so fiction reading was my guilty pleasure and let me tell you, it was a very delicious guilty pleasure!

After college it was off to Germany to live with my husband on a military base. The library was limited, to be kind, again I honed up on my Louis l'Amour and Zane Grey until one day someone dumped off a grocery sack of Harlequin Romances and Presents. My eyes were opened. I was desperate and read anything. I also made friends with the bookseller at the base, a little building next to the PX where I worked as assistant manager. As long as I finished a book over night and it was still in perfect condition, she'd let me take a book to read for every book I bought. She was the first fellow reader I ever knew. We talked every day about books and I read my way steadily through the Woodiwiss and Rogers and the Regencies that were beginning to dominate the shelves. Then the Germany days were over and it was back to the States to a new world for me. Not only did I land in the suburbs of Philadelphia but they had bookstores in every mall, at least TWO, and used book stores. I never knew about these places before. As a young mother, we didn't have lots of money so the used bookstores became my friend. Every day after dropping the kiddo off at kindergarten and first grade, I'd go to the used book store and I started at the beginning of the category romances and buy through. I never knew about subscriptions, I just knew these books were mostly delightful, and got me through the day. After my son was in second grade, I also started at a job. In the mall, near a Waldenbooks. Ah, heaven. The 80s were a drifting decade for me. And when my collection of books really took off.

Curious, read the rest and learn how to win some books...

Sara Reyes | Tea, a Saturday Tradition Bears Fruit... with Vampires!

Fun Books to Read!

Today is tea day, Means gathering books, getting dressed somewhat nicely (no "work" pants, jeans okay), putting on the minimal amount of make-up (mascara, lip gloss) and heading out the door by noon to go meet the girls. Sorry, no guys allowed in this part of the book club. Then we gather at a tea room and enjoy at least two hours of conversation, book chatter, life chatter and consume a four course (sometimes five if we're lucky) tea. We do this at least once a month, sometimes we luck out and get to do it twice in a month. I can't remember a three-time but hey it could happen! It's really lots of fun and since we usually ALWAYS do a book exchange, you come home loaded to the gills with new books to try. It's the closest thing to a reader paradise I know.

Except maybe book club night, a whole different concept.

So, anyway, today is the Saturday after "Vampire Diaries" and with all the vamp talk being going on about this one, starting in the 1990s when the L.J. Smith books first came out and Gwen discovered them. Those were the books that allowed her to participate more fully in that Saturday ritual of tea book group. Before the Smith books, Gwen was bored. And there is nothing worse than a bored teenager at a forced to go because you've got to spend time with your mother outing. And it was a regular type thing. Once a month seemed like it went on forever. How do I know, because as a mother I was on the receiving end of this treatment. But I digress, L.J. Smith's books were read even back in the 90s by both teens and adults. And there were several adults in the tea group who loved all of them as much as Gwen. So began a common discussion of books. Something to even look forward to. And with a couple of booksellers in the group, it made it so much easier to get all the copies, even first edition versions of Smith's books.

So, spin forward a dozen years or so...read the rest....

Sara Reyes | Holiday...I'm really going off the clock...

Probably for about six hours. GASP. I know, it's a shocker and I really should have thought about this earlier and had someone else guest blog today, but duh, sometimes the details overwhelm.

Anyway, it was brought...FORCIBLY ... to my attention that I haven't had any "Sara" and "family" time this year, what with celebrating our FIFTH, isn't that a kicker! It seems like we just started two years ago -- ANNIVERSARY. I always say, go with your passion and you'll be happy. And it works for so many people including me!

So talk among yourselves or take the day off with a good book! I'll be back tomorrow or definitely Monday (like I can go away for longer than 24 hours, ha!) and we'll chat then.

Oh, yes, taking a book or two with me in case I have free non-people time. I'll tell you about it later.


Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 14, 2009!

Sara Reyes | Author + Books + Video = Excitement?

I always tell people -- find something to do that connects with your passion in life and you'll be successful! And the rule has proved itself over and over again. My passion is books and reading. My talent, if it can labeled, is remembering what I've read and making connections. I connect readers with books. If I know someone likes a certain type of book: say historical with lots of sexual tension but with emotion, I'll say try Mary Balogh or Mary Jo Putney or Loretta Chase. Because those authors will make you weep, laugh and sigh. If someone likes gritty urban fantasy I point them to Kim Harrison or Kelley Armstrong because you'll find a fast paced action packed adventure in a world that is familiar and yet, not. Well, you get my drift. I'm fortunate as I read fast and I've read steadily for a loooong time!

Fun Books You Should Get!

But I've also been able to meet authors, and authors are wonderful people, especially after you get them to open up about their work. Then you can see the passion in their eyes and the emotion in their voice as they tell me about the twists and turns of their plots but usually and most importantly about the characters. It's a fascinating conversation and I never get bored listening.

This has been a week for authors and their passions. Last Saturday we had a signing with three funny and talented ladies -- Dakota Cassidy, Michele Bardsley and Candace Havens. Now, one-on-one they are all entertaining but you put them in the same room and they light up the place! They played off each other and engaged the audience in their back stories, their characters and the varied worlds they create. In the end we all spent more money than anticipated, but that's the fun of meeting authors.

But wait, we're not done ... read the rest and see how YOU can win some prizes this weekend!

Sara Reyes | Reader Interrupted, I Hate When a Good Book Butts into Life!

I picked up two sets of books last weekend at ArmadilloCon, both fantasies, one set by Scott Lynch about otherworldly thieves and Patrice Sarath's set in an alternate world of New York about an alternate world coexisting with ours. both have two books in their series and I bought all four books. I even surprise surprise started at book one of each set. Yeah, I'm one of those odd people who can pick up a book and as long as it's interesting doesn't matter if it's book one, seven or three in a series.

Started reading the Scott Lynch thieves books. First off let me say, these suckers are HUGE, as in 700 pages. Which makes for a heavy paperback with very thin paper. But they are also fascinating which makes me wish for days without anything else to do but read. Unfortunately that isn't possible. I have other things crowding my life, such as work, family, even needy pets getting in the way. So I had to resort this past week to sneak reading. Ah, the mark of addiction.

First I'd read at night until my eyes couldn't focus anymore. Who cares about disrupting the house? A pillow over the head keeps most of the light out. Learn to sleep with a little glow. At least I'm quiet unlike a television! That's all I'm saying! It's the eyesight strain that will get me first. So I start off my day of work on maybe two hours of sleep. That was being overly generous I'm afraid so picture me cranky. Then I'd find reasons during the day to take off a few minutes or a chapter here and a chapter there sandwiched in between other chores. Taking a book in the car when I'm carpooling is not a smart thing. Especially a thick book. There is only so much you can read at a stop light. Seriously! And the stops and starts of "car reading" are not my favorite way to savor a good book.

And worse is the distraction by the characters. I mean seriously, Locke and Jean kept worrying me. What were they doing while I was trying to work? How were they going to get out of this new mess? Who was the Gray King? Did the others know it was a double triple cross? Hey, did I really think it was a double triple cross? Maybe that was a ploy? So finally on Wednesday I finished the Lynch adventures and now have to wait so patiently, right, whatever, for the next one. Out this year I think.

Oops there's more, click here to read the rest of the article AND be entered to win!

Sara Reyes | Why A Reader Attends a Science Fiction Fantasy Literary Convention (or "Con")

Some Con Books you should get!:

"Why are you going to xxxCon?" Something I get asked each time I tell my book club I'm going to a con soon. And I've been going to these "things" for over 10 years. Before that I went to the media ones with my husband and son who loved the Creature cons with guest stars from all their favorite movies and television shows. I've been to Barbie Expos too. That's where collectors of Barbie dolls get together and show off the dolls (some headless the way Gwen kept hers in the early days) and accessories. It's always amazing to me what to one person is a collectable and to another is trash.

The answer used to be simple, I'd go because I wanted to find people who liked the same books I did. Not necessarily to talk to them in depth about the books but to find ones I may have been missing. I'm always afraid there is an author out there and gasp, I've missed them! They are probably fantastic and will change my life for EVER and because I didn't know their titles or name I'm missing out. Don't other readers feel that way sometime? Or am I all alone?

So, I would go to a Con by myself and sit quietly in sessions, some that would bore me beyond tears, some would make me sit up and take notes. And I always found someone or series of books I would have missed. Over the years I've learned to figure out which cons were best for a "reader" versus a "writer" and I'd always attend.

Recently there is an upsurge in paranormal romance and urban fantasy at the cons. A welcome, may I say in all honesty, change. I was getting weary of the women-hating fantasy ones. *grin* So if you're an urban fantasy or paranormal romance reader, get yourself to a local con. Almost all cities, large and small have at least one per year. They're not expensive either. Don't be shy you'll be surprised by the fellow readers you'll meet and you'll come home with books to read, suggestions in your notebook and some new friends! Besides, they always have FREE parties at night in rooms and you can practice your social skills. It's a blast!

Learn more by clicking here...

Sara Reyes | Anniversaries of Books, Authors and Web Sites...

In August Fresh Fiction will celebrate its 5th anniversary. In the Internet world it's a real milestone, as it is for a small business. Most go within a year, 18 months at the outside. But against all odds, Fresh Fiction has managed to stick, thrive and grow. We have a team of addicted book lovers to thank and the resilience of people who well, for lack of a better description, love to read! And love all things about reading: the books, the authors, fellow readers, expressing opinions and always thirsting for more.

So this month -- August -- we'll be exploring all the parts that make up Fresh Fiction and create our book world. From the publishers to the authors to the books to the reviewers to booksellers and all things associated with our love of books and reading. I hope you'll join us several times this month and let us know what YOU think.

We'll also be celebrating with special blog posts, contests and give-a ways. So be sure to stop by and enter.

First up is my little story, or the founding of Fresh Fiction.

Well, curl up my friends and listen to the tale...ah, you see, I'm not really a writer and decided not to even try to be one about 15 years ago. It was a nice idea but I didn't suit the rigors of lonely writing, because to be honest, I'm really a reader. I've got to read and I don't want to dissect a book to see what makes it work. It's why I can't be an art critic either, I either know I like it or I don't. Ditto with books, I either love them or hate them. I can passionately discuss books until people's eyes turn blank or glazed but writing one is beyond me.

But I'm also really curious. When I find a book I like or an author that intrigues me I want to know ALL about them: their other books, who they are, what they are writing. I want to get a sense of understanding. And unfortunately most author or publisher web sites are either impossible to find or once found do NOT contain the information I crave.

So after talking to some fellow readers I came up with a plan. A site listing all the books as they come out, searchable by author or book with summaries, biographies and excerpts if possible. Tanzey Cutter said can we do reviews too? And how about a little column about books and authors? Candace Havens wanted to show how books and film mix together (she's a big time entertainment reporter). Shanna Swendson said, "I go to lots of conferences, can I write about those?" And not just romance, but other genres we're reading like thrillers, mysteries, fantasy. Just not "Oprah" books. And from that meeting in a line waiting for a signing to open, Fresh Fiction was born.

So fast forward five years, we've added more excerpts, more reviewers, lots more columnists, over 30,000 authors with their book lists, contests and tidbits here and there to entice. So for a labor of necessity ... to get more information about books ... I think we're doing what we set out to accomplish.

So, please tell us what you think, why do you come to FreshFiction.com? What else would you like to see?

Until next time...

Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

visit the original post here to enter your comment and be entered to win in this weekend's drawing

Sara Reyes | Reason 108 ... What I Get From Reading Romance Novels

Recommended Reads

One of the popular sayings and truths among romance readers is "everything I know I learned from a romance novel." And it is very true. Well, maybe not everything but a great deal of information I obtained from novels has been helpful over the years and continues to be. This includes historical events, characters, geography, management skills, and lots of things not normally associated with "romance." So it was slightly gratifying to see the same thing happen to one of my children.

About eight years ago, Jemima J was published. It was one of the very early "chick-lit" books, in fact Jane Green and Helen Fielding are considered to be the "Queens of Chick-lit." Both had books out within a few months that were blockbusters around the world and exemplified a new genre of popular fiction -- young women searching for Mr. Right. My daughter got a copy of Jemima J from me...in those days I was trying to open her eyes to books past vampires and young love...what has changed? ... into something a little more mature. Needless to say, Jane Green changed her life. Not only did Jemima J inspire her to take charge of her life and lose 40 pounds but it also gave her the inspiration to write a stellar essay that helped her get early admission into the college of her choice. Pretty good in my opinion, best $20 I ever spent!

So this week, Jane Green came to Plano and of course we were there! I mean, this was a great opportunity. A little scary because sometimes expectations are not matched by reality. We've seen and met hundreds of authors over the past years, so we've experienced the great, the arrogant, the good, the boring, the charming, and mostly really nice people who happen to be authors. But this was special for my daughter. And she was nervous.

Read the rest of our adventure...click here

Sara Reyes | Where Have I Read That Before?

Recommended Reads

Call me old or at least a long-time reader and you'll be right. And as one I've got a few favorite authors that I'll read anything they jot down including a grocery list which reminds me of a web site a few years ago that collected authors' grocery lists, hmm, gotta check that one. For charity I think. Anyway, back to me and reading old favored authors.

Have you ever noticed that you'll be reading a book and need to pause, wondering, "Did I read that in _____?" or perhaps, "hmm, Lydia is just like Joceyln in ______" I'm referring to another book by the same author so don't get all excited I've delving into plagiarism. I leave that to others to root out (don't be alarmed, my Pennsylvania Dutch has a way of emerging now and again). No, talking about authors who, bless them, have a way of telling the same story over and over.

Sometimes it's because I'd assume, their publisher wants another hit or at least a known out of them for a ravenous market (that would me!), other times it's become a job, like every night when I do the dishes, sometimes I forget exactly how I did it, it's a routine, and perhaps for some authors the stories are all the same or the telling format is. Whatever it is I've noticed it more and more recently, as in the past several years, that the stories are the same old same old. And I'm not always happy about it.

That forces me to find newer authors with different characters and different voices to tell me their stories. But that is a lot of work and there are days when I just want a Jayne Ann Krentz or a Loretta Chase or a Mary Balogh or a Lois McMaster Bujold. And sometimes it becomes a disappointment to me when an author has a new book, I'm all agog to read it, even to the point of snatching it out the package when it arrives (oops, perhaps I was a bit violent grabbing but hey I really wanted to read it, I read fast, no one would notice!). Or like my daughter, stalk a store until it is unpacked and placed into her eager hands. Well, she did wait nearly 12 years for that final book in the series.

So, curious to read the rest and opportunity to win the weekend blog contest? click here.

Sara Reyes | Making My List...Checking it ?

Big confession time, shocker isn't it? But I don't make reading lists. Gasp! Yup, reading a book is a time of relaxation and to "get away from it all" not something associated with "work" and for me, lists are WORK. BIG CAPTIALS, WORK. What I MUST do, what I should have DONE, what I WILL DO. Get the point? Work. Yuck. Reading now is something entirely different. It's where I leave everything and go into a different world, with its own set of rules, problems, solutions, characters. It's definitely not work. So, here's the problem, I said this weekend's theme should be "reading lists or books for the summer."

All well and good, after all I can set the tone or theme for a weekend or week or month, but then it means I have to follow it too. SIGH. And I spent Friday thinking about "what am I going to read this summer?" It was dreary and depressing. It was planning it was, omg, WORK!!! So I figured it out, I'd just confess. I don't do lists.

Now, not to say I'm not 'aware' of book releases dates, oh dearie me, no! I am very aware because like airline seats they have a critical day (street date) when things MUST BE DONE, but for my personal reading, I have a general idea, Linda Howard has a book in July, (BURN), there will be blockbusters and lots of great reads right around the corner. And I can wait, so making a list is really a pain.

But I also know and admire, must admit I do admire, readers who PLAN their reading and books meticulously. One I know actually has the books in her planner and consults it as to when she'll be able to do family stuff or she'll be reading. Honest, no joke. And that's cool. She actually has all the release dates, even penciling in the 'tentative titles,' for the next two YEARS of her favorite authors. Of course, she has a devil of a time when she discovers someone new and has to "fit them in" to her schedule. And since she's joined our book club we've all taken great joy and pride in introducing to authors she never knew. But back to the point, for her this summer reading list assignment would have been a breeze. (note to self, get her to write a blog post, it would be interesting). For me it's been painful.

So question of the day, what are you? A seat of the pants reader (as in you see a book, you pick it up, you read) or are you a planner (you know when a book comes out, you acquire it, you set aside time and read) or somewhere in between or chart your own path?

Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

As usual we've got a great selection of books for a commenter from our stash of goodies. So be brave and comment! Besides, you're sharing the wealth so to speak with a summer reading list at the very least! Go here to comment...

Sara Reyes | Get These Voices Out of My Head!

Buy Your Copy today

I was so excited this week, the latest Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire book went on sale, and I got my hands on a copy finally on Friday. So after a nice dinner with the family -- no reading at the table, sigh -- I was ready to drop all work and settle down for a nice couple of hours of reading enjoyment. Oh, yeah! Everyone knew to leave me alone, it was just me and Sookie, and Bill, maybe Quinn, definitely Eric. It was going to be great. Until...

OMG, get Anna Paquin's whiny voice out of my head! And while you're at it take her stringy little ponytail and the gap between her teeth, too. She's too perky for my Sookie. EEEEG. this is so-not-a-good thing! See, I'm one of those who after hearing someone (thing) read a story will forever hear the voice in my head when I read it myself. And mostly it is NOT A GOOD THING. Yeah, I'm shouting. The previous phrase is to be read with much emphasis. Seriously, I do not listen to any audio books I may later read, except for Jim Dale and Harry Potter. Other people connect with the HP movies. Me, not-so-much. I always hear Jim Dale doing all the voices. Thankfully the producers were smart enough to get Alan Rickman as Snape because that is JUST the way Jim Dale voiced him in the audios. Love Jim Dale. So the Harry Potter books are an exception, but others, sigh, I'm sorry to say, I can't mix and match audiobooks with 'real' books.

A friend was saying just the other day she found the Sookie books slow going. I was amazed, appalled and dumbfounded. The pace is very lively in Charlaine Harris's books. I mean, perhaps outlandish but definitely not dragging. Then I found out she hasn't really "read" them, she's listening on audio at the gym and the reader has a horrid accent. Keeps pulling her out of the story and she really hopes Bill goes away (she's in the middle of book three, no spoilers please). She started to 'read' the books after watching and enjoying the HBO series on Hulu.com And that is another whole blog in itself. But she really couldn't get the charm of the books. The rest of us were CH fanatics and thought T was just not 'getting it.' But since our book club is a no-judge-zone, we all smiled nicely and let the conversation move on.

But the conversation came back to haunt me last night when I got to chapter three and realized Anna Paquin had invaded my book. I mean, I'm sure she is a very nice person, a great actress, but she is NOT my Sookie Stackhouse. I tolerated her through half of the season on HBO and then gave up. The episodes are still on the TiVo but I simply don't have time to watch them. Or more honestly, it's not too high on my priority list. But her voice was in my head and interfering with my read of DEAD AND GONE. Instead of MY Sookie, I was hearing Anna Paquin's Sookie and worse, seeing her! Oh, the agony. I stopped enjoying the story line and just got caught up in critiquing how Anna Paquin would look in the bikini, would the FBI guy be ogling Anna Paquin's breasts? Oh, shake it off, shake it off.

So, I guess, am I the only one who has this problem? Are the voices okay for the rest of you? Not that it really matters, after all everyone reads on their own and I've got other books to get into but seriously, I'm still a bit miffed. Sigh.

Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

Stop by FreshFiction.com to enter our weekend blog contest.

Sara Reyes | Do Special Events Make for a Better Relationship with Artists Creation?

And by artists I am referring to authors and film makers this time around. We'll leave the musicians, painters, sculptors, and programmers out of the conversation. If you know me well, you'll find I consider almost all producers of a "thing" including code as "creative artists" but I will not digress today. Back to the topic of "does meeting the artist make you like or appreciate the work better or less?"

Lone Star Trilogy (May, June, July:


Buy Your Copy today


Pre-Order Your Copy today


Pre-order Your Copy today

Here's the deal. Today we're having a high tea with Susan Mallery. It's a special private tea with just our book club and Susan. We've been looking forward and planning this event for months and no matter what happens it will be a day we'll remember for a long time. Seriously, we still talk about dinners with authors from ten or twelve years ago, reminiscing over the time spent with them, their books we've read since and for those who didn't attend, lamenting over their missed opportunity. In some way that private time spent with the author gives them a very special relationship with our reading group and individuals enduring long past the actual event.

Earlier this week, I went to a film viewing of The Maiden Heist at the USA Film Festival in Dallas. The director, Peter Hewitt and producer Rob Paris were in attendance and introduced the film, then talked about it after the showing. I went because I adore Christopher Walken and I wanted something fun to lighten up my week. Although the film was an amusing escape from my reality, the addition of the filmmakers created a sense of "specialness" that will last a long time. When "The Maiden Heist" goes to wide distribution (it's tentatively scheduled for a fall release) I'll spend another $10 to see it plus will probably buy it in DVD. I've already bored my husband and daughter and a few friends about it (including you, dear blog readers) and don't see myself stopping anytime soon. Go see it, a great ensemble comedy with a stellar cast including Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman (God), William H. Macy and Marcia Gay Harden--her Rose is wonderful! It's what happens when the forces that be try to take away a person's obsession!

Back to today, our event with Susan will make her upcoming trilogy very special to the members of the DFW Tea group, even besides its Texas setting. Even the ones who can't come today are even beginning their laments (as well as directives to get books signed, sending along stuff, etc). Those of us there will probably fall in love again with Susan and will reminisce for years to come about our special day and tea with her. And she'll make new fans out of people who probably never met her before.

So what is it that makes works of art even more "special?" Is it the interaction on a personal level you have with the creator? Perhaps at a signing or talk? Or a private function? Or with the ubiquitous Internet, an email message, a group chat, a blog comment, or even, gasp, a Twitter? Or does all these up-close-and-personals turn you off? I know that liking, loving and hating are just different degrees of the same thing, so perhaps too close is too much?

Anyway, to reward your efforts this weekend, we'll be giving away to someone who comments on either this or Sandi's blog on Sunday a very special grab bag -- it will be something signed (or several somethings signed) by Susan Mallery during our time today. So don't be shy and do check out our photos from the event. We'll be Twittering them as well as posting later today on our photos section. And to all who can't make it in person, we'll send out some delicious cyber scones to ya!

Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

Sara Reyes | Adventures in World Building, or Let This World Go!

Books I read this week, all good for me:


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Order Your Copy today

Pre-order Your Copy today

This week it seems everyone's been talking about "series" or "trilogies" or "quartets" or something implying a bunch of books all taking place in a world created by an author. Not necessarily one in outer space, but it can be. Or it could be a historical world, as in Mary Balogh's Regency period, or it could be contemporary-historical-futuristic hybrid, as in Jayne Ann Krentz's "Arcane Society". Or it could be international as in Karen Kendall's "Take Me" world. It could be contemporary with paranormal flavors such as Christine Feehan's "Drake Sisters. Or thrilling contemporary as in Alison Brennan's "Prison Break." Each author manages to create a "universe," populates it, makes a set of rules and then invites us in to enjoy.

Recently some favorite authors seem to be forced into making a series instead of sticking to what they do best -- write a self contained world for a single book. One of our topics of book club conversation is that some authors are very good at "world building" and others not-so-much. We are talking about really good and favorite authors who can suck you into a book, make you forget all about other responsibilities and worries and then let you out at the end with a sigh of relief and thankfulness for being taken away for a few hours into a magical place that a good book can swept one to! So it's not books with plot problems or character issues or boring middles, we're just addressing the world building.

Sometimes I get lost in the story but brought up short by trying to remember -- is this a circle or level I've read before? Didn't this character have their own story in another book? Where is this located, I thought it was the east coast and now suddenly we're in California? Did they just change a hair color? Okay, so the hair color is easy to explain. After all I am a woman and changing a hair color isn't that difficult. But some of the other things make me sigh. And that isn't always good.

On the other hand, there are series I hope never end...Virgin River by Robyn Carr is one of those. Those mountain valleys and communities can live for a long long time!

So be brave and step up, tell me what series you really like and some that are ready to be ended. After all, all opinions are welcome, none of us are entirely right or entirely wrong. It's those shades that make life interesting.

Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

Sara Reyes | Escape the Economic Downturn .... Surprising Answers

Hey, guess what? Something you'll never believe about the economy! Romance book sales are up. Way UP! And I say, DUH!!! Sheesh, where has everyone been? Of course they are! As the uncertainty about jobs and income stays with us so does the need to find escapes and one of the best "bangs for the buck" is a good old-fashioned romance novel. Seriously, you get a couple of hours of entertainment with a guaranteed happy ending for about eight dollars. Of course the romance publishers doing the best are the ones with the less expensive books, but even so, $8 is generally still affordable. It's even better than buying a tube of lipstick which was supposed to be the other big recession commodity not given up by women.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

And the other little splurge? Movies. But not the big dramas, the so-called chick flicks, children movies, comedies and as my son calls them, "light-hearted action flicks" are all making box office profits and it's hard to find a good seat on Fridays and Saturdays. Even worse on half-price Tuesdays! People find it reasonable to go out for a movie, maybe skip the candy and popcorn, for a couple of hours of entertainment.

So, my friends and fellow readers, what's YOUR choice of diversion now? What are the books (or movies) you'd prefer? I find that I'm reading more light-hearted books whether they are romances or mysteries. If I read a tissue-box romance, I have to follow it up with at least two laugh-out-louds! For example, Robyn Carr's PARADISE VALLEY was followed immediately by Tracy Madison's A TASTE OF MAGIC with its unusual wacky birthday present and Julia Harper's FOR THE LOVE OF PETE, a screw-ball adventure comedy set in the fields and by-ways of Southern Illinois.

For movies, I've enjoyed going to a couple of film festivals recently and I really enjoyed the comedies. I saw THE 2 BOBS or what happens when two game designers forget about the big picture and have to learn to enjoy life and Rock Slyde a mash-up of a comedic film noir private eye and a Scientology-inspired cult who worships early morning exercise and magic cookies! I highly recommend both if they come to a town or screen near you! They'll definitely make you smile!

Now it's your turn...what are you reading or watching? Tell us [click here] and I'll make sure you're entered into our little contest to pull something out of the old Fresh Fiction grab bag. Definitely a good book and maybe a little surprise!

Well, until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

Sara Reyes | OMG I Hurt A Book!!!!

Yes, people, friends, acquaintances and the casual visitor, I did a VERY VERY BAD thing this week! I committed an offense beyond all reckoning...well, not as bad as burning a book...but close in my estimation. Let me tell you the sad tale.

I love books and have trained -- it took YEARS of patience, discipline and punishment in some cases -- my family to treat books with respect and dignity.

• No dog-earing


• No chewing on the pages (even small children were NOT exempt)


• No folding down pages


• No eating while reading. Especially not Cheetos or any other snack that
  leaves a funny color to the pages.


• No using the book as a drink coaster. I mean seriously, do you want to have
  a cover with a wet ring on it?


• No using the flat surface of a table as a bookmark! Use a bookmark, a
  receipt, or a dollar bill if you're desperate! Yes, the kids have known to find
  lunch money in "morn's last book!"


• And for goodness sake, never, ever, CRACK THE SPINE!

These rules have worked for years without a single hitch...until I discovered
SUDUKO. Sigh. Yes, I was sitting on the couch, enjoying a little television
watching when getting to the middle of the book, I couldn't get comfortable. I
tried opening judiciously, I tried holding it with the left hand, then the right
hand until in a sudden flash of stress...it was a tough one in the last 3/4s of
the book, I lost it. Completely. Utterly. I cracked that sucker open all the
way. Bent back the covers till they touched and heard the spine give up!

Ah, the guilt. It stays with me to this day. And the looks on my family's faces!
You'd think I committed a major felony and was asking them for bond money!
Sheesh. Okay, Okay. Yes, I was guilty. Yes, I was doing what I've never ever
condoned in others. But seriously, I got that sucker open and won the game.


So, taking this to the masses, what is the worst thing you've ever done with a book?

Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes

DFW Tea Readers Group

Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas in 2009!

BTW -- I'll be on the road this weekend visiting the authors at the NOLA Stars Conference in Shreveport! If you're at the signing on Saturday, please say hi! And follow the FreshFiction tweets on our grand adventure to Shreveport!

Sara Reyes | Starting a New Year ... in books

Well, Happy New Year!!! It's the beginning of a new year, a new slate, new opportunities and best of all, new books to read!

I always like that bit -- new books -- and there are a bunch to read in 2009. Some of the ones I'm waiting for include: KISSES LIKE A DEVIL the 5th "Devil" book by Diane Whiteside in February, RUNNING HOT by Jayne Ann Krentz, MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS by Gemma Halliday, JUDAS KISS by J.T. Ellison, THE TEMPTATION OF THE NIGHT JASMINE by Lauren Willig, and for the "voyeur" in me, MEN OF THE OTHERWORLD by Kelley Armstrong. Just a short list off the top of my head to get the year started. Can you tell my tastes are ALL over the spectrum?

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But I think I'm very similar to other readers...I just love to read...and I'm always looking for a new book, a new author, something different. Of course, I also have my comfort reads, thus explains my six copies of LORD OF SCOUNDRELS by Loretta Chase, one of which I just finished re-reading for the upteenth time this past week. And yes, I got a new copy with the current re-issue because you can never have too many "classics" in my ever-so-humble opinion! Another set of re-reads are MEMORY and A CIVIL CAMPAIGN by Lois McMaster Bujold. The new year wouldn't be complete without my Miles shot! And there is a new Miles out soon...well late 2009 or 2010 .. she's been reading chapters I've heard. But until then, I can get my Miles fix with the new VORKOSIGAN COMPANION with complete timeline, essays and more! Who knew I'd be reading a book about books I read? What a concept...

So, what are you looking forward to reading in 2009? Something you'll be re-reading? Or breaking out of your box and trying something new? And are you one of "those" who likes to count books read, pages read? Let us know!

And as a special New Year's prize...I'll give away a brand-new copy of something in our treasure trove of new arrivals! Just enter here or better yet, leave a comment!

Make that a BUNDLE of books, why only one!

Happy New Year...
Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas in 2009!