Sandra Hill | Sex And Smiles In The Stratosphere

May 21, 2011

Comments

54 comments posted.

Re: Sandra Hill | Sex And Smiles In The Stratosphere

I know change is hard, but the re-issued covers are awesome! I would love to win your books and a St. Jude candle as he's my favorite saint too! Have a great weekend!
(Renee Pajda 8:57am May 21, 2011)

I do have favorite authors that are auto-buy for me but I also love to try new authors and have enjoyed reading quite a few of them over the past few years. I'm always glad to see older titles reissued so we can enjoy them now if we missed them before.
(Linda Henderson 9:48am May 21, 2011)

Those covers are just awesome! Seriously, I adore them :-) !
As to tried and true, well, I do stick to my fav authors but I'm always up for suggestions from friends or through book blogs!
(Birgit Lehner 10:08am May 21, 2011)

i'm looking forward to more books to read. e-books allow me to buy more and try more authors I might not otherwise try.
(Pam Howell 10:10am May 21, 2011)

All is not lost, Sandra!! There are other ways that your books will be kept in the mainstream and not lost with the "unprofessional material" as you call it. There is word-of-mouth. On Amazon, people always give favorable opinions when they like an author. When I've gone to the library, I've asked the librarians for recommendations, and they've steered me towards authors I've never considered before. There are still a lot of people like me that prefer the actual hard book as opposed to an e-book, so it will keep some of the brick and mortar stores open. The authors that are not up to par will be found in the bargain bin, while the true authors will remain where they should be- on the shelves of the bestseller section!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:16am May 21, 2011)

I have some favorite authors that are auto-buy for me, but I am always open to new authors. I visit a lot of reading websites and book review blogs, and I have discovered many new authors. So far, I have resisted buying an e-reader, but the way things are going in the publishing world, I may be forced to get one.
(Cheryl Castings 12:19pm May 21, 2011)

I understand completely. I do not have a Kindle yet , not ready for change yet. I did try to look for what ebooks are available & prices , but had hard time finding historical romances by known authors.
I know in time , I will have to go with the flow , but love the feel of a book itself.
(Virginia Lawson 12:27pm May 21, 2011)

I love Sandra's Viking books she is one of my favorite authors! I have a lot of favorite authors and stick with them but I do read reviews on others and I buy their books too. I have found many new authors that way too
Penney
(Penney Wilfort 12:32pm May 21, 2011)

I'm one of those who keeps a list of authors to use when I go to the book store or library, but I also search the shelves for others that appeal to me. The first book I read written by you was recommended by my daughter-in-law. Websites such as Fresh Fiction has introduced me to other authors.
(Anna Speed 1:21pm May 21, 2011)

I definitely choose my fav authors first, but lately through blogs I have been finding so many books and authors that I want to read. It is getting harder to pick and choose which ones I will buy...
(Colleen Conklin 1:47pm May 21, 2011)

Humor and sizzle works for me!
I do look for my favorite authors when seeking books to read, however, one of the things that Fresh Fiction does is to introduce me to new authors. Both methods are great!
I am 82 and hope they keep printing books, which I prefer, the rest of my reading time. I do have a Kindle.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 2:20pm May 21, 2011)

i usually stay withmy favorites and then i ask friends and family for suggestions on new authors and i check with blogs and places like goodreads and fresh fiction for them also. that way i know what i am getting into.
(Tammy Ramey 2:22pm May 21, 2011)

I have a Kindle which I like & hate... new tech is difficult sometimes.. I am also one of those people who travels with a favorite author list... so I'll always be looking for Sandra Hill.. But get new recommendations from friends and blogs and websites for authors.. Man, I need to win the lottery & then figure out how to read for 40 hours a day...
(Cate Sparks 2:24pm May 21, 2011)

My county library board just voted not to purchase any more mass market paperbacks. Needless to say, I am highly upset and I have let my opinion be known at the library. A lot of authors are going to be missing from our shelves now. Is this a new trend?
(Margie Hamrick 3:04pm May 21, 2011)

Thanks for all your comments.

One more thing that I see becoming a problem. Reissues.
Tons of them. I know, it's odd that I should mention reissues as a problem when I have 17 of them coming out,
but here's what is happening.

As a reader, I have known for a long time to check the copyright page of a book to see if it's a reissue. This doesn't always work now in the new ebook world, and, believe me, disgruntled fans have told me so.

I was adamant with the publisher reissuing my backlist that a notation be made on the cover that these were reissues, albeit updated ones. And they did put that notation on the first one, THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE, in January. The problem is that you couldn't see that notation on the online cover image, it was too small. I got mail from fans complaining bigtime. Never mind that it wasn't my fault.

Now multiply this a gazillion-fold with the vast numbers of backlist books being put out there by authors.

How will we know what is new and what is not?

In defense of my traditional publisher, on the book coming out in October, this is a BIG notation on the front cover and the spine saying "This is a new, never before published book." I hope it shows up on the online image.

Perhaps readers and writers, as well, need to tell publishers that the ebook descriptions should note that they are reissues.

What do you think?

Sandra Hill
(Sandra Hill 3:11pm May 21, 2011)

I don't read ebooks. Not to say there aren't some great stories out there but I prefer the print book. I too have a list of authors that are autobuys. I depend on word of mouth and blogs and author sites. I must admit winning a book has to be the best way ever of finding a new a new author!
(Jeanne Sheats 3:12pm May 21, 2011)

Thank you for your post, Sandra. In one important respect, my reading habits have not changed. I still pick the fiction I want to read based on what theme a particular work revolves around. Yes, I know most romance readers go by the author; but for for this one, theme rules.

Used to be, when looking for something to read, I'd check the back-copy copy on paperbacks and the front-flap copy on hardbacks. Nowadays I read the comparable descriptions on Amazon.com, authors' websites, Facebook fan pages---and, of course, Fresh Fiction.

The number of titles on the market is increasing exponentially. My free time isn't. Therefore my mental filters must work more efficiently. Which is a nice way of saying I'm getting even pickier than I already was. I believe this is true of quite a few readers.

The emergence of e-publishing offers great promise. A work rejected by established publishers because they thought it would be a hard sell can find its readership without a middleman. New niches can open up to the benefit of both readers and authors.

But so far, e-publishing has been a disappointment in one important respect. I swear 90% of e-book romance titles fall into one or both of two categories: erotica and vampires (or other nasty supernatural creatures as heroes).

For those of us whose tastes lay elsewhere, we're still waiting for the new niches to open. Perhaps they have, but they're small and hard to find. Changes are coming fast, and I'll be on the lookout.

Keep up the good work!
(Mary Anne Landers 3:15pm May 21, 2011)

Sandra: If publishers are going to play fair with readers, they owe it to us to note clearly what is a new publication and what is a reissue. Those who don't will lose readers. And we have plenty of options elsewhere!
(Mary Anne Landers 3:25pm May 21, 2011)

Enjoyed the blog. Your books sound great.
(Sheila True 3:32pm May 21, 2011)

I'd still rather have a book in my hands than a Kindle. But I'm going on a cruise in a few weeks, and although I don't own a Kindle, I do own a notebook. I'm downloading books to read on my notebook while I'm gone. I'll see if I like that, then perhaps buy the Kindle for use when traveling.
(Edwina Cowgill 3:43pm May 21, 2011)

When I'm looking for a new book to read, I choose in a variety of ways. First, I start with my auto-buys. Do any of them have a new print book out right then, when I'm walking into that bookstore? Second, I carry a "these have been recommended authors" list, and a similar one for titles. If I can find any of those on the shelves, and the back copy and inside front excerpt interest me enough, it goes in the pile, which by this time is usually pretty big. Finally, I look at the new releases table to see if there is anything that is really begging for me to take it home with me.

You'll note that this all revolves around print books. I'm one of that swiftly-diminishing group of readers that doesn't have an e-reader, and I don't particularly like reading books on a computer, especially if I don't finish it in one sitting. It's too bloody difficult finding where I left off!!

I have fallen into the reissues trap, also. That is, the trap where it's a brand-new cover, and different back copy and front excerpt form the original issue. I have been know to buy some of those, get it home, read it (again!) and go to put it on my shelves, only to find the original sitting there, smiling at me. This has also happened to me when an author has books released in the UK first, although when that happens, the title is usually different (think Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone. Over there, it was the Philosopher's Stone.). But again, there was no indication on the dust cover that it was the US (or UK, in this instance) release.

Finally, how do I go about finding new-to-me authors? Well, I'm in a couple of on-line book groups, I ask friends, and I read blogs like this one. I tend NOT to read reviews, as most of the time I've found that my opinion of an author is the exact opposite of the reviewer, so if they like something, I'm pretty much guaranteed not to. A friend and I find this last bit interesting, as she swears by reviews, and I swear AT th
(Lynn Rettig 3:54pm May 21, 2011)

Thanks to the net there are tons of ways to get reads. I have my tried and true authors that are a must then I am always learning about new authors through Fresh Fiction, reader groups, and even the good old-fashioned library. I frequent eBay and query my favs to see what other books people are reading that read have similar interests to mine. I'm am glad to say that I doubt I will ever run out of something to read but sad to say that I will never have enough time to read all the books that are waiting for me. Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 4:01pm May 21, 2011)

I AM STRICTLY "OLD SCHOOL" MYSELF..WHEN I STARTED PRACTICING LAW IN 1978, I HAD A CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE WITH A PEN AND A STENO PAD TO ASSIST ME. IT'S BEEN DOWNHILL FROM THERE EVER SINCE!
(Silvana Moscato 4:34pm May 21, 2011)

I am CONSIDERING getting a nook - one day. I still prefer to hold a BOOK in my hands. My thing is I sit at a computer ALL day - so do not want to read on a computer. Plus - how do you get that stuff signed??
(Pamela Faye Howell 4:42pm May 21, 2011)

I prefer to turn the pages myself and feel the texture of books, so an ebook reader is a ways off for me.
(Alyson Widen 4:45pm May 21, 2011)

I do favor certain authors, but I rely on my librarian friends for new author recommendations. I have found that they are equally uncomfortable with poorly written books and do not purchase e-books, or any others, that do not meet certain standards. No bad books, yet!!
(Susan Driskill 4:47pm May 21, 2011)

I like new things, but I'm still sticking with the tried and true. I prefer print
books over electronic. I still don't have an e-reader, but I do have some
books stored on my computer that aren't really getting read. I mostly hear
about authors and their books on book blogs and newsletters, and I'll always
pay attention when I hear about something new by Sandra Hill. I'm not really
willing to take a chance yet on unknowns via e-book, since you don't really
know what you're getting.
(Barbara Elness 5:01pm May 21, 2011)

I like to read everybody's books.I love your books the old
ones and the new ones.I really like reading Irish, Scottish
and Native American romance books and other romance ones
too!!! lol
(Lynn Lanzon 5:29pm May 21, 2011)

I read constantly. I have a Kindle, but I also get books from the library and buy paperback books. I try out all kinds of new authors.
(Wilma Frana 5:40pm May 21, 2011)

I read reviews, ask friends & family. I still go with my favorite authors but love to find new ones.
(Mary Preston 6:31pm May 21, 2011)

I have books from authors that I love reading and books by new-to-me authors that have written stories that sounded interesting to me. I choose from those when I need to grab a book.
Also, I see what the library has and read interviews and blogs for more selections.
(Leni Kaye 6:33pm May 21, 2011)

I have just bought a kindle and am finding it wonderful to use. As a collector of old books, I still love the feel of turning the pages and smelling the musty paper smell of a good old friend. However, my kindle goes places that a book does not -- my purse can carry 50 books at a time and my hand and arm do not tire as much reading in bed at night. Yet I am finding that, like you, I am uncertain of the future. I continue to rely on book recommendations from friends or websites. I think the virtual world has its own way of vetting information and helping those of us trying to find new authors to read. We have simply moved from wandering the bookshelves of the local store or library to wandering our favorite websites and blogs. I have been lucky enough to find new authors via cheap books or the ever famous if-you-like-this-try-this suggestions of Amazon. As we explore the plethora of information now open to us, I find certain spaces where I can be comfortable and know that my challenges of finding new authors can be filled well. While we can't predict the future, we can find comfort in our own corner space.
(Renee Brown 7:17pm May 21, 2011)

I have a sony ereader, and I read on my pc in several formats. I subscribe to newsletters like fresh fiction, as well as many of the ebook stores. I belong to several yahoo groups, and have many authors blogs and websites in my favorites. I try to visit each one, at least once each week. I don't want to miss out on a reading opportunity, even though my book buying budget has increased and I've had to curb my impulse buys, I still watch for my favorites.
(Lisa Kendall 7:22pm May 21, 2011)

I would love to win the Viking books !! I have my favorite authors but love reading new ones also never know that might be my new favorite : ) Love your books !!
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
(Lori Barnes 8:15pm May 21, 2011)

I too have to look by Authors. I love your books and enjoy reading them.
(Frances Namuth 8:41pm May 21, 2011)

I still stick with the tried and true, but there is really some amazing new talent out there. Since I am a blogger, I get the opportunity to read both most excellent and well, not so excellent authors. And, all of the books are ebooks. My, my, how the times have changed.

What hasn't changed is my love for your Vikings!! HAWT!!!!
(Cynthia Netherton 9:24pm May 21, 2011)

I follow authors I've read and enjoyed (like you:D ) but for new authors (if I can't just browse the new release display at the store) I tend to depend on reviews/recommendations from blogs/websites that I've followed and found to have simular tastes as me. To just go in blind to a "store" without some idea of what I may want can be too overwhelming (I guess that's as good a word as any to describe it) to sort through what's new & what may be interesting & what actually may be good and well done (good writing, editing & publishing). It's hard to want to spend hard earned money and precious time on a complete unknown.
(d Kenney 9:54pm May 21, 2011)

I don't read e-books yet; but I am hoping to get a Kindle someday. The internet has changed my reading habits; I have found Fresh Fiction and Goodreads and have been expanding my reading by finding new favorite authors through both of these sites. You are right though as some of the books I have recently read made me shake my head and wondered why I even finished them; but others are the most amazing books I have ever read. I do feel bad that bookstores such as Borders and others are going out of business as there is nothing I like better than browsing through a bookstore. Online is fine; but it is just not the same.
(Jody Hollenbeck 10:32pm May 21, 2011)

I too have my favorite authors. I have a 'coupon wallet' I use for index cards for may favorite authors so I can keep track of their books (you've had your own card in it for years!). But I also add new authors cards, in fact, I need a bigger holder. I also poke around in blogsd & other book sites to find new authors. Some get an index card & some don't. I haven't gone to an eReader yet, and really don't want to, but some authors are only ePublishing, so eventually I'll probably give in. It does give authors more freedom to not depend on the major publishing houses & if they are accepted by readers can make their own careers. But it does seem that it will take a lot of time, & that time is away from the book writing.
(Diane Sallans 10:41pm May 21, 2011)

In the last year I've read all but the 9th, Viking Heat, of the Viking II series. I had a few of my own and found the rest at the library. I really enjoy them. I've also read one Cajun book and some others. My favorite is Down & Dirty with Zac"hairy", Britta and Samir. It was definitely the funniest.

So yes, I'd definitely like to win some more of them so I can read the rest.
(Sigrun Schulz 11:21pm May 21, 2011)

I am not sure I will ever get a e-book reader. My eyesight is very bad, and I love books anyway. I would just prefer a book.
There are some authors that I will always follow. I do read new authors all the time, but there are just some I really like.
(Debbie Penny 6:13am May 22, 2011)

I'm not to sure about the change being bad for authors, most reader's keep a eye out for there favorite author's book's. I have a Ipad but I have yet to read a book on it.
I work at a post office, now that's where your really seeing the damage from the electronic age. Book collectors will weep, but tree's will smile LOL.
(Kimberly Paul 12:53pm May 22, 2011)

I doubt if I will ever get an ereader. I use my computer for ebooks, and it works well for me. I think that in today's market, it will be easy for a lot of writers to self-publish. I like the self-published books as long as they have a great, meaty read, and have been proofed well. I'm sure it is also easier for a lot of authors to self-publish so they don't have to jump through so many hoops.

As far as favorite authors go, I still look for them whether they are in ebook format or written book. Of course, I also am finding new authors all the time. My TBR pile is huge. It is nice that the older books that are out of reproduction are coming out as ebooks so they can be read for the second time or the first.

I think there will always be print books since a lot of people don't have computers or ereaders or don't like ebooks. I don't think they will go away anytime soon.
(Cathy Phillips 1:30pm May 22, 2011)

I really enjoy reading your books and a lot of other authors. I read all kinds of stories but I do have a couple of authors that I seek-out every month.
I read a lot of reviews at online sites that help me make my decision as to whether to read or not.
I am in a book club and we recommend books to our members so I get a lot of hints there for different authors. I also go to a lot of book signings to hraran author talk about their books. This helps me select their books, or not.
Glad they are re-issuing some books. However, I wish it would say on the cover that it is a re-issue. I have read several books only to find out that I know how the story ends half way through the book. I have read them before.
(Joy Isley 3:28pm May 22, 2011)

Hi Sandra. I've tried embracing the e-book phenom with no success. I tried Kindle and even my iphone reader. I just can't get past a few pages when I do. But I have no problem snuggling up to a paperback, or putting in earphones and listening to a book on cd when I go for a walk or do yard work. Rather than more e-books, I wish more books were available recorded so I could listen while commuting or doing chores...
(Molly Wilsbacher 6:10pm May 22, 2011)

I am "fairly" young but this technology has me baffled. I love the feel of paper between my fingers, the smell of a book, rummaging through books, finding a rare gem. I am afraid this e book will allow subpar writers a great forum, blocking out greater ones, that it will condition a younger generation to seek new rather than enjoy a moment flipping through the greats. How much attention does one have on a screen vs. a page, and the respect of each printed word thereof. All I can do is pass my love of books down and over, and avoid the technology for as long as I can.
(Carla Carlson 3:46am May 23, 2011)

I usually have a few must-buy authors but the rest I go through library first...
(May Pau 10:35am May 23, 2011)

I do not like the new e-readers, give me a book and my chair and am Happy, I have most of your books, so when re-issue appears, I try to get it,,,
I have read new arthors and am not impressed with most, give me my tried and true favorites,,Like you and a few others I try to keep up with, but like I said, have missed quiet a few,,can't wait for "The Norse Kings Daughter".
(Claudette Miller 1:31pm May 23, 2011)

I don't mind reading self-pubbed, e-readers or books! I would love to read your Cajun series!
(Edwina Cowgill 5:42pm May 23, 2011)

I must say that I enjoy you Cajun series. I like the vikings too. I have an e-
reader but only use if for doctor's visits or waiting for the dentist. I much
prefer a real book with paper pages. I do not want them to disappear. It is
not that I do not like change but somethings just shouldn't be touched. The
only way real books could be improved is by better recycling when they are
falling apart and for publishers to plant trees to replace the ones used for
paper.
(Sandra Spilecki 7:38pm May 23, 2011)

Your books look awesome. I usually find an author I like and read everything I can of their's but I also try random books (often by recommendation) and I like browsing through books like a the library. The world of reading is changing but I think there are still a lot of people (like me) who still prefer a good paperback.
(Jessica Sutton 1:59am May 24, 2011)

Sandra, I've been trying to remember how I found you...I
think it was through an Anthology and the story line peeked
my interest. I am a dedicated romance reader, all sub-genres
of it. I LOVE YOUR HUMOR! I can't tell you how many times I
laughed out loud reading your "Time Traveling Viking SEALS",
I LOVE THAT SERIES! But then I'm a sucker for Vikings, SEALS
and time travel...But that's what drew me to you as an
author. I am a loyal Borders-plus customer and as romance
writes in series I used author's websites and Borders.com
search engine to make sure I don't miss the next release and
that I read the series in order. I do hate that re-releases
are generally NOT marked/indicated. I keep printed booklists
in a notebook so I don't duplicate a book purchase. I am
drawn by certain interests: medieval/knights, vikings,
pirates, scottish highlanders, english historical,
byzantium/ottoman empire, paranormals,
fae/magic/dragons...Covers of books definitely draw me and I
am resisting buying an e-reader. I feel I'm being forced
though by publishers. Somehow I feel publishers will profit
from these and you writers will get the short end of the
money stick on that one though.

Good luck in the future! Keep up the good work! I've missed
you this year--I almost missed your new book in October with
all the re-releases. Thanks for the heads up about the new
series in May!
Your loyal reader~Lenna*Glittergirl*
(Lenna Hendershott 1:51pm May 26, 2011)

I love Aunt Lulu and her Cajun men , hope more are coming out! Agatha
(Agatha Townsend 3:51am May 28, 2011)

The first book of yours I bought cost me $1 at a Family Dollar store. They always have a rack of miscellaneous books. I've discovered a few of my favorite authors there! Once I read that first one (The Blue Viking), I was hooked - I searched until I found them all! I get a lot of my books at paperbackswap.com. They categorize the types of books I like and make suggestions for others that I might want to try. I also "like" authors on Facebook. Some of those authors will ask what we are currently reading, and invite discussions about other authors and books we would recommend. I also read the ads in the back of the books I read to get suggestions. I don't have an e-reader yet, but I'm beginning to look at them. I'll always read "real" books - and I LOVE bookstores! I hope they never disappear!
(Nancy Scott 11:35pm May 30, 2011)

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