Because I think of all this reading as not simply fun, but learning about what I want to write too, I tend to look for YAs mostly in my genre. I choose books with appealing covers, by publishers I like, by authors I’ve read before, fairly recent publication dates, and interesting first sentences. I NEVER read the backs of books. I HATE to know what a book is about. Sometimes this leads me to shocking topics. Other times I end up reading the sequel to a book I haven’t read. While that’s annoying, it’s worth it to me to take the risk because I’ve found that both dust jacket blurbs and author bios often give stuff away. The other day, I did check an author’s bio to see where they were from and in addition to that info it said, “I wanted to write a cancer story with a happier ending than my friend had.” and I was all…ummm….well, so much for being surprised at the end of the book! And actually, I didn’t read the book after that (I’d been debating for other reasons anyway).
So the whole point of this piece is that you may have noticed that I’ve been posting nearly every day about a wonderful book, and you might be wondering how I am having such a great streak of luck? And now, I’m finally going to tell you (if you’re still here). Recommendations and library holds. Now, I like to think that y’all are reading my Need To Read page and instantly going out and getting all the books I recommend, but I’m sort of delusional about my power, so just bear with me. While I like to think that about you, I never used to take recommendations myself. I just stuck with the old scouring the library shelves method, using my tried and true criteria. Until a few weeks ago…
Lately, when I read on someone’s blog about a book they love, I immediately open the library catalogue’s page and if they have it, I put the book on hold. I haven’t had to scour bookshelves in weeks because every couple of days more recommended books come pouring in for me! And they are sooooo good! Exactly half of the last sixteen books I written about on Need To Read were recommendations. Another five were authors I’d read previously and liked.
So really, the point of this whole post is that if you’re not immediately getting the books I recommend to you, then you’re missing out. Get thee to a library! Okay, okay…that’s not really the point. The point is that if you’re finding your library choices less than fulfilling, you might try reading some blogs for inspiration. And if you’re looking for an agent, you should definitely try and get some books of any of the writers the agent represents. It will give you a feel for what the agent likes, and even a little bit of who they are. And if you are a writer with a book(s) out, try and get people to read it and blog about it! If someone sends you an email saying they loved it, encourage them to blog somewhere. Offer to guest blog on other sites too. The internet sells books.
Well, what are you waiting for? I need more recommendations! Post them in the comments so we can all put them on hold at the library!
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