Tag Archives: award winners

Books on my nightstand

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There’s always a stack of wonderful books on my nightstand just waiting to be read. What’s there now?

Captive Queen by Alison Weir – all about one of my favorite historical figures, Eleanor of Aquitaine. I’ve always admired her and have been fascinated by her story. There’s nothing I like better than a book about a strong, powerful, yet feminine woman. Weir also wrote a biography of her entitled: Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life. I really enjoyed The Six Wives of Henry the VIII by Weir so I’m really looking forward to the fictionalized account of her life written by a woman who also penned her biography. The reviews on Amazon weren’t so great ~ most of the negative reviews focused upon the erotic elements of the book. I don’t know if this is a departure from her usual style, but as a writer of erotica, I don’t think I’ll be offended.

Telling Stories: An Anthology for Writers edited by Joyce Carol Oates – Not so much a guide on how to write, but filled with examples of great writing, giving one something to aspire to.

The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer – According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Mortimer’s immersive visitor’s-guide approach to popular history gives readers a seamless sense of being there.” That’s exactly what I hope this book will provide. I’m hoping it will be a great reference work for this period of history. I am very drawn to the world of medieval France and England. Perhaps it will inspire a work of fiction? (Another great book about the Middle Ages is, A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous Fourteenth Century, by Barbara Tuchman ~ highly recommended!)

Also, just finished, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, by Therese Walsh – This debut novel was quite good and I became totally immersed in the story. Twins, Rome, a keris…intrigued? If your reading tastes lean toward magic, mystery, and adventure, you’ll like this book.

I’d better get writing…

Writing advice from Joyce Carol Oates

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In keeping with my resolution to improve my craft, I’m awaiting my copy of, Telling Stories: An Anthology for Writers, edited and with introductions by Joyce Carol Oates. I’m always on the lookout for books that will inspire and improve my writing. Given that Oates is a master whom I admire, I’m thinking it is a wise investment and would make a fine addition to my library. Here’s the product description from Amazon:

“This exciting anthology by one of America’s finest storytellers provides over ninety works of narrative art. With the reading list for her writing seminar at Princeton University as a model, Joyce Carol Oates chose pieces that will inspire beginning and experienced writers alike. Here are classics and relative unknowns, short vignettes and long genre fiction, tragic tales and humorous character sketches–models for just about any writer. Section introductions and an Afterword on the writing workshop provide a glimpse of Oates’s own understanding of the storyteller’s craft.”

I’ll let you know what I think. For more of my favorite books on writing see one of my earlier posts entitled:  Excellent Books on the Art and Craft of Writing. To all the writers out there, what are your favorite books on the art and craft of writing?

What have I been reading?

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In between waiting to hear on a submission that’s currently out there and editing my latest, a 20,000+ page novella which takes place in late nineteenth century Europe, (the story of a victim of amnesia – or at least that’s what she’d like her doctor to believe…), and preparing for the holiday season, I always make time to slip in a little reading. (Okay, maybe a lot…) So, what have I been reading?

Recently finished, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, a debut novel by Helen Simonson. Very impressed with her ability to create a charming, yet serious novel about a widower who falls in love with an “unsuitable” woman – at least that is the opinion of his neighbors in a small town in the rustic English countryside. It is a many-layered, witty, and well-told story. I look forward to reading more by Simonson.

I’ve also just finished, Beasts, by Joyce Carol Oates. An amazing novella that I couldn’t put down. It takes place at a college in New England during the 1970’s and focuses on a student’s obsession with her professor. When the relationship moves to another level she soon learns that she is not the only student that Andre Harrow and his wife have deemed “special”. A dark and amazing read with an ending that satisfies. I think Ms. Oates is one of my new favorite authors… I’ve been an admirer of her work ever since reading her chilling short story, Where are you going, Where have you been? many years ago. Just started, A Fair Maiden. She never disappoints. An amazingly prolific and talented author – all I can say is, wow!

What have you been reading?

Has it really been a year?

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It was a year ago this month that I began writing about writing, (and other topics as well). I’ve learned a little about the publishing world and how things work out there. In many respects I’m still a newbie, but I know more than before. I’m still perfecting my craft – it will be an ongoing and lifelong process.

With all the millions of books out there, one thinks, how hard can it be to write one?But it isn’t easy – there’s a lot of hard work involved, and anyone who completes a novel length book should be congratulated. The really great authors make it seem effortless. You’re not thinking about characterization, plot, or theme, or point of view while reading. The story just flows. It is only until the last page is read and the book is closed, that I ask, how did he or she do that? I find it helpful to go back and reread the book looking for the amazing skill and craft involved in making it all come together.

For me, a book is memorable when I miss the characters I’ve met between the pages – even long after I’ve read them. I recall that after I finished, Gone With the Wind, I remembered thinking, there is something I should be doing, somewhere I must be…and then realized that what I missed was time spent in the story, with the characters. There are so many wonderful teachers out there – authors – who can convey a message, transport readers to a different world or another place in time, who can touch the soul. I aspire to write as powerfully as they do – I can dream, can’t I?

I don’t think I can’t write about writing without writing about reading…I promised an update on Trespass, Rose Tremain’s latest…She did not disappoint me. Trespass is unlike most of her other novels in my opinion. It is simple, yet powerful. What amazes me about her work is that her novels are so very different from one another.  I’m looking forward to her next work!

In the interim, I’ve discovered another wonderful author that I’m certain will be one of my favorites. Don’t know how, but I’ve stumbled upon the work of Karen Maitland and am currently reading, The Owl Killers. It is set in a medieval English village and so far, much of the story takes place in a beguinage, a community of religious women who seek to serve their God but without taking vows or retiring from the world. I can’t stop reading…fortunately she has a few other novels I can read after this one. Will let you know what I think…

From Tremain to Unsworth and back again

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I promised an update on my reading list ~ recently read, currently reading, to be read…I finished Rose Tremain’s, Letter to Sister Benedicta, one of her earlier works and it is easy to see the progression from a talented young writer to the writer she would later become. Although out of print, I obtained a copy via Interlibrary Loan at my local library. This short novel tells the story of a woman who suddenly finds herself alone and coping with the sudden illness of her husband. Semi-estranged from her children and dealing with the absence of an emotionally absent man, her only confidante is Sister Benedicta, her childhood instructor while in India. Tremain delves into dark territory. It seemed that the main character allowed her life to pass without any inner reflection on who she was or what she wanted. She has long hours to now ponder the state of her life. The journey to self-discovery and inner awakening are the primary themes of Tremain’s work ~ as I read her. Totally enamoured of her work, I now have a copy of Trespass, her latest, compliments of a used bookstore in the U.K. Reasonably priced, I just couldn’t wait for the U.S. release date. It’s in my TBR pile, but I’m itching to read it now…

However, before I do, I’m immersed in the work of Barry Unsworth, and am currently reading, The Rage of the Vulture. It takes place in Turkey and involves the tortured return of an English government worker who returns to Turkey after leaving the country twelve years earlier. His Armenian fiancée was killed at their engagement party during the Armenian massacre. He witnessed her murder and was spared because he was an Englishman. Overcome by guilt at his inability to save her, and the fact that he believes he used his nationality to spare his own life, a fact which has haunted him these many years, he returns for revenge.  I can’t say he’s a likeable character, but we shall see how it goes. I also picked up a copy of Unsworth’s, Morality Play, set in 14th century England. A theatre troupe reenacts a murder which uncovers a conspiracy ~ sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Unsworth won the Booker Prize for Sacred Hunger which focused on the 18th century slave trade. Again, I love authors who can transition between historical periods and different genres. Something to aspire to…I’ll report back soon.

More Incredible Books and Amazing Authors

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Well it’s that time again. Since my last post on this subject I’ve read more and remembered more titles that stood out in my memory as books of note. I’ve just finished, The Road Home, by Rose Tremain. It was in my TBR pile and did not disappoint. Tremain is truly one of my favorite authors. Although the characters suffer through the trials and tribulations of life, remarkably, all of her work leaves me with an uplifted feeling. (See my previous post on other titles I’ve read by her.) I have just received, via interlibrary loan, an earlier work by her, Letter to Sister Benedicta. I’m curious to see how her writing style has developed. I’ve no doubt that she was just as amazing then as she is now. Something to look forward to ~ her latest, Trespass! According to the product description on Amazon, the story takes place in southern France and is “an electrifying novel about disputed territory, sibling love, and devastating revenge…” Unfortunately, it won’t be available in the States until October. I may have to go to the U.K. site and attempt to order it there. She’s that good…

Another favorite author, Sandra Gulland, is working on a new novel! Not exactly certain when it will be out but according to her blog, (which is quite interesting and also provides helpful tips for writers), it will take place in 17th century France. Ah…one of my favorite time periods to read about. So looking forward to the release! Writing fiction is challenging enough, but to write historical fiction must be doubly so. She recently returned from a research trip to France. Aside from the intellectual stimulation of the research, I’d find the travel aspect particularly rewarding. I’m certain she was probably busy with all it entailed but I hope she also set aside some time to enjoy her stay.

Again, in no particular order, more good books!  Corelli’s Mandolin, by Louis de Bernieres, is set on a Greek island during the Nazi Occupation. Yes, there is a movie based on the book, but I haven’t seen it. (I always think the books are much better than the movies.) The Last Troubadour: Song of Montsegur, by Derek Armstrong. The story takes place in 13th century France and centers on the Inquisition and the Cathar “heresy”. Despite the subject matter, it is an entertaining read filled with rich characters who you won’t soon forget. I’d like to see more fiction by this very talented author, and the sequel, The Last Quest:  Song of Monsegur, back in print!

Also check out:  The Country Life, by Rachel Cusk, Palace Walk, by Naguib Mahfouz (the first in a trilogy taking place in Cairo), My Name is Red, and Snow, by Orhan Pamuk, a great Turkish writer. I’m getting sleepy! Stop by again for more good reads.

Rules for Writers

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While roaming the web I came across a great series in the Guardian entitled, Rules for Writers. Sharing their golden rules are a few of my favorite authors. Check out the rules of Rose Tremain, Margaret Atwood, Sarah Waters, and Hilary Mantel. Others contributors include: Elmore Leonard, Joyce Carol Oates, Zadie Smith, Richard Ford, Colm Toibin, Will Self, Neil Gaiman, P.D. James, and many others.

Tremain discourages following the “write what you know” rule, doesn’t believe in planning endings, and advises revisiting your characters 50 pages into your novel. Atwood interjects a little humor into her sage advice, Waters talks about reading, cutting, and the importance of discipline, and Mantel offers thoughts on not writing for the market but instead focusing on what you would enjoy reading, how to handle getting stuck, and mentions one of my favorite books on writing by Dorothea Brande, entitled Becoming a Writer.

Lots of good advice! You can find all of it here.

Incredible Books and Amazing Authors

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In an hour or so, I’ll continue working on a short story I’m writing. Before I do, I’ll share with you what I’ve been reading. Currently, Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe, by Sandra Gulland, is my book of choice. I read the first in the trilogy, The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., a few years back and became captivated by the story of Josephine Bonaparte. Gulland also has a great website with research links and her thoughts on writing. (See my links-Resources for Writers.)

I have upon my nightstand waiting to be read, The Road Home, (Winner of the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction), by Rose Tremain. One of my favorite authors, I thoroughly enjoyed, The Restoration, and Music & Silence. Remarkably gifted, her works of literary historical fiction are thought provoking and entertaining. Tremain is extremely versatile, her works take place in 17th century England, 17th century Denmark, 19th century New Zealand, and modern day Paris and London, to name a few. Whether her novels take place in the past or the present, they are superbly crafted. I admire her ability to capture the sense of place and the people of which she writes. Also on my nightstand, Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Another gifted and talented writer I admire is Margaret Atwood. I’ve yet to read, The Year of the Flood, (waiting for when I’m in the mood for a good dystopian novel), which takes place in the same world as Oryx and Crake. She easily crosses genre boundaries, (although I wouldn’t classify Atwood as a writer of any particular genre), and effortlessly transitions between the 19th century and the distant future. Some of my favorite books by Atwood are, The Handmaid’s Tale, Blind Assassin, and perhaps my favorite, Alias Grace.

Zoe Oldenbourg, a medieval historian, wrote literary historical fiction which takes place in France during the Middle Ages. The World is not Enough, and The Cornerstone, are among her best in my opinion. Her work experienced a resurgence in popularity a few years back and should still be in print. She also wrote works of nonfiction, which include: The Crusades, and Massacre at Montsegur, which focuses on the ‘heretical’ sect of the Cathars of Southwest France. Although presumptuous, I hope one day to be able to express myself as fluidly and powerfully as these remarkable women.

In no particular order or preference, some of my favorite novels are:  I, Claudius, and Claudius the God by Robert Graves, Sophie’s Choice by William Styron, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Man’s Fate by Andre Malraux, The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas, Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser, The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Nana by Emile Zola, Cousin Bette by Honore de Balzac, The Good Earth by Pearl Buck, The Black Narcissus and In This House of Brede by Rumor Godden, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr. This list is by no means exhaustive…

Other great books/authors of note:  My Dream of You by Nuala O’Faolain, The Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue, Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, Half of a Yellow Sun (Winner of the Orange Broadband Prize)  by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder, Stones From the River by Ursula Hegi, The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urea, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, anything by Hermann Hesse, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout…

Must get back to my writing!  There are so many talented authors, so many wonderful books – I know I’ve left out several and will expand the list as we go along.  One more great book (nonfiction) – Women Who Run with the Wolves:  Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.  This book had an incredible impact upon my life and I go back to it periodically. One of the stories, The Wolf’s Eyelash, is incredibly powerful—talk about story as medicine!