..."Catching Fire," of course. I've been SO looking forward to this book coming out! I made sure the house was relatively clean, made simple dinner plans and got myself to a stopping point on the graphic design projects I'm working on. All so I could spend the day reading this book.I tend to look at books suspiciously when they have a lot of hype attached. I'm probably the last person on the planet who hasn't read a "Twilight" book =) And I held out on "The Hunger Games" too, until the ARC literally landed in my lap. Man, was I sucked in!
When I got to the Book Loft this morning and didn't see "Catching Fire" right away I almost cried. Literally. I didn't want to lose precious reading time driving 30 minutes to Santa Barbara to get a copy!
Turns out, they just hadn't put it on the shelves yet. Crazy, I know. Here I was so caught up thinking this is THE book of the day, but at my indie, it was just another book.
So how was it? Beyond my expectations good. Like all her other books, it lingers with me. I dreamed about it, woke up still thinking about it. As soon as I finished reading I had to go to Elizabeth Law's "We've read Catching Fire and we need to Discuss!" discussion board and read all the posts.
As a writer, I want to be that good someday. I love to go back and reread scenes from her books, looking at how she pulls me in as a reader. Her language is so spare, her pacing is perfect. She shows us a character with just a few sentences and we know that person. I want to be able to do that. I want my characters to stay with people, to make readers think.
Who are your literary idols? Who makes you want to excel as a writer?
19 comments:
OK, I'm going to Joseph Beth NOW to pick up this book. I need it.
You've convinced me too! My lit idols are Wally Lamb, Janet Fitch, Phillipa Gregory... the list goes on and on...
I bought my copy yesterday but steadfastly held out on reading it because I wanted to focus on my WIP and I thought I could enjoy the book more on Friday, when I had nothing else planned. Worked great last night.
Then I woke up this morning and saw Catching Fire sitting all pretty on the chair. I'll just see what the first page is about I told myself. Three chapters later I was late for work!
I just love Katniss and Gale and Peeta so very, very much.
Hi, Sherrie! You're not alone--I've never read Twilight (or seen the movie).
Right now I'm re-reading Harry Potter and it's awesome. I don't even write fantasy, but Rowling is reminding me just how high the bar is. She's a genius.
I am so glad to hear it's exceeded your expectations. I am almost afraid to read it.
I'm going to re-read Hunger Games before I dig into Catching Fire. I'm doing my bestest to do the delayed gratification thing.
And oh, haven't read Twilight either. And Kristen: I am also reading Harry Potter right now. Enjoying it a lot.
I have to go get this book now. Thanks for the recommendation. I am inspired by so many authors, I won't attempt to list them, but I often do like you and go back and re-read passages to see how the author managed to draw me in. It's very helpful.
Yay! I can't wait for copy to arrive! I love Suzanne Collins. I also love Scott Westerfeld. He makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time. Le sigh.
I'm so excited to get this book!!!! SO EXCITED! I just need to find time to get to the bookstore.
I haven't read any of her books yet...will have to.
My literary idols are poets that seem to pick just the right words or puns to make a poem work.
Like Shel Silverstein or Jane Yolen.
I bought it yesterday and haven't read it yet!
It's good to have literary role models. I'll have to think on mine.
I have it!!!! I am starting it tonight :-)
Awesome Book!
I'd love to have the tension, the power of Suzanne Collins books. She's definitely an idol.
I also like Sarah Dessen, Kristin Cashore and the fun voice of Ally Carter. If I'd love to write a book that successfully takes elements of all of them
Haven't read Twilight or The Hunger Games! Wonder how much longer I can hold out :)
My bookstore didn't have it shelved either! I had to ask for it. We only have the one store, so I was frantically trying to decide which town I'd go to next to get it. LOL.
I finished it today. LOVED IT. She really inspires me. I thought I wouldn't be able to touch my writing for weeks (ha!) but I'm actually looking at my writing and thinking about how to improve it. I don't know what it is about these books, but they've really helped me to see some areas I'm lacking in.
I love Lisa See. She writes in a voice I always believe. Amy Tan is another, for her poetic style. There are so many, many and here I am stumped!.
Corey: are you avoiding these two books because of the hype? I haven't read Twilight, but love Hunger Games, for her writing, her passion, and for her ability to make me think about my world from the one she's crafted.
I must admit - despite my 14-year old niece's constant urgings - I have not yet read the Twilight series either! :-)
LiLa: You DO need it. Hope you got it and read it right away!
T.Anne: I enjoy Wally Lamb and Phillipa Gregory, too. Hope you try out Suzanne Collins,too.
Megan: I totally understand how you can get sucked in! I love them too!
Kristen: Yay! Another Twilight avoider! And Rowling is brilliant, too.
Yat-Yee: We must talk after you read Catching Fire. I'd love to hear your perspective on it =)
Susan: Suzanne Collins is a great one to study. Hope you enjoy!
Elana: I have not read Scott Westerfeld. Thanks for the recommendation!
Tess: Don't wait! Go to the book store NOW! It's awesome!
Kelly: I keep hearing about Jane Yolen. I'll have to pick up one of her books. Love Shel =)
PJ: Make sure you have a block of time to read, because once you start you won't want to stop! And I'd love to know who your literary role models are...do a post =)
Katie: Can't wait to hear how you like it!
Mim: I think it would be cool to incorporate the talents of all those writers. You'd have publishers knocking down your door I think!
Corey: Don't hold out on Hunger Games. You'll be amazed by her use of language. It's just great writing.
Casey: Small town bookstores, huh? I am always inspired by her writing, too. Makes me wish she'd teach a class. I'd BE there!
Meredith: Amy Tan is wonderful. I haven't read Lisa See. I'll check her out =)
Yat-Yee: You're cracking me up =) We'll convince Corey yet!
Kelly H-Y: I've had so many people trying to convince me, too! Maybe some day, when I've gotten through my entire TBR pile...ha!
I am really looking forward to reading Catching Fire. But, first, I must finish the outline for my book. So, Catching Fire is basically my reward!
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