I was just looking at my facebook page. It's a tangle of high school friends that I never see but would like to say hi to once in a while; authors (mostly romance cohorts from RWA); and academics from various places...be it coaching or psychology. Anywho, Eric Selinger (brilliant academic from DuPaul University)....passed the article along that I'm blogging about today. It's not a "what I like about you...'re book" blog, but instead a commentary that is related to my blog.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-pinter/jodi-picoult-jennifer-weiner-franzen_b_693143.html
Why do we read? Because we can loudly boast to have read something so painfully boring or poignant that it brought tears to our eyes? Is it because we want to grow, learn, live, feel or experience something that wouldn't otherwise have occurred to us? Or, perhaps it's a testament to our adventurous side, challenging us to dare to dream or dream of daring. Maybe, it's all of the above. Maybe, it's just good 'ol fashioned entertainment.
So, should anyone dictate what we read? Or, what we write? One of the glorious benefits of reading is to expand our minds. One of the glorious benefits of living in a free society as men & women equally (or so we hope)...is that we CAN read what we want, when we want, with whom we want, and then.... talk about it openly! Sure, there are the occasional zealots who try to ban our minds from reading freely, BUT they are afraid. You can't blame or force terrified people, blind to the power of the unknown for feeling that way. It's human nature to want to stay within a framework of sameness or even, like mindedness. We simply have to be confident in knowing that we know that the change can't hurt us.
The same can be said for commercial vs literary fiction. Some of it is good. Some of it is crap. We are all individuals with individual tastes in what we read. So, what's great to me, may be bunk to someone else. Visa Versa. I'm NEVER going to sit down with a pompous "intellectual" smart ass snob and try to have a conversation. I won't respect that person, and clearly, they won't respect me. It's OK. We are all individuals and we are all different.
However, we do have one thing in common (even if the wind bag won't admit it). We all LOVE to read. Even people in the art of story telling......reading optional......love a good story. Some cultures live their history by story telling. It's older than any of us will ever be.
So, War & Peace; Spell of the Highlander; The Bluest Eye; The Lakeshore Chronicles; The Troubleshooter Series; Pride & Prejudice; Last of the Mohicans; Moby Dick; Darkfever; The Bible; Pillars of the Earth, Boyfriend Trouble; On Writing......you get the picture. I've read them all. I love them all. I don't care if the writer is a woman a man, a transgendered person or an alien. "Don't ever let anyone tell you what to write. If it's good, it's good." - Jodi Picoult (words to live by)....and I'm PROUD to say...that was from her directly to ME in an email.
Here's something that you should know that I DO know about people who write fiction. They are powerful in the way they band together to support each other to write BETTER each and every book. They are brilliant at knowing human emotion. They are in tune with what odds are stacked against them, and yet seem more resilient than any other profession I've been exposed to....and I've seen quite a few. The female authors that I know are smart bitches! Just visit the website for them. Seriously....it's their name! I dare anyone to out-know about writing OR reading with a critical eye than them! I'd actually like to invent a reality show with the Smart Bitches vs the Bow-tie wearing intellectual types mentioned in the above referenced article. It would be a really great show!
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/
So, to ALL the members of IASPR & Jodi Piccoult (who does not write romance but does write a mean "women's fiction")...I salute you! Let me introduce you the International Association for the study of Popular Romance. Since our original article didn't get that far. http://iaspr.org/
Now, back to our regularly scheduled happy thoughts (say the Lost Boys to Peter), for I am forever a Female Peter Pan at heart. Or, maybe a tinker bell as I do have a cranky side.
OH...one more thing. Check out the Maui Writer's Conference or the Field's End Writer community (I'm sure there are hundreds of other conferences like these). WRITER'S who are GOOD, are also happy. Writers who are happy are also generous with their helping each other, supporting each other, sharing knowledge with each other. They are both men & women. When I went to Field's End...I got to meet Susan Wiggs, Sheila Roberts, Robert Dugoni & SO many more in every walk of the writer's life. It's the BEST conference I've been to....and the most beautiful. http://fieldsend.org/Conference.html
K
Here's my positive psych. side of this whole thing. I found a new author that I need to read! Thanks Huffington. Jennifer Weiner, I look forward to reading your stuff & contributing to your royalty check!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Part of being a grown up is...
Part of being a grown up is...knowing when you like something and when you don't. I began reading the erotica. Then, after page 10, realized that I just didn't like it. The book or the overly obvious slapping me in the face with too much information just isn't my cup of...well, anything. Sorry erotica. I'm not in the mood to read you. I'd love a guest blogger who does or wants to read this sub-genre. I'm going back to pick a different book.
Hey...to the authors of the craft.....I applaud you for your hard work (OK, WAY too many puns could be in my blogs). Writing a book is NOT easy. It's a diligent process that requires so many positive qualities. Resilience, perseverance, loyalty to one's sense of identity. For that, I admire anyone who writes.
But, as a reader, and to be fair to myself & my readers....I have to be authentically me. Reading soft (sometimes very hard) porn...is just not in my make up. I end up laughing. Yes. I'm immature. So what?
Be authentic!
That's the message for today.
Stay true to who you are and what you enjoy.
Be honest with yourself and others.
If you don't like a book. Don't push through to the end, unless you want to.
Would I tell anyone which book made me close the cover after page 10. Absolutely not! It's not my place to make that kind of judgement. This is definitely one for the slash & burn pile. BUT, someone out there will LOVE this book.
Remember......no matter what anyone says.....ALL of life is subjective!
Keep reading!
K
Hey...to the authors of the craft.....I applaud you for your hard work (OK, WAY too many puns could be in my blogs). Writing a book is NOT easy. It's a diligent process that requires so many positive qualities. Resilience, perseverance, loyalty to one's sense of identity. For that, I admire anyone who writes.
But, as a reader, and to be fair to myself & my readers....I have to be authentically me. Reading soft (sometimes very hard) porn...is just not in my make up. I end up laughing. Yes. I'm immature. So what?
Be authentic!
That's the message for today.
Stay true to who you are and what you enjoy.
Be honest with yourself and others.
If you don't like a book. Don't push through to the end, unless you want to.
Would I tell anyone which book made me close the cover after page 10. Absolutely not! It's not my place to make that kind of judgement. This is definitely one for the slash & burn pile. BUT, someone out there will LOVE this book.
Remember......no matter what anyone says.....ALL of life is subjective!
Keep reading!
K
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Big Girl Panties
If I'm going to be "in the blog game" and tell people what I think of a book in the romance genre...I better be able to read ALL books in the genre. Though I've invited several fabulous life coach affiliates & friends to guest blog other genres....I'm sticking strictly with romance. Why? Because I've been studying this genre for the better part of 6 years, and focusing on studying the personality traits of people [women in particular] who WRITE romance. I know it. I write it. I hope to publish in it someday. AND....I like it!
Now, with that said, what I don't read (too often) is the erotica stuff. What's that you say? ALL romance isn't sex on a stick. No! As a matter of fact, it's only one of many, many sub-genres...everything from paranormal (yes, vampires & wolves) to inspirational love stories (Jesus & other various religious affiliations). There isn't always sex.....some times none at all. There isn't always drama...sometimes just good 'ol fashioned mischievous fun. The romance genre comes in every shape, color, adventure, idea, traditional, quintessential or futuristic story.
SO...what I should have said at the beginning of this blog is.... in the immortal words of Peter Brady, "never assume. You make an 'ass' of 'u' and 'me'". Or...was that Greg Brady. Anywho...you get the picture.
IF you really want to know about this BILLION dollar industry....taken VERY seriously by it's members.....here's the RWA [Romance Writers of America] website. Take a look around. You might just be surprised. Or, like me....proud to say you love romance. http://www.rwanational.org/
Now.....what's the point of this blog? My next book. I was too tired to figure out which one I wanted to pick next. So, I did what every judicial person does. I asked my 7 yr old to grab a book off the shelf and hand it to me. Naturally, being a very practical male child....he took the one within 1st reach. It's erotica. I'm very thankful that he wasn't remotely curious about it, opening the first page....me, foot in mouth, having to explain....."that" stuff. I "wasn't in the mood" to read it...so started to put it back. BUT....back to the big girl panties. I have to put 'em on and start reading so I can do justice to giving it a shot for the benefit of the author's hard work.
The way I look at is this. If a psychology graduate student about to earn the top degree in my field can't read about sex....then NOBODY should be reading about sex. So, as Joan Rivers would say, "snap out of it"....and so I did. On Monday (after working on my literature review for my dissertation)....I'm reading erotica. Freud would be so proud!
Now, with that said, what I don't read (too often) is the erotica stuff. What's that you say? ALL romance isn't sex on a stick. No! As a matter of fact, it's only one of many, many sub-genres...everything from paranormal (yes, vampires & wolves) to inspirational love stories (Jesus & other various religious affiliations). There isn't always sex.....some times none at all. There isn't always drama...sometimes just good 'ol fashioned mischievous fun. The romance genre comes in every shape, color, adventure, idea, traditional, quintessential or futuristic story.
SO...what I should have said at the beginning of this blog is.... in the immortal words of Peter Brady, "never assume. You make an 'ass' of 'u' and 'me'". Or...was that Greg Brady. Anywho...you get the picture.
IF you really want to know about this BILLION dollar industry....taken VERY seriously by it's members.....here's the RWA [Romance Writers of America] website. Take a look around. You might just be surprised. Or, like me....proud to say you love romance. http://www.rwanational.org/
Now.....what's the point of this blog? My next book. I was too tired to figure out which one I wanted to pick next. So, I did what every judicial person does. I asked my 7 yr old to grab a book off the shelf and hand it to me. Naturally, being a very practical male child....he took the one within 1st reach. It's erotica. I'm very thankful that he wasn't remotely curious about it, opening the first page....me, foot in mouth, having to explain....."that" stuff. I "wasn't in the mood" to read it...so started to put it back. BUT....back to the big girl panties. I have to put 'em on and start reading so I can do justice to giving it a shot for the benefit of the author's hard work.
The way I look at is this. If a psychology graduate student about to earn the top degree in my field can't read about sex....then NOBODY should be reading about sex. So, as Joan Rivers would say, "snap out of it"....and so I did. On Monday (after working on my literature review for my dissertation)....I'm reading erotica. Freud would be so proud!
Friday, August 20, 2010
What I like about Laurie Brown's What Would Jane Austen Do
What I like about you….’re book What Would Jane Austen Do, Laurie Brown is how you taught me to dance. In life coaching, a coach & client are really working it out when they are “dancing in the moment”. In What Would Jane Austen Do, that is exactly what I was doing with the characters. Each chapter felt like a waltz with spunky dialog or lovely descriptors of the regency era. I’m not a Jane Austen buff, but have seen all the movies (I mean ALL) made about the regency period and read dozens of regency period novels. Laurie Brown gave me a light hearted history lesson while reading this book. The POV emulated the spirited talks of a person who clearly has a voice filled with passion for a time in history unique unto itself.
On a light note, I have tremendous respect for any writer who brings us into the practical while delivering fantastical. If one can discuss toilet issues of the regency period, I know they are willing to extend their own area of expertise to everything else in a scene. I even strongly belief that the ghosts were sincere in needing the human component and was utterly charmed by the sisters, before and ‘after’. Like the waltz, Laurie Brown’s dialog amongst the generations was light hearted and fun. The chaperone’s seriousness in their intentions had me chuckling, until that is, I realized I’m probably the same age as the ‘older women’! That’s not funny at all. LOL Well, ok, it is, but makes me glad that I’m here, not there.
Mostly, I have never thought of visiting where Ms. Austen penned her historical romances, but thanks to Ms. Brown, by the end of this story, I was feeling a strong pull to want to visit the Hampshire area. Perhaps, even explore the glorious world of make believe where Austen grew up. This book was entertaining, educational and lovely, as was the time it took place. The hint at historical facts in the political realm wrapped the package nicely with a slice of our past. Two good juju thumbs up Laurie Brown. I appreciate your wit & creativity! I also LOVE the way you signed “the end”….truly a positive twist on life. One that is sincerely enjoyed. It’s no wonder you are a RITA finalist. Thank you for the literary dance!
Karen
On a light note, I have tremendous respect for any writer who brings us into the practical while delivering fantastical. If one can discuss toilet issues of the regency period, I know they are willing to extend their own area of expertise to everything else in a scene. I even strongly belief that the ghosts were sincere in needing the human component and was utterly charmed by the sisters, before and ‘after’. Like the waltz, Laurie Brown’s dialog amongst the generations was light hearted and fun. The chaperone’s seriousness in their intentions had me chuckling, until that is, I realized I’m probably the same age as the ‘older women’! That’s not funny at all. LOL Well, ok, it is, but makes me glad that I’m here, not there.
Mostly, I have never thought of visiting where Ms. Austen penned her historical romances, but thanks to Ms. Brown, by the end of this story, I was feeling a strong pull to want to visit the Hampshire area. Perhaps, even explore the glorious world of make believe where Austen grew up. This book was entertaining, educational and lovely, as was the time it took place. The hint at historical facts in the political realm wrapped the package nicely with a slice of our past. Two good juju thumbs up Laurie Brown. I appreciate your wit & creativity! I also LOVE the way you signed “the end”….truly a positive twist on life. One that is sincerely enjoyed. It’s no wonder you are a RITA finalist. Thank you for the literary dance!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Next up.... "pay the good juju forward" philosophy
Next up....Regency! Laurie Brown's What Would Jane Austen Do?
Why the jump?
After leaving the RWA national conference in Orlando, I was delieriously happy to have 70 autographed books, and a total of 100 books thanks to the generosity of the publishing industry.
Before I go out and buy any new one's....I'll read and review these first. I LOVE several authors already for all the good things they do to their readers (not all are romance, but this is my favorite genre due to the positive emotions sparked by the end of every novel).
(In between the books I'm reading, I will pay tribute to some of my favorite all time authors who nail it!)
So, if you want me to review you're book....send it to me & I'll read it. If I don't like it, I'll STILL find something in it that I DO like. One of the most powerful teaching tools I've learned and currently use as I teach university students is that we can find positive traits in everything. I teach personality theory and positive psychology. I could lace into and slice up a novel if I wanted to be a hard ass but what's that going to do for anyone? I suppose if I was a literature prof. and wanted to help someone recognize how to become a BETTER writer, I'd STILL try to point out the positive before the negative. Others would rather just point out all the hate. Remember Get Shorty with John Travolta? "Don't be hatin'" is one of my favorite lines thanks to a scene between The Rock & Vince Vaughn. So...that's what this is for. Not losing that lovin' feeling for books. Literacy awareness is serious. Doesn't matter what you're reading....as long as we're reading. Highlighting the good juju is important to our world.
Oh...and that goes for agents & publishers that I meet. I've been completely condescended to by one agent, and another who was so "it's all about me" that they didn't even want to talk about a book. SO, when I meet a good one who is decent, kind and caring. One that treats people with respect & dignity....I'll let you know who the good guys are. I'll keep the rude folks to discover for themselves that though absolute power corrupts absolutely........we can all lose that power in a heart beat. Then, where will you be?
So....be on the lookout for the goodjuju agents & publishers & blogs, writer websites, etc. Some day, I'll tell you who is was that sparked this "pay the good juju forward" philosophy. You won't believe it. Ok, maybe you will...but it's pretty cool.
And...it's one of my life's philosophy....so, with that said...stay to the lights people! See you next time.
K-
For thoughts, comments or questions about my positive psych. life coaching bus....
karenhenry@karenhenrycoaching.com
Why the jump?
After leaving the RWA national conference in Orlando, I was delieriously happy to have 70 autographed books, and a total of 100 books thanks to the generosity of the publishing industry.
Before I go out and buy any new one's....I'll read and review these first. I LOVE several authors already for all the good things they do to their readers (not all are romance, but this is my favorite genre due to the positive emotions sparked by the end of every novel).
(In between the books I'm reading, I will pay tribute to some of my favorite all time authors who nail it!)
So, if you want me to review you're book....send it to me & I'll read it. If I don't like it, I'll STILL find something in it that I DO like. One of the most powerful teaching tools I've learned and currently use as I teach university students is that we can find positive traits in everything. I teach personality theory and positive psychology. I could lace into and slice up a novel if I wanted to be a hard ass but what's that going to do for anyone? I suppose if I was a literature prof. and wanted to help someone recognize how to become a BETTER writer, I'd STILL try to point out the positive before the negative. Others would rather just point out all the hate. Remember Get Shorty with John Travolta? "Don't be hatin'" is one of my favorite lines thanks to a scene between The Rock & Vince Vaughn. So...that's what this is for. Not losing that lovin' feeling for books. Literacy awareness is serious. Doesn't matter what you're reading....as long as we're reading. Highlighting the good juju is important to our world.
Oh...and that goes for agents & publishers that I meet. I've been completely condescended to by one agent, and another who was so "it's all about me" that they didn't even want to talk about a book. SO, when I meet a good one who is decent, kind and caring. One that treats people with respect & dignity....I'll let you know who the good guys are. I'll keep the rude folks to discover for themselves that though absolute power corrupts absolutely........we can all lose that power in a heart beat. Then, where will you be?
So....be on the lookout for the goodjuju agents & publishers & blogs, writer websites, etc. Some day, I'll tell you who is was that sparked this "pay the good juju forward" philosophy. You won't believe it. Ok, maybe you will...but it's pretty cool.
And...it's one of my life's philosophy....so, with that said...stay to the lights people! See you next time.
K-
For thoughts, comments or questions about my positive psych. life coaching bus....
karenhenry@karenhenrycoaching.com
What I like about Joanne Kennedy's Cowboy Trouble...
What I like about you….’re book Joanne Kennedy is pretty much all of it.
Cowboy Trouble brings the reader to the new west. From early on, I felt the dust in my hair and could feel the dry intensity of the Wyoming sun. Kennedy’s description of the lazy town of Lackaduck sets the tone for the heroine to experience her first independent adventure as an investigative reporter.
I love that Kennedy created main and minor characters that had strengths but also realistic flaws. Without giving away the entwined mystery of the story, it was fun to follow the quirky antics of a young woman determined to forge her way into the world as an independent modern day chicken rancher. That unto itself is funny. To me. And, to the real ranchers in her story. I wonder if there are actual chicken ranchers in Wyoming? I know that here in the northeast, there’s a chicken farm with a large sign out front that says, “45,000 employees” meaning…of course, the chickens. I’m thinking of becoming a vegetarian thanks to personifying the little fellas. Maybe it’s a chicken thing, but the chicken theme really ads to the story! There’s humor laced throughout, giving this serious subject of solving an old missing person with real life practical thinking on the parts of so many of the characters.
The steadfast quintessential cowboy-next-door pulled me into thinking that I wouldn’t mind meeting him. I liked that he wasn’t THE best looking or successful, but he was lovable, steadfast and true to his family. It represents the Midwest as it’s known with integrity and a stubborn determinism. We’re not sure throughout the story if Luke is in fact as honest and forthright as he seems, but it’s fun to feel Libby’s doubt as she canters (horse term. Pun intended) around, trying to decide her hormones and her new life herding chickens…and puppies.
The writing is fun and funny. Joanne’s smart humor was evident in such snappy thought provoking banter as page 213, paragraph 11 (what? You didn’t think I’d give away a twist did you?). Or, how about, “Cuddling was gateway sex.” Classic, and memorable.
The trouble for cowboys? There aren’t enough good women. After reading this fun ride of a first novel, the fairer sex may just start traveling to where the deer and the antelope play.
Cowboy Trouble showcases down-to-earth people and a pragmatic mystery to boot. The teaser for One Fine Cowboy at the end did leave me a little frustrated for one reason. It’s not coming out until April 2011! Damn it.
I never read western’s but JK’s debut novel has me thinking about chaps & Stetson’s and not the Dallas kind. The characters in the next novel are already aligned with a consistently snarky ride (thanks for the word Sheila Roberts!)…..throughout the love lives of a Wyoming summer.
I look forward to reading more from this author with the security that she “gets” human personality from every angle. Not everyone is as they seem at first. Ain’t that the truth! And Joanne Kennedy nails this human quality. This book has a 2 thumbs up good juju romance with more to look forward to.
Happy Reading
Karen
Cowboy Trouble brings the reader to the new west. From early on, I felt the dust in my hair and could feel the dry intensity of the Wyoming sun. Kennedy’s description of the lazy town of Lackaduck sets the tone for the heroine to experience her first independent adventure as an investigative reporter.
I love that Kennedy created main and minor characters that had strengths but also realistic flaws. Without giving away the entwined mystery of the story, it was fun to follow the quirky antics of a young woman determined to forge her way into the world as an independent modern day chicken rancher. That unto itself is funny. To me. And, to the real ranchers in her story. I wonder if there are actual chicken ranchers in Wyoming? I know that here in the northeast, there’s a chicken farm with a large sign out front that says, “45,000 employees” meaning…of course, the chickens. I’m thinking of becoming a vegetarian thanks to personifying the little fellas. Maybe it’s a chicken thing, but the chicken theme really ads to the story! There’s humor laced throughout, giving this serious subject of solving an old missing person with real life practical thinking on the parts of so many of the characters.
The steadfast quintessential cowboy-next-door pulled me into thinking that I wouldn’t mind meeting him. I liked that he wasn’t THE best looking or successful, but he was lovable, steadfast and true to his family. It represents the Midwest as it’s known with integrity and a stubborn determinism. We’re not sure throughout the story if Luke is in fact as honest and forthright as he seems, but it’s fun to feel Libby’s doubt as she canters (horse term. Pun intended) around, trying to decide her hormones and her new life herding chickens…and puppies.
The writing is fun and funny. Joanne’s smart humor was evident in such snappy thought provoking banter as page 213, paragraph 11 (what? You didn’t think I’d give away a twist did you?). Or, how about, “Cuddling was gateway sex.” Classic, and memorable.
The trouble for cowboys? There aren’t enough good women. After reading this fun ride of a first novel, the fairer sex may just start traveling to where the deer and the antelope play.
Cowboy Trouble showcases down-to-earth people and a pragmatic mystery to boot. The teaser for One Fine Cowboy at the end did leave me a little frustrated for one reason. It’s not coming out until April 2011! Damn it.
I never read western’s but JK’s debut novel has me thinking about chaps & Stetson’s and not the Dallas kind. The characters in the next novel are already aligned with a consistently snarky ride (thanks for the word Sheila Roberts!)…..throughout the love lives of a Wyoming summer.
I look forward to reading more from this author with the security that she “gets” human personality from every angle. Not everyone is as they seem at first. Ain’t that the truth! And Joanne Kennedy nails this human quality. This book has a 2 thumbs up good juju romance with more to look forward to.
Happy Reading
Karen
Monday, August 2, 2010
GoodJujuRomance or What I Like About You...'re [book]..
This is going to be short & sweet. I'm sick of bloggers & critics ripping to shreds someone's hard work just 'cause they are either 1. frustrated, can't be published themselves authors or 2. power hungry nasty people or 3. book snobs or 4. just mean. 5. of course,....is all of the above.
This is a blog about what I LIKEd about a book. If I don't have anything good to say...I'm not saying anything. There's always something good in every book...no matter what. There are the people mentioned above who will want to dispute that. My advice to them is go for it! But, think about this...EVERYthing I say, or they say...is completely subjective! It's our opinion and nothing more.
Now....who am I that I want to write this? In short, a member of RWA, an unpubbed author of women's fiction with a love of ALL avenues down the romance genre....and a positive psychology life coach. I'm also working on my PhD in psychology (studying human strengths, happiness and other positive personality traits). And.....I have a master's degree in community psychology, plus teach personality theory & positive psychology at a university in NY.
So.....I think I have a pretty tight handle on what draws a reader into human emotion, motivation and of course, behavior. Now, I'm putting that to work for my LOVE of reading romance novels.
Like the song says, NOBODY does it better! Making us feel positive human emotions....than an author of a good strong romance novel. So.....that's about it. This blog is in it's infancy & will grow or expand with every book read.
IF you want me to read & review your book...don't expect the "He man She Haters club here!" If I don't like parts of it......send it to your local university Literature Professor....let them tear it up. I teach psych....I focus on what's good about something.....which can help people to keep writing more of that good juju.
I know from my research & dissertation work that when we broaden our experiences of good emotion, we build on our strengths of continuing in that way of working/thinking/living. And, when someone lives in the negative juju life offers us....they forever stay wallowing in it...like a swamp thing.
I stay to the light. ;p
So...if you want to send me your book....just drop me an email.
karenhenry@karenhenrycoaching.com
I'll read it. I have to warn you though....I just got back from RWA Nationals....with 70 books ready to be read.
Finally, IF you don't like my way of doing things...or thinking....or reviewing...here's the magic of the www.... CLICK on another page! In the now infamous words of Howard Stern, "If you don't like me...change the channel". I agree with Howard on this one.
BUT...for all of you who are as tired of the "haters" as I am.....stay tuned or add comments on what YOU liked about the books I'm writing about....I'm happy to have you on board!
OH...BTW...in case you think I'm some Dana Carvey/Church Lady/Pollyanna type. You'd be wrong. One of my favorite authors, Sheila Roberts uses this GREAT word. Snarky. Well, that's me. Snarky, sometime sarcastic, always a bit raunchy....very much a realist....and forever automatically thinking how can I change the world so the mean girls stop winning this game of life?
I will use the word "chick", question everything.....that's what I do.....and occationally use a foul-potty-mouth word for the power behind it. When used appropriately, they really do pack a punch. So....just know...I'm a woman next door type, but welcome all walks of life. I don't normally read some sub-genres...like inspirationals...but if it's good....it's good and who cares what the political views of the writer are. That's NOT what this is about.
So....for some fun.....good reading....and celebration of all romance authors everywhere.....here I go.
It is With Love that I write this blog,
Karen
This is a blog about what I LIKEd about a book. If I don't have anything good to say...I'm not saying anything. There's always something good in every book...no matter what. There are the people mentioned above who will want to dispute that. My advice to them is go for it! But, think about this...EVERYthing I say, or they say...is completely subjective! It's our opinion and nothing more.
Now....who am I that I want to write this? In short, a member of RWA, an unpubbed author of women's fiction with a love of ALL avenues down the romance genre....and a positive psychology life coach. I'm also working on my PhD in psychology (studying human strengths, happiness and other positive personality traits). And.....I have a master's degree in community psychology, plus teach personality theory & positive psychology at a university in NY.
So.....I think I have a pretty tight handle on what draws a reader into human emotion, motivation and of course, behavior. Now, I'm putting that to work for my LOVE of reading romance novels.
Like the song says, NOBODY does it better! Making us feel positive human emotions....than an author of a good strong romance novel. So.....that's about it. This blog is in it's infancy & will grow or expand with every book read.
IF you want me to read & review your book...don't expect the "He man She Haters club here!" If I don't like parts of it......send it to your local university Literature Professor....let them tear it up. I teach psych....I focus on what's good about something.....which can help people to keep writing more of that good juju.
I know from my research & dissertation work that when we broaden our experiences of good emotion, we build on our strengths of continuing in that way of working/thinking/living. And, when someone lives in the negative juju life offers us....they forever stay wallowing in it...like a swamp thing.
I stay to the light. ;p
So...if you want to send me your book....just drop me an email.
karenhenry@karenhenrycoaching.com
I'll read it. I have to warn you though....I just got back from RWA Nationals....with 70 books ready to be read.
Finally, IF you don't like my way of doing things...or thinking....or reviewing...here's the magic of the www.... CLICK on another page! In the now infamous words of Howard Stern, "If you don't like me...change the channel". I agree with Howard on this one.
BUT...for all of you who are as tired of the "haters" as I am.....stay tuned or add comments on what YOU liked about the books I'm writing about....I'm happy to have you on board!
OH...BTW...in case you think I'm some Dana Carvey/Church Lady/Pollyanna type. You'd be wrong. One of my favorite authors, Sheila Roberts uses this GREAT word. Snarky. Well, that's me. Snarky, sometime sarcastic, always a bit raunchy....very much a realist....and forever automatically thinking how can I change the world so the mean girls stop winning this game of life?
I will use the word "chick", question everything.....that's what I do.....and occationally use a foul-potty-mouth word for the power behind it. When used appropriately, they really do pack a punch. So....just know...I'm a woman next door type, but welcome all walks of life. I don't normally read some sub-genres...like inspirationals...but if it's good....it's good and who cares what the political views of the writer are. That's NOT what this is about.
So....for some fun.....good reading....and celebration of all romance authors everywhere.....here I go.
It is With Love that I write this blog,
Karen
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