A writing friend from camp (KDWC) is starting a new blog all about books and writing and such things. Now, since this blog is also all about writing, and books and such things, I thought I’d let my readers know about the new blog. But I wasn’t sure how. I looked at all the options Esther was giving and one of them said “Interview”. So I asked if I interviewed her or if she interviewed me. She said we could do either, so I said, “We could have a conversation!”

And so we did. And just because it was fun, here’s the conversation. Well, not all of it. You see, if you want to read the rest of it, you’ll have to visit Esther’s blog. (I had to find someway to get you over there. 🙂 )

[Rebekah]
We need to have a conversation! 😀

[Esther]
And one supposes it should be about books and reading (mom likes your sense of humor)

[Rebekah]
(Tell her thanks.)
Yes, I suppose we should talk about books, reading, writing, all things book related, really. We could even get into covers if we wanted.
Hardcover, paperback, kindle.
Such a wide range here.

[Esther]
On my bed or in a hammock outside. It depends on the weather, but I’ll read anywhere.

Apologies. We’re driving and are about to reach our destination, I’ll be back around 2.

[Rebekah]
No problem. I’ll think of more questions and you can do the same.
Which time zone are you in? I’m in CT.
Just wasn’t sure which time zone this 2 was in.

[Esther]
Got away earlier than I expected cause we’ve Ice cream! On the first Tuesday of the month we bring food from one food pantry to the local one. I’m also in CT

[Rebekah]
Neat.
I can’t read outside very much. I get too distracted.

[Esther]
I only do it on days when nothing is happening.

[Rebekah]
Even the birds or squirrels distract me.
If you had four books a Romance, a Historical Fiction, a Cozy Mystery, or a Fantasy, which would you be most likely to pick up first?

[Esther]
If it was from an author completely new to me Fantasy, otherwise it’d depend on the author. Do you ever choose to read books based only on their cover?

[Rebekah]
Yes. I think I do that more often with books on my kindle because I don’t usually remember what the book is about so I only have the cover or the author name to go off of.
What’s your favorite place to purchase books?

[Esther]
The thrift store, (Salvation Army in KC most frequently) B&N, (We got gift card to there for birthdays), and I just ordered from Alibris for the first time and so far it’s been super nice.
When you get books as gifts do you prefer to be surprised or give the buyer a list?

[Rebekah]
That would probably depend on who was giving me books. I love reading new books it’s fun to be surprised, but most of the time people don’t know what I want so I have to make a list.
I like thrift stores for book buying too. And Alibris. I also like getting books from Paperback Swap. They don’t have as many books as I’m wanting, but sometimes they show up, and that’s always fun.

[Esther]
I’m too much of collector to have thought much about Paperback Swap, but I do have a couple paperbacks I don’t want (and a hardback) so maybe I should look into it.

[Rebekah]
Paperback Swap does hardcovers and paperbacks. And you can put a requirement that any books you pick need to match the cover image shown.
Do you like paperbacks or hardcovers best? Or does you care?

[Esther]
I don’t care they both have their places and their books that are only published in that format.
I have a single book from a series that recently got a set of new covers and I entered the giveaway for the whole set of the new ones. I didn’t win, but I had a fun time thinking if I did I could put the new cover of the book I had in the thrift store.

[Rebekah]
That is fun. I have a couple series where all the books match except one or maybe two. Sometimes I think I should get the matching ones, but then I’d rather spend my money on new books.

[Esther]
I don’t understand people who buy multiple copies of a book and then don’t read them or gift them. Why??? Don’t they know that they could have more stories, but then I read all of the books I read or at the very least plan on reading them.
How do you get out of slumps in reading or writing?

[Rebekah]
I don’t understand that either!

Let’s see, reading slumps first. I usually try to figure out if it’s because I’ve been reading books that aren’t that great. If so, I’ll pick up one of my go to books and that usually fixes things. Other times I find I’m just so busy that I don’t feel I have time to read and fully enjoy a book, so I don’t read. Then I tend to pick up a book I’ve read over and over, and just read favorite parts or even the whole thing a little at a time.

Now writing slumps are a bit different. I’ve learned over the years that my desire to write is affected by many things. Sometimes I’m too busy, sometimes I’m too tired, sometimes I just finished one story and my brain says it needs a break. If it’s none of those, I might try one of these things:

• Play the piano
• Take a day off
• Force myself to write at least one sentence (or two) before going and doing something else
• Work on writing a different story
• Start writing a totally new story
• Read a good book

Usually one of those things will fix the problem if I’m not just too overwhelmed by other things.
What time of day do you like to write best?

---

To read Esther’s answer and the rest of the conversation, visit The Lost Review of Odd Books.

---

Do you enjoy book reviews? Did you enjoy this conversation? Are you heading over to read the rest of it?