Candice Hughes

Summer is traditionally a time when people think of kicking back on warm sand under a blue sky with a great book. The Wall Street Journal (this past Friday) published the largest print runs of the season (which clearly indicate what the publishing industry believes large numbers of people will be reading).

Janet Evanovich’s upcoming novel, Sizzling Sixteen, came out on top with a print run of 2.5 million. When you consider that a successful book sells 5,000 copies, the print run for Sizzling Sixteen is astounding. Of course, the article goes on to mention that Janet’s summer 2009 novel in her Stephanie Plum series sold nearly a million copies. Clearly her track records suggests outstanding sales this summer.

I had the pleasure of hearing Janet speak at last year’s RWA National conference. She gave the audience snippets of her journey as a writer that were both witty and touching. She was passionate about writing, thrilled to have many fans, yet humbled by her view from the top. All this as she hobbled around the stage on a broken foot. Imagine what she’s like when not weighed down by an appendage encased in a cement-like block.

Janet’s new book comes out later this month.

As part of my current summer reading, I’ve finally gotten my hands on the third and last Stieg Larrson book. I will be happily devouring it, while despairing all the while that there will never be another one.

After completing “The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins, I spent some time thinking about the techniques Collins used to create this early thriller/suspense story. CAUTION: May contain spoilers.

First, it was helpful that the novel was serialized. This likely pushed Collins to provide a cliffhanger ending for each installation. When read as a complete novel, the reader still enjoys the roller coaster ride where the hero and heroines are pushed into a tighter and tighter box by one disaster after another. With each set back, the villains gain until the hero and heroines have lost nearly everything and absolute success seems assured for the villains.

While the pace is slower than is currently in vogue and some circumstances could not occur with today’s technology, the plot twits and turns still hold the reader enthralled, pushing on and on to see how the “good guys” could possibly get out of their dilemma. Collins gives the hero and heroines no rest, driving them in one case to the brink of insanity. His characters are well drawn and realistic. His portrayal of society in the 1800′s and of the physical environment seems authentic and sufficient for the reader to feel settled in that time period.

One unusual aspect is Collin’s use of numerous narrators. This technique allows him to give the readers knowledge of the unfolding plot even when none of the heroines nor the hero are present. The alternative would be an omniscient narrator. I believe the unusual choice gives the story more immediacy. In Collin’s hands, these narrator switches are not distracting.

Collins is also adept at understanding the psychology of his characters. This is particularly evident in the “villains” self-justification for their misdeeds.

The only potential flaws are a few situations that one could argue are a bit too coincidental. However, these never stretch the boundaries to the point where the situation would be judged absurd. They are more than balanced out by the novels relentless destruction of the hero and heroines, which progresses from the beginning to nearly the end of the novel.

Recently I read the first two Stieg Larsson detective novels. I had to wait weeks for each one at my local library because the waiting list was pretty long.

I believe one reason these novels are so popular is the female protagonist. Mr. Larsson created a very engaging and unusual female character, Lisbeth. I admit I liked her much better than the male protagonist. What makes her so interesting? I feel the whole constellation of traits, particularly her intelligence combined with her anti-social behavior (bordering on Asperger’s syndrome). Some people debate whether a man can create an accurate female character or a woman an accurate male character. I feel Larsson has done an excellent job with Lisbeth. Lisbeth may not be a “girly girl”, but she is believable as a female character. One aspect Larsson gets right is Lisbeth’s emotional involvement with people in her life. In contrast, his male protagonist (Blomkvist) often seems disconnected with people around him.

I am still waiting for the third book (another long long list of readers). Interest in reading these books is still amazingly strong. I was motivated to read the first book after observing a woman buying five copies of the first book at a large  (to be unnamed) book store.

The saddest part of the story is that Stieg Larsson is no longer with us to keep the story going. I can only imagine what other fantastic books he’d had written if he’d had time.

Bookmarked: The Last Oracle by James Rollins and The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Recently, I’ve been reading two fantastic books. I just completed The Last Oracle by James Rollins. This is a great thriller- fast paced with engaging characters. In brief (without ruining the story), the plot involves a search for the Oracle of Delphi that manages to tie in Russia, nuclear accidents, India, gypsies, and children with supernormal abilities. If all that sounds like a tall order, don’t worry, it all ties together and keep you totally entertained, I promise. What I loved about this book (beside the non-stop action) was how Rollins blended science, history and a present crises for a potent, intriguing dilemma. This is just the sort of mix I find fascinating and what I brew up in my novels. What will really get you with this book is that the characters come to life and by the end, you may want your tissue box nearby even if, like me, you don’t cry at the drop of a hat (that’s as much as I’ll say on the ending). I picked up this book after hearing James Rollins speak at Thrillerfest and enjoying his presentation. So, this is my plug for Thrillerfest. Not only will you learn from amazing writers, you’ll find favorite books as well.

The next book I recommend is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I was given this book by a family member who thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I have to give a disclaimer that I have not yet finished the book (although I assure you, I could sit here the rest of the day and finish the last hundred pages or so, but I might then to wander around in dirty clothes the rest of the week). The characters in this book seem so real you are expecting them to tap you on the shoulder and sit down for coffee in your kitchen. The situations they find themselves in and they way they tell their stories keep you on the edge of your seat and reaching for the tissue box (I went through a LOT of tissues this week, let me tell you). Even though the book hits smack on a difficult issue (racial relations in the mid-1900s America, deep in the heart of Mississippi), this book draws you into that world and holds you there. There is no preaching or posturing, just laying open lives.

If you want to fine-tune your writing craft or just want an amazing reading experience, either of these novels will be a great choice.

Bookmarked: Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith and The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross

The memory of the writer’s conferences I attended this summer is being keep alive and well by the large (behemoth, really) stack of books that now rests on my dining room table due to lack of other suitable home.

If I were able to read as quickly as Katherine Neville, who at ThrillerFest said she could finish a novel in a couple of hours, I would have chewed through the stacks quickly. Sadly, let’s just say when it comes to reading I am “differently talented” than Ms. Neville. I have a secret though. My husband does in fact read a novel in hours and knows what sorts of books I like. So (I’m sure you can see where this is headed…) I cheat by letting him pre-screen all the books for me. I prefer to think of this as efficient and effective time use.

Let me tell you about one book we both enjoyed., Dark Time, Mortal Path by Dakota Banks. First, I should say we read an advance review copy so I don’t know if it’s for sale yet. Getting these copies is a GREAT perk of attending the conferences! Mortal Path is about a human forced to work for a demon. (I love demons so much, I have one in my book too so that was an instant connection!) The pacing in this book is spot on. I definetly wanted to keep turning pages. The female protagonist is a kick butt type of gal, which is another big plus for me as a reader. Finally, the book ends on an absolute cliffhanger. The book is marked as number one in a series so the ending did it’s job of making me want to look for the next book. Which makes me wonder at advice I received somewhere that writers should never end their novels on a cliffhanger. Well, the cliffhanger ending worked for me in this book so I’m wondering now about the advice. If you enjoy paranormal/fantasy thrillers, you may want to look for a copy of Mortal Path Book 1.

For anyone who has missed it, Elisabeth Sifton has an essay in The Nation this week (The Long Goodbye? The Book Business and its Woes). Her experience in the industry spans decades giving her a rare perspective. She expresses frustration and sadness at the many changes in the industry, particularly the consolidation and transformation to what she describes as a poorly functioning profit-focused model. She declaims the lack of interest of those running publishing companies in their products and product generators (books and writers). Her essay is well worth reading.

I know so many people who are passionate about books. A good number of these people are young- just the sort of readers the industry needs because they have many years of book buying ahead of them. I’ve seen tweens drooling over catalogues of books at libraries. They aren’t shy about putting in requests for book orders with their librarians. Recently when I commented on how teens/children may soon be reading text books on the Kindle, one groaned and told me he certainly didn’t want his books on one.

Books as objects have a special power. Think of magic books like in Harry Potter. Would it work to have a magician’s blog? How about books so controversial they’re banned. I have an early edition Orlando by Virginia Woolf. The cover is stamped, “Not to be introduced into the British Empire.” Woolf’s book provoked thought and discussion. It served it’s purpose. How does one ban a web site or a blog for offending sensibilities? Except for the most egregious offenders, few web sites or blogs are removed. Electronic words are more accessible and more pervasive yet Web sites and blogs simply have less psychological power than books in my opinion- even though all are based on words and all attract readers and discussion. Somehow being intangible dilutes the power of the words. Imagine holding up a print out of a blog as one shouts about its seditiousness. Or maybe one would bring a laptop on the podium and (shudder) display it with PowerPoint?

While I welcome and embrace electronic media (I am a true techie at heart), I think books retain their magic. Why, I wonder, can’t electronic media and books continue to live in harmony? Each will serve it’s purpose.

I had seen Ian Rankin’s stories on PBS. I love the PBS mystery series! Moving with my usual lightening speed (OK, more like static electricity) I have finally (several years later) gotten a couple of his books and read them.

The first thing I thought was “Wow!” these books definitely have “It”. When agents and editors tell a writer they’re looking for a book that has “It” or that they’ll know “It” when they see “It”, some writers may think this is a polite way of saying “Look, I don’t like the color of your shirt, your haircut, etc.”  I don’t. I believe in “It”.

I also believe Ian Rankin’s books have “It”.

So, that said, what is the “It” that these books have? Good question. One of those blue book questions that have no right answer. Here are some of my thoughts on what “It” is for me.

Dialogue: Rankin’s dialogue captures the essence of ordinary conversation. How do I know? Because I don’t notice that it’s dialogue. It just flows.

Characters: I can picture the people in his books. I can hear them talking. And I don’t even live in the UK. I’ve only been to London once. OK, I confess, I do listen to the BBC, watch PBS and work with people in the UK but I don’t believe that has anything to do with my understanding of the characters. I believe anyone can feel as though they know his characters. What’s more, he doesn’t spend pages and pages telling you about every hair on their head and wrinkle on their face. No, it’s a few lines every so often. That’s it.

Plot: I just can’t fall in love with any book without a strong plot. I am an adrenaline junky that needs a galloping plot. Rankin’s book deliver on plot. The charaters face problems that escalate. These are realistic problems an officer of the law could face. The main character, Rebus, works through the problems using feasible solutions. He doesn’t interpret every clue right away. He fails sometimes. This seems to me as close to real life as you can get.

I have one confession as far as Rankin’s books go. Reality is harsh. Rebus’ life is harsh. Often I prefer books that end more pleasantly. Ones where I can close the book humming to myself and think “at least someone’s life is moving along cheerfully.” You won’t feel that way with Rankin’s books. But you won’t care. You will just say, “Oh, that was good!”

So, if you are a writer questioning the existence of “It”, pick up one of Rankin’s books. See if you feel “It”.

After hearing a number of people endorse On Writing by Stephen King, I finally got a copy from my local library.

I found this book to be as good as I’d heard it was. It’s a mix of memoir and advice for writers on honing their craft. It’s engaging and entertaining. In fact, it soars all the way into the inspiring category. So when I’m moping about thinking “There’s 100 e-mails related to my pharmaceutical project sitting in the in-box, I’m double booked for a doctor’s appointment and soccer in separate towns half an hour apart, the sink is full of dirty dishes and the cat box hasn’t been emptied in a week”- I can think back on King managing to write after a full day of laundering maggot-ridden table clothes. Even better- that he managed to write this book after having his bones cracked up following a run-in with a van. He couldn’t even walk but still managed to type out this amazing book that has the sole purpose of improving other writers who can then try to sell books competing with his own (assuming that there could actually be competition between a book with the Stephen King label and any other book not so labeled.)

If you aren’t a writer, you will run screaming from this book, hoping that the psychosis isn’t contagious. If you are a writer, you will nod reverently and say “Amen.” Then you’ll scurry to your word processer and start typing.