There’s something about January that has me grabbing the bigger books in the evenings. Something that takes two hands to hold, and a weighty one at that. I love epics; I truly do. I remember reading them in my teens and early twenties, and not being able to put them down. Recently, I’ve started a James Michener novel, and this lovely story surpasses the 900 page-mark. I’m loving it! His storytelling is manna for my soul. And surprisingly, my daughters must be of the same mind-set, cause they’re both tackling longer stories as well for the winter nights.
One element I love about this story is its originality. The book I’m reading is titled The Source, and takes place on an archaeology dig. During the telling, the author weaves a story for each layer of the dig; a glimpse into past eras of the ancient city. This story is a history of the Jews and I’m hooked. I thought the idea quite unique, and his execution is flawless.
Over the years, I might not remember all the stories I’ve read but when an original theme crops up I find those are the ones I carry with me. They’re the eye-catchers, and I see why editors and agents know when such a project lands on their desks. The, “I’ll know it when I see it,” statement we all read so much about…I get that. And for the professionals, the original stories they crave can be discovered in any genre, any word-count.
I’ve read interviews in the past on Michener, and to say he lived an interesting life is mild indeed. His childhood was poverty-stricken, but he had a strong mind and a desire to learn. He never knew his parents and was raised by a Quaker woman. Money wasn’t as important to him, but experiencing life was. His first book was published at 40, and he won the Pulitzer for Tales Of The South Pacific. Success found him, and he didn’t take the beaten path to find it. I rather love that. On a note, this man worked 7 days a week, usually 10 hr days. He gave up a lot, but left beautiful works behind on his 90 year-old journey.
Edie made a comment in her blog last week that Writer’s Write. It’s as simple as that. I’m curious, what author’s true-life story last captivated you? What are you reading during the long winter nights?
J.K. Rowling! Sherrilyn Kenyon. Their stories inspire me. It wasn’t easy for them, but they did it anyway.
I’m reading all over the place. I have a Regency, a paranormal and a mainstream book in my reading. I’ve also been reading a lot of recipes on Allrecipes. Love that site.
LaDonna,
I have kept every James Michener book I’ve read and most I’ve read more than once. After I’d done all my studying and was totally drained right before I had to do my orals for my graduate degree, I picked up a Michener novel, Centennial, it was, and read it in 3 days. Nothing to do with my area to defend but relaxed me enough to defend my thesis well.
I’ve read The Source twice. Loved it. Another author I enjoy writing big books with big stories who was writing when Michener was is James Clavell. Great story teller. His Whirlpool comes to mind as I read today’s headlines about the mideast situation.
Authors who inspire me today? Those who aren’t published yet, but still keep focused on writing. No matter what. Edie is one of them;another is Liz.
Of those published, the ones who get two to three books out a year. And as Edie mentioned, Sherrilyn Kenyon who was so inspiring when I heard her speak last summer about her dark times just before her big break. But she never quit writing.
Oh that’s really cool. He wrote 10 hr days, you mean? Wow, I’m going to have to check him out, for sure.
Edie, great authors to admire! And like you, I have the one novel I’m reading, and two non-fictions I grab on the side. I’m in a “feast” mode.
Mary Jo, how fabulous that you are a Michener fan!
And too, you gave me the gift of another author’s name today. I’ve never read James Clavell, but definitely will be doing so. I had to smile at your mention of Centennial. My hubby’s b-day is in Jan, and I bought the mini-series for him. We have one more episode left, and I hate leaving that town and its people!
And I love your list of authors who inspire you. Edie and Liz are the best, and totally get the word perseverance. I also heard Sherrilyn speak once, and it was very moving. A great story about not quitting!
Hey, Spy! Yep, from what I’ve read he was a truly focused writer and knew what it meant. He walked the talk.
Gotta love a guy like that; John Wayne as a writer!
Never read Michener … could never really get into his stuff, but I’ve read John Jakes when I was in my twenties and loved his stuff. I’ve also been reading a series called the “Wheel of Time” by Robert Jordan since the late 70s (that man took FOREVER to come out with the next in the series … and then went up and died!) Fortunately his widow and editor contracted another author to complete the series. But his work is a huge sweeping fantasy.
Right now I’m reading all over the place. Have a couple of favorite authors whose work I’m devouring and a couple of new authors I’m dying to check out.
I get in the mood for long books in the summer, actually. (That’s usually when I read my Jilly Coopers.) I think my favourite supa-long book is A Suitable Boy. Fantastic from start to long finish.
I like reading about my fave authors, but they rarely have super exciting lives. I just enjoy reading how they wrote, or what they thought of their books, etc.
Liz, I love John Jakes! And the Wheel of Time is a series I’ve wanted to start, but haven’t yet. One day, I will.
Like you, I love when a new author crosses my path!
London, thanks for the book title and author name. I’ll have to check them out.
And I hear ya on the author insights. Once in awhile, I’m bowled over by a writer’s circumstances and difficult path. Those stories are inspiration for everyone to see. And like you, it’s interesting to read about what they feel about their stories, and the process.