Welcome to BOOKS MATTER!
To the right you can click on the latest episode in my series on How To Write A Damn Good Novel, in which most of the thoughts, you’ll be relieved to hear, come from other writers – modern crime writers such as Ian Rankin, Peter Lovesey, Mike Jecks and others; earlier ones like Raymond Chandler and Patricia Highsmith; plus some thoughts thrown in from non-crime writers, John Steinbeck, Anthony Trollope and others.
This week, how do crime writers Ian Rankin and Natasha Cooper start their working day? (With an appealing afterthought from Leslie Glaister.)
Also to the right you’ll see links to several other strands:
About Me - which, if nothing else, is refreshingly short
An eBook Diary - trials & tribulations for beginners in the field
Some attractive Ephemera of the Book Trade
Have You Met? (some odd characters)
a few Jottings from previous blogs
a selection of Victorian Writers & Poets
and some comments on the writers’ life, collated as We Writers
This remains a blog for writers and readers, people who love books. (Though if you do want to know a little more about me, check my website at http://russelljamesbooks.wordpress.com/ ).
Whatever else you do, please check back in to BOOKS MATTER from time to time. You never know what you’ll find.
Russell James
A beacon of light in a dim world! When so many blogs insult the intelligence, the auguries are good for this one…
barry6
April 19, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Best of luck with the blog. I am a fan of your Great British Fictional Detectives
Martin Edwards
April 20, 2010 at 6:39 pm
There’ll be plenty on How To Write here in the coming weeks. Don’t feel shy about contributing your own tips – or, indeed, your questions!
booksmatter
April 20, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Seems an ideal site to browse with one’s early morning cup of tea or late night whisky. Best of luck.
David Stuart Davies
David Stuart Davies
April 24, 2010 at 6:00 am
I stumbled across this blog and thought I would ask a question. I am not a reader, I am sad to say, despite coming from a family of avid readers. I don’t know whether it is a time issue, a commitment/priority issue or whether it’s something to do with when I do have the inclination to read I just don’t get the urge to read on. So, how, as a writer, can you whet the appetite of the reader and entice them to read on? And, sorry 2 questions, do you have any suggestions of books which grip the reader straight away and you just can’t put down? I’d love to have some books I can get stuck into this summer, so all suggestions gratefully received!
Sarah Dodd
April 28, 2010 at 8:21 pm
I’d really need a Q&A session with you – to get some idea where to start! The trick is to read what might entertain and interest you, not what you feel you ought to read. We all like different things, and there’s no reason for you to like what I or anyone else likes. What books did you really love as a kid? Could you re-read or continue from there (same author, same subject, etc.)? What ARE your interests (hobbies, places, job, etc.)? But also . . . give yourself a chance: set aside some time to read at leisure, not in a rush – and nothing too daunting! Read while you’re awake, not as you’re about to drop off in bed or are too tired to do anything else.
And you’re allowed to read books with pictures!
Russell James
April 29, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Thanks, Russell, for your great tips! Food for thought, and I’ll get thinking and reading! I’ll let you know how I get on…
Sarah Dodd
April 29, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Sarah
I too come from a family of avid readers, however I have caught the reading bug! Personally, I love crime books of all genres. I find that when I find a book that hooks me, I’m gripped from beginning until the final page is turned and can’t put it down. My husband is not from a family of book readers – he does however love books, but only those with lots of pictures and not too many words!
So, I’d agree with Russell, choose a genre or subject that you enjoy and find some space and time to read it. If it doesn’t grip you from the start then put it down and try something else. Don’t feel you have to persevere with, just cos you have started it.
Kate the Owl
Kate the Owl
April 29, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Owls read at night, ‘cos night-time is the right time.
Russell James
April 29, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Good luck with the new blog, Russell. It’s still a little ‘busy’ for my taste (I’d prefer more white space), but it’s much better than it was before. I refer only to the design, the look of the thing; there is nothing wrong at all with the content. I’m sure you’ll have many correspondents and readers with the new look
John Baker
November 7, 2011 at 8:19 pm