Actually since I started writing full time, Mondays don’t have their once-depressing effect on me. Or perhaps that’s because these days, work is pretty well seven days a week! But it’s a terrifically rainy day today here in
Australia and I’m having trouble settling down to doing anything serious when it comes to productivity.
Why?
Because rainy days are indelibly associated in my mind with curling up in a nice cosy spot and getting out a pile of good books! There’s something wonderful when it’s wet and miserable outside about finding that special spot (generally stretched out on my lovely comfy sofa in the lounge) and losing myself in story magic.
Do I want to plug on with my work in progress? No, I don’t. I want to reach for the books on the tottering to-be-read pile. I want to luxuriate in arrogant Regency rakes and sexy, darkly romantic vampires and stalwart but sexy cops in Texas who are sure to save the heroine from the baddie! Not to mention the sheikhs and the tycoons and the Greeks and Italians who stalk through Presents titles.
What’s your ideal situation for reading? Do you like a book on the beach in the sun or an audiobook on a long car trip or do you like curling up in front of a fire to read something hot?
Speaking of books to curl up with, don't miss the contest Christine Wells and I are currently running. Just tell us which historical romance heroine you would be and you're in the running for some great prizes including a signed hardcover copy of Untouched, an ARC of Christine's next release, The Dangerous Duke, a signed copy of Scandal's Daughter, a beautiful diary and a stack of signed coverflats. You can find an excerpt of The Dangerous Duke here. Contest details at www.annacampbell.info/contest.html.
Actually since I started writing full time, Mondays don’t have their once-depressing effect on me. Or perhaps that’s because these days, work is pretty well seven days a week! But it’s a terrifically rainy day today here in 
23 comments:
Hi Anna! Snuggling up with the TBR pile sounds like a great idea. What book might you read if you did? I know you, though, dedicated as you are, you'll be hammering out those pages, rain hail or shine.
Thanks for mentioning our contest. It's so interesting reading everyone's responses, isn't it?
Christine, the book that's screaming for me to read it at the moment is Anne Gracie's new THE STOLEN PRINCESS. I love her work - she does a wonderful mixture of laughter and tears that is unique. And this book looks like a really luscious read. But sadly, there are pages I need to do first! ;-)
We've had some amazing responses to the comp so far. Interesting to see who readers admire and wish to emulate!
Rainy Days and Mondays;
Sunny Days and Sundays;
Any weather and any day is a good day to lounge about and read...IMO.
I've never tried audio books in the car. I think that would be dangerous for me. I would get too wrapped up in it and forget to drive and that's a bad thing. But when I travel, I am always sure to take along enough books to last the duration of my trip.
Rainy Days and Mondays...ah, the Carpenters...
Hmmm, where I most like to read? Probably much like you, on a comfy couch or recliner in the sitting room with either a delicious cup of coffee or a nicely chilled chardonnay near to hand. That would be my favourite. Second favourite is propped up on my little beach chair, under a sun umbrella, at the beach (especially at any of the inner harbour islands) with a bottle of water handy when the words get a little too hot :-) Third favourite place would be in the bath on a rainy day. Coincidentally, it's raining (finally!) here in Auckland today...
I, too, have Anne Gracie's THE STOLEN PRINCESS on my TBR pile, but yes, like you, there are other demands on my time (RITA judging anyone?) including starting my next book which must take precedence and Anne's books aren't the type that I'm happy to read in snatches. You know, like twenty minutes in the car while the kids are at physio, or waiting for them to come out of school. I want to WALLOW in it! LOL!
Karen, thanks for popping by. Actually, I've never listened to an audiobook (too much fun doing it the old-fashioned way!). But a good friend of mine was teaching in Mt Isa way, way out in the outback and of course, it meant long, long car trips. So she swore by audiobooks to keep her alert on the long, straight, empty roads.
And I'm with you on the any weather is good reading time stuff! But I must admit there's something special for me about curling up on a rainy day and just losing myself in a book.
Oh, Yvonne, how could I have forgotten reading in the bath? Mind you, I'm always careful that the books are mind when I do that or else they get wrecked and I hate doing that to someone else's property. But there's something so relaxing. I have the radio on and, as you say, a cup or a glass of something, and I just drift away. Fantastic way to pass the time! Thanks for dropping by, my friend! By the way, love the sound of the islands...
I love curling up in bed on a dark and stormy night with the doona pulled up around my shoulders and one of the books from my to-be-read pile glued to my hands. That's especially nice if it's a Friday or Saturday night and there's the prospect of a glorious sleep in the next day ;-)
Michelle Douglas
Ooh, Michelle, that sounds great! I know exactly what you mean!
Anna,
My favorites have already been covered - curled up in a comfy chair or in the bath. But after a week of rain (yes, a whole week!) the sun is briefly shining and I want to sit out under a tree on some new mown grass and read. I too have Anne G's Princess, but those RITA books are taking priority at the moment...
Annie
Annie, I hope you get some gems among your RITA books. I did! Just heading out to write - the rain has cleared and it's nice outside. We've had such little fine weather this summer, I feel I should take advantage of it by sitting outside when I can! Thanks for popping by and commenting.
I love to take a book and curl up under a comforter either on the chesterfield or on my bed. With a nice cup of coffee.
I have not tried an audio book, but think if I was driving I would be distracted.
Cryna, I think I could be a passenger and listen to an audiobook. Perhaps not the driver! Maybe they're great for public transport although I find I'm happy just to read in public transport anyway. Sounds like your chesterfield and my sofa are similarly popular as reading spots ;-)
Oh, I'm picking up my copy of THE STOLEN PRINCESS tomorrow. Can't wait to read it! Admire your dedication, Anna. I hope you sneak a few pages tonight!
Christine, I'm like Yvonne - I devour AG books in a single bound. I'm going to give myself an afternoon off next week and just wallow!
Hello, Anna,
My most favorite reading spot in my
lifetime had to be when I was in my
early teens. Dad had cut in our
street and ours was the only house
around. During the summer, we would take a quilt and spread it under the trees and read all day! This was back when it was safe to do such a thing! You couldn't do that today! My favorite reading
spot today is cuddled in a corner
of the sofa, with a throw across
my legs, and one of my TBR books
in hand!!
Pat Cochran
Hi Anna,
I'm late as usual, in the weekends my computer is totally occupied by my daughters!
Rainy days, I love to be snuggling up in my favorite chair with my TBR pile, but we have had too many of those days right now! I'd like some snow before the winter is over...
Thanks for the recomend, I'll be looking out for The Stolen Princess.
I absolutely love to read in my comfy chair on a rainy day! I have over 200 books in my TBR pile so I have plenty to choose from! :-)
I just finished reading, THE GREEK TYCOON'S UNEXPECTED WIFE, by Annie West. The main character, Tessa, is in a unfortunate situation where she is mistaken for a money grabbing lady. She stubbornly claims innocence. I loved how she portrays strength in overcoming adversity. I love her iron will and determination to overcome a bad situation. Her personality is a lot like mine in that sense. It is an intriguing story with a wonderful ending!
Michele
Oh, Pat, the quilt outside sounds just idyllic. Actually it's interesting - with a lot of my favorite books, I remember not only reading the story but also where I was when I read it. And it's lovely when I can tie a beloved story to a beloved place.
Eva, you're having a rainy winter and we're having a rainy summer. Although we definitely needed it after a horrific drought. I feel really churlish when I complain about the rain. And there's something conducive to losing yourself in a story when there's the gentle pitter-patter of the rain on the roof, isn't there?
Hey, Deseng, how cool you've just read Annie West's latest! Isn't it a great read. I think Tessa and Stavros are marvellous characters - strong and passionate and so right for each other, if they can just get over their stubbornness and recognize it. I'll tell Annie you really enjoyed her book - she'll be stoked (she's a very good friend of mine). She puts things beautifully in her stories, doesn't she?
Michele, a little birdie told me you enjoyed my latest book. I'm so pleased to hear you did! That's just the news to perk me up as I struggle with a difficult chapter. I hope you chose somewhere really comfy to read!
Anna, thanks for the blog. I've taken your advice and found some very comfortable reading spots lately!
Annie
Just taking the afternoon off with a blanket, a book and a cup of hot chocolate is the ultimate indulgence for me.
Maureen, sounds absolutely lovely. Especially as it's even WETTER today than it was yesterday. They're warning of flooding on the radio! I think an afternoon with a sofa, a rug, a hot chocolate or two and a great book is just what the doctor ordered! ;-)
very nice contest!
Hey, thanks, Black Roze! It's our first one together (we're writing buddies from way back) and we wanted to do something special. Seriously, the Dangerous Duke is one cool dude! ;-)
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