Armchair BEA 2014, Day Three: Novellas/Short Stories

With last night, so closeth day two of Armchair BEA. The primary topics of focus were author interactions and forms of expression that go beyond mere words. 

The second topic resonated with me in particular, and I decided to chat a bit about the format of comics/graphic novels. 

If anything was derived from the many discussions yesterday, it's that reading/storytelling can come in many different forms. Which is perhaps why it's apt that today's topic encourages everyone to think beyond the full-length novel and explore...

Novellas/Short Stories

Now it is time to give a little love to those little stories in your life. Share your love for your favorite shorts of any form. What is a short story or novella that doesn’t get the attention that it deserves? Recommend to readers what shorts you would recommend they start with. How about listing some short story anthologies based upon genres or authors? 

+ Fiction = <3

Much like I'd noted yesterday, this is such a timely topic for me, personally. For the last month or so I've been reading almost exclusively short stories. Science fiction shorts, to be exact. It began with an awesomely fun experience in April at AwesomeCon 2014 in Washington, DC. It was a gathering of thousands of fans of all things geek culture. I'd attended several panels discussing speculative fiction. Such wonderful dialogues about the most beloved of sci fi novels, with fascinating info about the master authors of science fiction, it spurred me to reread old favorites and check out new-to-me stories. Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, Octavia Butler, Ted Chiang... reading stories from these authors was a delight.

Science fiction in particular can lend itself very well to the short story format. One might think the opposite is true, given that science fiction can tend to be particular about...well, the science, and technical detail to worldcrafting. But some of the most enjoyable spec fic short stories that come to mind are those that focus less on building a world than on building a scenario that hints at an immense world beyond. With short stories in general, there's a lot less "storytelling baggage" that can often plague full-length novels And with speculative fiction short stories, there's the added benefit of being able to pitch the tentpole of reality wherever desired! (Is the baseline reality that we live on Mars and speaking telepathically? Well, all rightie then, perfect!)

If looking for a place to start in checking out short stories--especially in speculative fiction--I'd recommend reading some of the public domain works of Philip K. Dick. His stories "The Hanging Stranger" and "The Crystal Crypt" are exciting and supremely chilling, while "The Skull" and "The Defenders" weave in really impactful messages with unexpected resonance.

I'd also recommend checking out speculative fiction magazines like Strange Horizons and Asimov's Science Fiction (or one that I'm fond of for personal reasons, Penumbra  eMag) provide a diverse set of stories on a recurring basis, and from both new and established talent.

---

How about you? Do you often read novellas or short stories? Are they easier/more difficult to access, to enjoy? What are some of your favorite short stories?

Thoughts On: Summer Reading

Ah, summertime. It’s the season of a thousand vacations, whether near or far. At the very least, it’s a time to take walks, have picnics, and generally spend more time outdoors. For an avid reader—or for those who enjoy reading but typically don’t have the time to partake in the activity—this is the perfect opportunity to pick up a book or two (or three, or thirty) to pass some of the time in the warmer, more pleasant weather. I myself have just returned from a vacation, one that was all too short but afforded plenty of time to read uninterrupted.

And on that note…thank goodness for e-book readers! If nothing else, they’ve completely changed the way I’m able to travel. Because the thing is, I don’t just travel with a book. As a voracious (though somewhat slow) reader and a highly indecisive individual, I simply must have a number of books on hand when on holiday; if I don’t, I just end up making a side-trip to the nearest book store to pick up a few titles. Inevitably, this means that a sizable chunk of my baggage is taken up by reading materials. An e-reader makes the same tendencies much less of a hassle; on this last vacation, for instance, I had my Kindle in my bag at all times and was able to read several books.

In the past, I’ve noticed that I read mostly light, fun, and irreverent books during summer: chick lit, humorous nonfiction, movie magazines, and so forth. Many people talk about how their preferences for entertainment (movies, sports, cuisine, etc.) change with the warmed weather. Perhaps, just as many blockbuster movies are released over summer, the ideal time for lighter book releases is during this season?


What about you?? Do your reading habits change during summer, either in the volume or selection of books you read?

Thoughts On: Open vs. Closed Series

When it comes to novels in genre fiction, I most often prefer reading series. I tend to get attached to characters and settings, and as such I find it difficult to let them go after just one book. Series, by virtue of their length relative to single novels, make for a deep experience and pay off dedication and patience in spades.

…or at least, some series do. There are of course different levels of quality amongst the lot, a fact that has much to do with authors and the teams that help with the production process. But I’ve been wondering lately if there might be an additional, more generalized factor to consider: “open” versus “closed” series.

With those terms, I’m referring to the intentions and structure when creating a series. A “closed” series shall (by my decree!) refer to a series that has a specific beginning and end planned from the start. An example that comes to mind is the Harry Potter series. Author J.K. Rowling always intended for there to be seven books chronicling Potter’s years at magic school, in which he grows into his prophesied role of champion of the magic world. Given its structure, it was easy to see the series as one work with different “acts,” each one serving a particular expositional purpose.

The other end of that spectrum would be an “open” series, which may involve some planning (of plot arc, for example) on the author’s or publisher’s part, but by-and-large can conceivably go on and on…and sometimes does. Whether that’s a good thing is of course wholly subjective. Some examples of open series include Anita Blake, Sookie Stackhouse, and (unless I’m mistaken) the Dresden Files.

Personally, I’m not sure if I prefer one over the other, though I find that there are potential advantages and drawbacks to either type. With an open series, there seems to be more of a day-to-day sort of vibe…wherein a reader is living right alongside there series’ characters, catching them on a random day of life. Characters in these series tend to do a lot of evolving in the long run, and the series itself might drastically change in tone, focus, or even genre (think Anita Blake). The potential pitfall to this is a series outstaying its welcome.

So, what to you think?

• Do you have a preference for “open” or “closed” series (or maybe a hybrid of the two types)?
• Can you think of any elements that are typical to either type?
• Do you think a series can “outstay its welcome”?

Thoughts On: Book Settings

You might have heard some variation on sayings about books being transportive. Often it refers to the stories themselves, the level of intense engagement they encourage. But what about the actual places involved in the tales?

It seems that quite a few books--well, the ones that I read, anyway--have settings in a select group of cities; San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Boston, New Orleans, Seattle, Los Angeles. Even in non-US locations: London's a biggie for historicals and contemporaries alike. It makes sense, seeing as how those are all major population areas and all. Not to mention their considerable cultural currency or familiarity; you don't need to have been to Los Angeles or New York to have a sense of the flavor, the atmosphere.

As for me, I find that I'm inexplicably drawn to stories located in Louisiana--more specifically, in LA bayou country. There's a whole set of visuals and sensations that I get from such a setting, something inherently magical and old-world. Inevitably, stories set there have some sort of mystical or at least sacred element…be it "hoodoo" or strong family values. And I love it when the location is as much a character as any of the living, breathing (or undead) individuals in a cast.

I'm currently in the midst of completing a reading challenge based around that very notion. It's called the 50 States Challenge and as the name suggests, one must read books with a primary setting in each of the United States. Thus far, I have indeed found that each of the books carry a flavor that's very much influenced by the physical setting. It also makes me realize just how few books I've read outside of the SF/NYC/Chi/Bos/NOLA cluster. So far, it's been a wonderful exercise.

What about you? Is a book's setting an important element to you? Have you ever chosen to read a book (or NOT read it) based on its physical setting? If so, in which location(s)?

Thoughts On: Cliffhangers

Helpful for climbers AND readers.

Ah, the cliffhanger. There are a number of definitions and contexts, but Wikipedia's contributors put it this way:

A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. A cliffhanger is hoped to ensure the audience will return to see how the characters resolve the dilemma.

Almost a sure-fire was to incite strong emotions in a reader; it worked well for Scheherazade, no? Yet sometimes, the mere prospect of such an element will cause a person to avoid reading a book in the first place (or perhaps wait for the story's resolution to be revealed.
Anyone who enjoys serialized material will have inevitably come across a number of cliffhangers. One would also notice the many possible reasons for their incorporation into a story. Like for instance...

...because a main plot line has been wrapped up, but side plots (or maybe a second main thread) must be connected to the following title.

...strictly to ensure a reader will buy the follow-up book. A pessimistic possibility, but I'm sure there are books out there that have employed the device for this reason. I'm not such a big fan of this type, because the resolution is often resolved with the first few pages of the next installment, sometimes even undoing the cliffhanger in the first place.

...to "change the game." If a drastic change is going to occur, one that will affect future books (or even the series as a whole), the end of one installment is not a bad place to put it. In my opinion, these can actually be quite fun!

And so it goes on and on. Personally, I don't mind a good cliffhanger (though I'm not overly crazy about the gimmicky, blatant marketing ploys...I'm looking at you Stephanie Plum book #5). Sure it's devastating at first, but with a bit of time (and the next few unrelated books) the anxiety of "needing to know" settles into a softer form of excitement and anticipation. That said, if the follow-up book is immediately avaiable...we'll let's just say I'd prefer to buy 'em as a pair. And if it's possible to have a general heads up on a cliffhanger ending, I'm a happy camper.

So, how about you? Do cliffhangers usually excite or frustrate you (and are there specific circumstances in which you like/don't like them)? Do you like to know ahead of time if the book you're thinking of reading has one?

Thoughts On: Blog Design

This past Friday, I participated in my first Blog Hop (the one hosted by Crazy for Books), where the participant question was about favorite elements of a blog. I responded that I most enjoy the book reviews; what a notion! ^_^ And while I absolutely believe that "content is king, " I must admit that one of the elements that really interests me is a blog's visuals.

The look and layout of a blog can so often be part of the fun and enjoyment of visiting. I love getting to see the unique styles and reflections of a blogger's personality. It's a bit like themed rooms in a house. Sure, ultimately what one needs and wants is a bed to sleep on / tub to bathe in / stove to cook on...but how fun is it to play with visuals, and enjoy the beauty in the practical?

I looked for some time before I found the current template that I'm using for my blog, and then made a few minimal adjustsments (my html skills are in dire need of an update!). And I have further ideas about how I'd like this space to reflect my vibe, all of which are currently either in my head or sketched into my precious "book-notebook" (more on that at another time). Hopefully I can one day code my way to that goal. Or find a blog designer.

And speaking of designers. I found one that I am in luuuurve with. The duo over at April Showers Blog Design are mad-genius-people. ^_^ April's (the namesake and designer) designs are clean and focused, and draw the eye immediately. They're fun and playful. They reflect a uniqueness in each design they do. If I can scrounge up the change for it, you best believe I'll take it all to these ladies!!!! ^_^

And as for book blog designs I mega dig...I love Parajunkie's View, Zelda's Bookshelf, Escape Between the Pages, The Bookish Snob, Book Lovers, Inc., Smexy Books (though I think it might be all the hot mens there lol), and several others. I love the simplicity of Sniffly Kitty's place, and I love the frenetic energy of Larissa's. I love the subtle changes for the holidays. It's like blog DNA! (or rNA, I dunno). So much fun.


How about you? Are the visuals of a blog of interest to you? What aspects do you enjoy most? Are there blogs whose designs you particularly like?

Thoughts On: Borrowing

Who would you rather borrow from? Your library? Or a Friend?
(Or don’t your friends trust you to return their books?)
And, DO you return books you borrow?

(Question from Nov. 18 "Booking Through Thursday" meme)

When it comes to book borrowing, I most certainly prefer borrowing my books from the library. Having spent five years working for various libraries, I'm way beyond convinced of the ease with which one can procure reading material. I have a huge selection of titles from which to choose. I get to lolligag in one of my favorite environments and indulge in a type of "shopping." I can get no-pressure book recommendations from knowledgeable staff. I can renew (remotely; yay technology!) if I need more time to read...and quite honestly, I prefer the prospect of a late fee over an ornery friend or colleague. ^_^

I rarely borrow books from friends, even when they are specifically offered to me...one big reason being that I feel (self-imposed) pressure of sorts. I don't mind my own books being well-loved, with cracks in the spine or folded pages (it's naturally what happens when reading a book, after all)...but for some reason I freak out about similarly affecting someone else's book. I also feel a little pressure when someone offers to lend me a book they "absolutely loved." I know it makes little sense, but if I accept someone's generous offer of lending their beloved book, I feel a tinge guilty if I end up not liking or (gasp!) not finishing. Hm. I don't quite understand my own hangups, since I will lend books freely and don't mind if they take a long while to come back to me.

What I really enjoy is a permanent book swap. I finish reading a book and swap it with a friend or colleague (or two of my husband's cousins, who share my book preferences ^_^). The book becomes mine, there are no time-lines attached, and if I don't like the title I can swap it away again. Easy-peasy!

Thoughts On: Reading Challenges

The notion of reading as part of an organized challenge is one that I've been familiar with for only about a year and a half (thank you, GoodReads!). I don't know why it never occurred to me before...that groups of people often come up with themes around which they will base their reading selections. But it's a great idea, in my opinion. For many a-reason. Challenges can bring a sense of excitement, external to the actual reading. They can provide an avenue for healthy competition amongst a group of readers. And most obviously, they can challenge the dedicated participant to read more, broaden usual selection criteria, and reduce latent piles of books to be read (TBR).

Personally, I've found that my personality and typical behavior is such that I tend to be unsuccessful in short-term reading challenges (and by that I'm referring to those that last 2 to 4 weeks in length). I am the type of person that can be quite indecisive. With respect to book selections, I can also be rather fickle. I might buy a book out of extreme excitement, and then immediately put it on a shelf for several months (sorry Lover Mine, sorry Mockingjay). Likewise, I might be in the mood for an urban fantasy title. The next day the mood will strike for historical fiction...but I'm still in the midst of the UF title! (So then it's Too bad, Mr. UF book, but despite enjoying you I'm going to put you down for a bit while I read something else.) ^_^ What this means for challenges is that I can make selections for 5 books, and then in short order have no interest in any of those titles (until much later). And I'm a stickler for sticking to my selections once I make them. Which means that I've failed more than one 30-day challenge. ^_^

So, I've tried to strike a balance in order to enjoy the benefits of challenges and yet ensure a higher likelihood of enjoying what I choose to read. How do I do this? By choosing longer term challenges: I'm currently participating in two year-long challenges--broken down into quarters--that are proving to be quite interesting. I also tend toward themes that permit greater ability to choose books I'm interested in: for example, "animal-based books," instead of "selections based on the color of the cover". And of course, I now try not to have too many challenges going on simultaneously. If I still manage to "fail" a challenge's original timeline, I'll then consider it "open-ended" and finish the books when I get the chance. And lastly, I keep all of my challenges listed in one spot (HERE, as a matter of fact) so that I can compare and better plan my reading order.

Do you enjoy reading challenges? Do you prefer particular themes or time-lengths? Do you have a method for tackling them?