Happy Lunar New Year!

This seems like a very auspicious time to launch my new blog – a place where I can share my thoughts about what I’m reading, what I’m writing and about books and writing in general.

I’m fascinated by how books find their readers and how readers find just the right books when they need them. I have a lot of interests and I read widely so there will be discussion about books that have been just released, some classics, books which have been on my bedside table or bookshelves for a while, books recommended by friends, books found in opshops and libraries, and books I have seen reviewed on blogs, Facebook, publishers’ sites and Twitter. It sometimes takes me a while to get around to reading the latest thing which is great because it gives me time to form my own opinion once the hype dies down. And there will be non-fiction too.

Good writing and great stories. That’s what I look for in a book. But good writing is the most important thing for me and I find it very annoying when poor language distracts or detracts from a good story. Characters I can connect with; I don’t even need to like them, but if I can’t make the connection then I am disappointed. And I do like books to have something to say, whether it is about relationships or about social issues, but without being banged over the head by the writer (unless it is in a good way….).

I’m an old fashioned girl. I like pages that turn and newspapers you can read in bed spread out around you with a cup of tea. But the other day I bought myself an ereader – a Sony PRS-T2 – so from time to time I’ll be talking about my adventures with this new technology. Did I mention I am 52? I can remember when my school bought a photocopier and we stood around watching it, and when word processors began to replace electric typewriters…. Actually I can remember before there were electric typewriters….

From Monday, I’ll be participating in a book bloggers read-a-thon of Ciara Geraghty’s book Lifesaving for Beginners.  What’s a read-a-thon? Think of it like an online book group where you can listen in to the discussion. These bloggers are passionate about their books and the discussion is always lively and interesting. The main difference with a real life book group is that people have actually read the book and have lots to say about it. And no cake or champagne….. But lots of fun and the group discussion is run by the wonderful Bree of http://1girl2manybooks.wordpress.com/ . Check out her blog on 11 February, 18 February and 25 February.

I’ll gradually add previous reviews and writing and I plan to blog regularly at least once a week. I’d love your comments. You can post them online or email me directly at luvzalkemyatbigpond.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @luvzalkemy.

Welcome aboard….

Tagged: about, featured, introduction, new