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Is it possible to be a good writer without being a good reader? No. Good writing models good reading. To perfect one’s writing, one must read, read, read, and in the process absorb facets of the writing style that makes a book a great book. According to a report of the Independent Book Publishing Association, over five million American adults belong to reading groups. What, do you believe, is the basis for this country's love for literature and books? Television and movies have succeeded in suppressing the populace’s imagination; even so, our imaginations strive to emerge. Books nourish the imagination and foster its expression. Have you ever belonged to a reading group? A formal reading group, no. But we share favorite books with family and friends and rely on recommendation when selecting a novel. Recently Val taught a library class at a local elementary school and shared wonderful books with grades 1 through 5. What advice do you have for reading group members when it comes to selecting books for discussion? Again, book recommendation is compelling. If a reading group’s members are taking turns selecting a book for discussion, we would suggest they rely on those everyday recommendations often heard from people in passing. The everyday review is often as good, if not better, than the professional review. What books are you reading now or do you plan to read? World Without End by Ken Follett. In addition, we’re always reading with our children. When selecting for them, Val gravitates toward Avi. If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring one book with you to read, what would it be and why? So difficult! We love This Other Eden by Marilyn Harris, which is the first of a series. It is historical fiction and dark, but compelling. But, Gone With the Wind has to be our all-time favorite. If you could have dinner with three writers (dead or alive) who would they be and why? (Val) Charlotte Bronte. I loved Jane Eyre as a teen and now, having written a novel about the early 19th century, would love to dine with a woman and writer of that time period. My second choice would be Kathleen Woodiwiss, for she inspired us to pick up pen and paper and write. (Deb) Charles Dickens for his wonderful storytelling and weaving of characters. Have you ever read anything you're too embarrassed to admit (except in this interview)? The first romance novels we read as young adults were steamy, and we would have died had our mother read them – or so we thought at the time. But no, nothing too embarrassing. Favorite book when you were a child? (Val) Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White as well as Bambi. (Deb) Little Women If you have children, is this the same book you read to them? If not, what is your favorite book for your children? (Val) I have read them both Charlotte’s Web and Bambi, but unlike my childhood of the 1960s, the children’s literature of today is expansive and there are so many wonderful books out there. My favorite children’s book(s) are the Harry Potter series, which I’ve read to my sons and daughters three times. (Deb) I’ve shared all my favorite childhood books with my children, especially my daughter. Favorite heroine in literature and why? (Val) Mariam in A Thousand Splendid Suns. She is vulnerable, yet strong, fallible, yet kind. She suffers, yet goes on. She evokes compassion, yet is an inspiration. She makes her story A Thousand Splendid Suns profound. (Deb) Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind for her strength of character through good times and bad. Favorite hero in literature and why? Rhett Butler from Gone With the Wind. He is everything a hero should be: complex, rugged, kindhearted, and sincere. Favorite first line from a book? Again, there are so many. Here are two: ”This is a story about a man named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun.” (The Five People You Meet in Heaven) “There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.” (Holes) Favorite last line from a book? ”All was well.” (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) Book that changed your life? Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss; it was the first historical romance I read and thus began the inspirational and writing process. Words to live by? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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