First things first: today a new contest begins, right here on the blog. 2 winners will be chosen at random, from those who post a comment. Each will receive an autographed copy of ONCE A RANCHER, after being notified by Super Jen. Winners will be announced one week from today–watch this space!
Books, books, books! I’ve been writing them, reading them, listening to them. I can’t seem to get enough words–in fact, I’m surprised I don’t eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That would surely help me in my ongoing Weight Watchers adventure. 
What I’ve been writing: my long dreamed of Civil War novel, NORTH OF EDEN and the initial proposal for a new series, which I call The Painted Canyon trilogy, set outside (and sometimes in) the fictional town of Painted Canyon, Montana. The title, which could change, is THE WAGER, and the story centers around Cord Hollister, a talented horse trainer, and the student he didn’t really want to teach, Shallie Fletcher. I adore both these characters; I’ve loved spending time in their hearts and brains, in their story world. Even though I have not begun to write their story, and won’t until the first draft of NORTH OF EDEN is finished, they are so real to me that I wouldn’t be surprised to meet them in the supermarket or at the post office. That is the magic of writing, as well as reading; one gets to live a different life–travel sandy deserts with Lawrence of Arabia, move from one Little House to another with Laura Ingalls Wilder, pass between the standing stones with Claire, and wind up in another period of history, solve mysteries with Hercule Poirot or Kinsey Millhone or Alex Cross–well, you get the idea. Reading and writing are two sides of the same coin, really–both are grand adventures.
What I’m reading AND listening to, alternating by chapters: THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS, by Neil Gaimon. I confess, I loved THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. This, my friend, is an imaginative writer, and I do love a good ghost story. CHEAP SEATS is a compilation of speeches and articles, and a very valuable peek into the mind of a truly original and ground-breaking author. I’ve been a writer for a long, long time, and a reader even longer, and I never, ever read a book, good, bad or indifferent, without learning something.
Recent listens: TEARS TO TRIUMPH, by Marianne Williamson. This wise woman never disappoints me, and the prayers she composes are SO beautiful that I copy them into journals or onto index cards (I go through a LOT of index cards) and find great inspiration in them. LAST CHANCE MUSTANG, by Mitchell Bornstein. I love horses, and this book only made me love them more; what magnificent creatures they are! In this nonfiction offering, Bernstein writes about his experiences training a mustang stallion called Sampson, an intelligent and terribly abused creature who’d survived (barely) the varieties of the Bureau of Land Management’s wild horse program. Believe me, folks, the BLM’s approach needs a great deal of improvement. Animal lovers everywhere need to know what happens to so many of these wild, once-free, flesh-and-blood icons of the American west, and, more importantly, to speak up. ME BEFORE YOU, by Jojo Moyes. This is a moving and fascinating story, even though I often wanted to take the heroine by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. Finally, I’ll mention BLACK RABBIT HALL, by Eve Chase, an English author, like Moyes. This is a classic gothic–I used to read tons of those, back in the 70s, when they were in their heyday–and although parts of it are disturbing, I simply had to know what happened next, and next, and next….
So, there you have it. My reading/writing schedule, which has kept me darned busy for the last little while.
What are you reading?
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Sounds like you’re been the good kind of busy.
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Reading Gena Showalter “the closer you come” I picked this up because I read “All for You” which featured a short story by her. I am in love with the characters
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Looking forward to the Civil War novel. It’s my historian husband’s area of expertise.
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I’m rereading some of my favorites right now. Waiting for new books to come out. I love my books!
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I just finished your three books about Logan, Dylan and Tyler Creed. Great stories about the three brothers. I couldn’t put them down. One of the things I like about reading your books.
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can hardly wait on next rancher book – always reading a cowboy story from someone!
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Currently reading “One Summer” by Bill Bryson. I love his books – almost as much as yours. lol
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Hi Ms. Linda!! Cannot wait to read “North of Eden” and “The Wager”. I have loved all of your books regarding ranching, horses, etc. and always look forward to the next one. Keep them coming!!!!! I have always been a Civil War buff too. Studying it in school was my favorite part of American History. I will anxiously be awaiting the release!! I am currently reading “Christmas on my Mind” by Janet Dailey. Ms. Dailey is one of the first authors I began reading and I was fortunate enough to be able to meet her at a book signing. Hopefully one day I will meet you too as you are a favorite!
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I enjoy reading your books. I’m reading once a rancher now. Anxious to start a new book
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I cannot wait until I can read “North of Eden”. I also found a book of yours at a yard sale this weekend and of course I purchased it. That’s all I look for at thrift and consignment stores, and yard sales; only yours, Linda. Thank you for your gift of writing and taking us away from the reality of this harsh world. You are my favorite author.
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Can’t wait for the new series
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A book I read recently that I liked a lot was The Memory of Lemon by Judith Fertig.
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I admit my reading has been slow the last couple weeks. But you have inspired me again! Now for a new book ….. Lol
Hang in there girl!
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Keep writing them, and we’ll all keep reading them.
Speaking of Civil War reads… I’m rereading Gone With the Wind. OMG! Don’t you love it? I don’t know how many times I’ve read it and it never gets old.
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I couldn’t agree more about the BLM!! I follow the group Cloud The Stallion & others that protest the horses’ treatment – it’s outrageous, but all are in bed w/big bucks ranchers, who complain horses damage the land!! It’s the much more numerous cattle that do the damage!!.
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I absolutely agree. The Mustang has been made a scapegoat, when the real problem is overgrazing.
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Love reading your messages! Make my laugh, cry & wish I had your gift! I am reading a new series by Lindsay McKenna, she, like you, is another of my long term authors. This one, The Delos series, is great! My two grandsons & granddaughter in law, all pilots were deployed to Afghanistan a total of 12 times, so anything involving that part of the country is interesting to me!
Stephen majored in Military History at the Air Force Academy, early history!
My daughter loves Civil War stories, she & one of my grandsons have made many trips to Gettysburg & other battlefields. My family on both sides fought for the South all over that part of the country. I am a Revolutionary War student… all 3 of us majored in History…
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You are one busy lady. I get involved in the books I read. I picture the scenes in my mibd. They take me places I might go to but want to. Looking forward to your next book. The civil war books sound intetesting. Have a good week.
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Just finished Nora Roberts “Dangerous.” Three books in one and each a page turner. I have quite a collection of paperbacks I’ve picked up here and there. Yes, some of them are oldies but they are new to me. I’ve made it one of my goals to try to read the books I have before buying any more books. Hard to do when you are a bookaholic!
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I love your books. Can’t wait for your Civil War story. Keep the books coming!!
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I just finished reading :The Island by Nancy Thayer, A Will,a Way and a Wedding by Melody Carlson and an older book that I really enjoyed: The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel. And, my current book is The Curse of the Holy Pail by Sue Ann Jaffarian. Happy Reading All!
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I just finished a really cute short story by Emily Sorensen Fairy Pox. She writes a series of these fairy books about mischievous fairies and and how little girls go about getting their fairy senses. Just cute and lighthearted.
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Your Painted Canyon series sounds interesting. I’ll look forward to those books. Sounds like you have been into a lot of diverse books lately. I’ve been rereading the Outlander books as bringing the series to Starz peaked my interest again. Blessings.
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Always look a new read and love suggestions from my favorite authors.
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We are on a cruise to Alaksa, so I am reading “Alaska” by James Michener. I have enjoyed many of his books. I enjoy yours as well.
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I’m reading Diana Palmer The Defender and Brenda Jackson Forged in Steele
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I’m reading Tough Luck Hero by Maisey Yates.
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Thanks, you always give us something to look forward to in your books and good ideas for new reads of other books.
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I am reading Her Body Guard by EE Burke and listening to Sister Dear by Laura McNeill and enjoying both of these books.
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You amaze me how you can listen to and read so many books and still have time to write. Of course, off of this while you have a life…I hope.
Have a great week Linda!
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Yes, I have a life, though sometimes I wonder!
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Am currently reading the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson.
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I love to read. English is my second language, I spoke only Spanish until I was 4 years old. I remember looking @ books & magazines and hungering to know what those words were. I started reading comic books, which made action/follow/words easy to understand, and hence began my romance w/ the printed word. I love to read your books, I have to wait until they are available @ booksite, but I do get all your books. I enjoy Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs, because of her different settings, Sharon Sala and her ability to write such nail-biting books. Robyn Carr. reminds much of Debbie Macomber. My new favorite is Brenda Novak who lives in Sacramento and sets most of her books here. I love reading about areas that are known to me. These are the ones I check which are the recent books, but really, I will read anything that catches my attention. Please keep up the great work.
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I keep a book going at all times. Waiting for your new one. Also all my other favorites. I’m with you never to many books. Have a great week!
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Love, love, love reading. Now that I am retired, reading is a full time job. As my niece asks me quite often, “what are you doing, Auntie, other than reading?” Thanks for the book suggestions.
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“What are you reading?” I’ve just finished a triple reread of your good friend Robyn Carr’s Virgin River.
Oh, yes! Whether it’s reading or writing we know we’ll meet those characters just around the next corner.
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Anxious to read the Civil War Series and also Painted Canyon series. I am reading Macomber’s A Girl’s Guide to Moving On and also Sherryl Woods Destiny Unleashed.
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The Night Before by Lisa Jackson.
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You’ve been one busy lady.
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You’ve been a very, very busy, Lady.
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Just finished an arc of karolinas twins and I’m starting the unseen world now
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I’ve looked at “Unseen World”. Let me know what you think.
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Hi Busy Lady. I’m reading Iris Johansen ‘Eve Duncan’ series as well as beading and working. Not very busy at all
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You sure are one busy ladie ? Do you ever stop and take a breath? Lol
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Wow , can’t wait for ” North of Eden ” love the Civil War Era for a book . I just finished reading a Fern Michaels book ” Texas Rich ” . No reading this afternoon though as I have been making pickles .
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I love to see what other people are reading. The Graveyard Book was on the TN Junior Beta Club reading list a few years ago. I like all those “Jacks.” I just finished Nora Roberts’ O’Dwyer trilogy with Irish magicks. Then I started rereading the Chesapeake Shores series by Sherryl Woods in anticipation of that series on Hallmark in a few weeks. I’ll have all of them finished in time to get Always A Cowboy!
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I am glad all is going well with you. I am reading darkest torment by Gena Showalter. Lords of the underworld
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I love all your books. I have to watch when I start one, because I can never put them down. I sometimes forget my household chores. Lol. Thanks so much for your awesome books.
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Especially can’t wIt for the Civil War novel. Love your books!
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I download several books at a time on my nook, depending on my mood, I jump around from book to book. Your books are among my most favorite!
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Right now I am not reading anything(gasp). Need to make a trip to the book store. I do order on line but prefer going to the store. I love to look at the books and read the back covers. Honestly, I am not a dinosaur I just prefer going to a book store. I am glad you are writing some new material. I have gone through almost all of your books. I hope some of your new stuff is historical romances. My favorites have always been the ones set in the old west.
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I still love visiting a book store most of all!
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I love your books! I have a hard time putting them down. I take them to work and everywhere I go.
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I would love this book to add to the other books I have written by you. Thank you!
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Trying to get my first book published and work at a 15 hours a week job that seems to have somehow turned into a 30+ hours per week job by the second week! Needless to say the job is infringing on both my writing and my reading.
I have dozens of your books on my kindle and can read at lunch and breaks.
Thanks for being there when I need to escape.
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I’ve been reading Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series
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I gotta get my hands on your book, it’s been a while. I miss reading them
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I just finished your recent book…..I have every book you have written….I so enjoy your s Tories…please keep writing
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Hi Linda,
I truly agree with feeling I know the characters in your books. I tell my hubby about your stories and he always says, “They’re not real, Shirley!” I always say, “They seem real!”. Keep writing please.
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I love to read and am currently reading Susan Mallery’s new book, Daughters of the Bride. I’ve also been reading Debbie Macomber and Irene Hannon’s books.
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I love your mention of Laura Ingalls Wilder and look forward to reading your most recent book.
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Anxious for your new books. I have been reading Jodi Thomas’ Ransom Canyon series, Amanda Cabot’s Westward Winds series and Carolyn Brown’s Lucky Penny Ranch series. I do love books that involve ranching and cowboys.
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I am reading Grady’s story, he is one of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood boys from Vicki Lewis Thompson. This series is wonderful and full of very handsome cowboys. She is another of my favorite writers…next to you of course.
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Thanks for the new books coming out I have been reading Colleeen Coble her series set in rock harbor and haven’t been able to put them down but I am ready to turn back to the westerns
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Currently reading Soul Rest by Joey W. Hill.
Recently purchased The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper & Gloria Vanderbilt. I have a Johanna Lindsay, Christen Feehan, Lorelie James, Linda Lael Miller, and Jodi Thomas on order, and I have a stack of books to read as well.
Currently working on getting ready for a craft show in October.
Linda
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I am reading Montana Snowfall by Caroline Fyffe. Love the Christmas stories.
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Love your books, cowboy stories are my favorite. I’m looking forward to reading your next book. Thanks for this very generous chance.
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Can’t wait to read them all!
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So exciting to hear about your upcoming novels! I’m going to
concentrate on your new characters of the Painted Canyon
trilogy and see how close I can come. I’m now reading one of
Lindsay McKenna’s books, “Down Range”. While Kat Martin,
Lauraine Snelling and Tracie Peterson wait in the wings. What
a fabulous invention reading was!!!
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Can’t wait for your next book. I’m reading freedom, my book of firsts by Jaycee Dugard. Very good book. She’s a remarkable woman.
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I agree wholeheartedly. Jaycee is amazing!
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The joys of reading! Summer was always a time when you could fine me laying in the grass out on the lawn at the family home on Deep Creek, reading a book…. I am actually at the public library with my grandchildren as I write this, enrolling my grandsons in the Summer Reading Program! LOL… They are so very excited! It makes it rather difficult for me to look for my own books and catch up with my computer work…I never realized how dependent I was on my internet until my router crashed today and I had to take it in for service…
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Reading Susan Mallery’s “Daughters of the Bride”
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Sounds like you’ve been pretty busy I’m just no rereading for the third time your marriage pack series the third book I love re-reading your books I never get tired of them
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I am waiting to read the next book in your new series;)
I’ve had company visiting for two weeks and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
I’m going to see Kenny Chesney in concert on Wednesday
Reminded me of you.
Take care and I will write you soon!
Ps I have a book of mine that’s being considered for a movie and we were talking about that .. Crossing my fingers that I hear back from the producer soon.
Karen
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Since I’ve officially read everything you’ve written, and some twice, I’m back to reading my other favorite author, Laurraine Snelling’s Red River series for about the third time! I just read and reread youra and her books!
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I’ve been reading anything I can get my hands on. Including books by Nora Roberts, Johanna Lindsey, Debbie Macomber, Lori Foster, and you. Cannot wait for your new book to come out! Keep writing. I adore your characters as well as the settings.
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Good morning Linda,
I enjoy reading your blogs. They just seem to brighten my day.
I have gone back to start recollecting some of my books of which I no longer have in paperback. This time I am collecting them on my Kindle. I have discovered they take up less space in my house that way. I digress – I am reading the Murray family series by Hannah Howell. Actually listening – love my Scots. Since there are more than a dozen of them, it make take me a little while.
I still have some books – the autographed ones anyway. Plan to keep those for a while.
Will be spending the next 3 months recovering from two surgeries – carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve on the right side tomorrow then the ulnar nerve on the left side in about 4 weeks. Hope to be able to work on my certification courses and complete most of them since I will be home all day. Wish me luck – will need to work on my self-discipline.
Have a blessed day!!!
Niki
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God bless you and feel better soon!
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I am so looking forward to your new books, especially the civil war ones. I also agree that when I read I feel as if I know the characters, I hate to put a book down. I find myself thinking, wonder what so and so is doing now. lol. keep up the fabulous writing that you always do.
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I’m kind of in between books right now, but I love reading stories in the civil war era, looking forward to your new book and thank you for the great giveaway!
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Love all your books but so looking forward to the civil wars ones.
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I am currently reading BEACH GIRLS by Luanne Rice while I wait for your new book! Love reading continuing stories such as the trilogy you will be working on!
Happy reading, writing and listening! Keep the books coming!
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I am hooked on your books. I feel like I know the Creed family and the McKettricks famiy. I read at least 2 of your books a week. Love your books.
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I’m reading a book by Nancy Thayer Summer Breeze. I’m looking forward to your new books! I love horses, too. Always have.
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Love your reading list. I have a great one as well. Been saving some by my three favourite authors: Linda Lael Miller, Robyn Carr and Debbie MacComber – sorry if I spelled any names wrong I have a thunder storm headache that is making me fuzzy. These books – all series – are getting me through a stressful time with hubby in hospital for 6 weeks. Its lonely out here in our RV so I cuddle up with my Sparky – a pookie (poode/yorkie) and loose myself in the magic you gals create. Thanks
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Civil War stories are some of my favorites!
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Hi: sounds like you have had a great interesting lately with some great reads. Since i work 40 hours a week i take various Harlequin series of stories to work for breaks & lunch. At home i can cover the few hardbacks & best the paperbacks. There has been a few paperbacks that i have taken with me to work since they just had to be done. You might be looking for an alphabet soup for lunch. Looking forward to the next after “Once A Rancher” & to your Civil War series. Since we have been in temp’s of 100+ & having to stay in a lot, that means more reading breaks. Along with Kinsey Milhone there’s Scott Bremington & a few other good ones. the best, Jo Ann
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Reading Danielle Steel ” Magic ” !
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Reading is my passion! So many favorite authors to choose from, it’s hard to have a “favorite”.
We’ve had so much sadness in our lives lately- 3 people close to us passed away this week. Two “younger” ones from cancer and the 3rd one lived a good, long, rewarding life. Before I go to sleep I read. I can immerse myself in a good book and then finally fall asleep.
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I am reading Nicholas Sparks The Longest Ride.
Which love his books you start them and put them down until the last page is read………..You know how that goes with a good book.
Love reading your books too………..they are the same you can’t put them down til last page is read………….talk with later
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I cannot wait for your new series. Thanks Linda for writing some of my favorites.
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Good to hear from you again. I’ve been reading J.D. Robb and the odd Harlequin for quick reading in between the heavy stuff. I have a couple of your books saved for holidays in Nova Scotia next month. All the best.
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All you need is fudge by Nancy coco