I’m reading my own book. I don’t usually do that, but I wanted to read through the Savaged Illusions Trilogy as a whole. Now that I have some distance, I thought it might be interesting. I’m about half way through and don’t hate it. Since I’m not writing at the moment, reading my own work isn’t making me as crazed as it would if I was writing. Then the urge to edit and revise would drive me batty in my own uniquely obsessive way. Right now, though, I’m just seeing if I accomplished what I set out to do.
So far, I’d say yes with the caveat that I could have done a few things better 
I’ve also listened to two audio books: The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews which was enjoyable enough and Leverage in Death by JD Robb, which I liked. Both the books were sort of background noise as I worked in the kitchen and did assorted chores. I mention that because I often choose books that I like but won’t lose track of if my attention wanders for a couple minutes.
And a random observation here: I hate, and I meant LOATHE music in audio books. I don’t know why, I’m sure it’s one of my weird quirks. Sometimes, books will add music at the beginning and end of chapters, and I’m not a fan. It’s weird because I can play my own music full blast and that’s cool. But in an audiobook? Like nails on a chalkboard.
Even more random thought: Is “Like nails on a chalkboard still a saying since no one uses chalkboards anymore???
Olay, your turn: What are you reading or listening to?
December 1st, 2021 at 8:12 am · Link
Heh, yeah, nails on a chalkboard probably isn’t a thing anymore. Like ‘you sound like a broken record’. When our generation passes on, so will our phrases. =o(
I’m glad you’re reading and enjoying your books. I often think about doing that, too. Maybe after the start of the year, I’ll give that a whirl. Of course, we will always find things we could’ve done better. My fear is that I will pick up an already published book and hate it to the point where I want to unpublish it. Gah.
I’ve never ‘read’ an audiobook, but I’m pretty sure music in it would annoy me, too. I can have music on in the background while I’m reading a regular book, but if it starts to distract, I turn it down or change the channel. (Music channels on Direct TV, doncha know.)
Right now, I’m reading NEVADA by Zane Grey. It’s a pretty good one. Unfortunately, my copy is an old paperback and it’s falling apart while I’m trying to read it, which is distracting. But the story is so good that I don’t want to stop reading to find a better copy. And I don’t want to read it electronically. I have this thing about reading certain types of books in hardcopy. :shrug:
December 1st, 2021 at 9:12 am · Link
Yay for reading, listening, and kitchen time. I occasionally reread one of my books for various reasons. Not a fan but when I get rights back and need to change things up, it IS a good thing because I do fix a few things that bug. Or not. I had to skim a book for background and I discovered that I was pretty happy with the final product. Who knew?!?
As you know, I’m a HUGE fan of audio books. I don’t mind music at the beginning and end of the book when the narrator is doing the “business” stuff–copyright info, etc. It’s sort of like the theme music on opening and closing credits in a movie. Between chapters? Nope! Also, I seem to vaguely remember listening–or attempted to anyway–a book that had music like all the way through, like a background soundtrack. Definitely not a fan of that. I have no idea what book it was and as it was likely a DNF, i doubt I have a record of it. Anyway.
I’m currently still in my marathon listen to Jayne Castles interlocking series set in the future on the planet of Harmony. New release came out last week so I’m getting reaquainted with all the characters and the world. It’s a fave series so I can do lots of things while listening–except writing my own stuff. LOL I’m currently listening to THE LOST NIGHT (Rainshadow #1, Harmony/Ghost Hunters #9). Three more to go after it and then the new book GUILD BOSS. Yay!
Happy reading/writing and Hump Day, all! 🥰
December 1st, 2021 at 4:11 pm · Link
I think that’s a great idea, reading your own books. It’s a good series. I’m happy to hear that you don’t loathe it.
I don’t listen to books but I know that it would drive me up a wall if there were music playing in the background of a book I was listening to.
Not much fun stuff going on here yet. I’m planning on doing the inside decorating by Saturday. That way when I clean the floors all will be cleaned up. It was sad packing up that tree and having FedEx pick it up yesterday :(. But like I had said, our Charley Brown tree is looking fine.
Monday is middles birthday so 5 of us (not Harrison’s family) are getting together Saturday to celebrate. We’re going Indian. It will be different but good.
My mother heard a clip from The BEATLES documentary that came out over the weekend and now wants a vinyl of theirs to play on her turntable. None of their albums have been pressed since 2014 so I’m going to lend her one of mine. I’ve had it since I was 10 and the dustcover is really a mess ;). Yes, I am a HUGE BEATLE fan. Middle and I are going to see her on the 11th , with Queso. I’ll bring it then.
I have to go feed Spunk.
Have a great afternoon!
December 1st, 2021 at 4:43 pm · Link
B.E., I knew I was outdated, LOL. Although I know some of the youngin’s who actually have turntables so they might know what a broken record is.
I understand your fear. I rarely ever read my books unless for research or to check something. But I’m in a different place at the moment, so it’s okay.
When I’m reading a print or Kindle books, I can tune out background music. But in an audio, I find it jarring and seriously annoying. I thought maybe it was just me.
I haven’t read Zane Gray in probably decades. And yeah, I can see where the book falling apart would be distracting. But it’s clearly a well-loved book!
I’m all for reading the book in whatever format you wish. I miss physical books, but it’s easier on my eyes to read on my Kindle. But part of me longs for the days of trolling bookstores and finding reading-treasures.
December 1st, 2021 at 4:53 pm · Link
Silver, it’s definitely a weird experience to read our own work. But since I’m literally on hiatus, it helps my brain **almost** accept it as written. Plus I really did want to see how it holds together as a trilogy since I was so delayed writing the final book.
I agree with you on beginning and ending music, I also can skip that if I choose. But the ones that cue the end and beginning of chapters, or to to create moods like a movie make me grind my teeth, and like you, I have DNFed because of that. But as I told B.E., I thought maybe it was just me.
I keep flirting with Jayne Castles series, but a couple of them are not available on Audible. Anyhow, I know you’re really enjoying them!
December 1st, 2021 at 5:03 pm · Link
Viki, I’m pretty happy I don’t loathe it either
Good plan to decorate. I need a plan but just not there yet. I’m really sorry about the tree.
Happy early birthday to Middle! Indian food sounds like a fun change. I’m sorry Harrison’s family won’t be there.
I’m glad you have the album to loan her! I’m curious is this is the first time she’s shown an interest in the Beatles, or if the clip she heard reminded her of them? I’m sure she’ll really enjoy listening to your well-loved album! And I’m really glad you get to see her soon.
Hope Spunk got his dinner on time.
December 1st, 2021 at 6:49 pm · Link
Jen, I think the only one not available is a prequel novella (BRIDAL JITTERS) which was part of an anthology (which also isn’t in audio) and then Jayne republished it as a single. It can be skipped without losing anything in the rest of the books, or it’s only 82 pages so a quick read! She does a complete world-build in the first book, AFTER DARK. I’m having fun relistening to them all. LOL
December 2nd, 2021 at 11:16 am · Link
Silver, thanks for the info! I got sucked into Jodi Picoult book, but my next one I’ll look at that series again.