"Sorry, I only read non-fiction" 🤦🏼‍♀️

Shortly after publishing my first book in 2010, I had a friend who agreed to write a review, provided I gave her a free copy. To this, I was happy to oblige. At the time, I was just excited that anyone was interested in reading my book!

She later got back to me, stating she would write a review. When I asked her what she thought, she said, "I liked what I read." 

Say what? 

As it turns out, she didn't normally read fiction. As a favor to me, she kindly read, like, half the book. 

If you're a fiction author, this is the part where you roll your eyes. I know. I did the same. I asked her why she didn't bother to read the whole book since I gifted it to her. I found it a little offensive. 

As it turned out, she was offended because she had gone out of her way to read half the book. After all, she was a non-fiction girl and didn't lower herself to the silly, fiction world. 

The funny part is that this book snob didn't understand that she enters a fictitious world whenever she turns on a movie or watches a television show. A story is a story. I'm sure it has more prestige if it's under the shiny lights of Hollywood, but it all started with a writer's creative side. It came from someone's imagination, with characters formed out of nothing. 

Why you might like my books (even if you don't normally read) 🤔

Over the years, many people have told me they would read my book, but they aren't readers. In other words, they didn't have the time or weren't interested in reading a book. I never took offense to this because I can completely understand. As it is, I barely have time to read a page of a book some days, especially when life gets busy. 

My books are probably a little bit different. I try to essentially cut the crap out that makes people not want to read a book. What are those things?

 In my opinion, things like over-the-top descriptions of every detail of every room can be a bit too much for some readers. Don't get me wrong! I know some of you love that kind of thing, but if you aren't a reader (and you're busy) chances are, you might skip over that part because it's too much. 

I also write short chapters. I think short chapters make it a little easier to digest a story. You can find time to read a few short pages and feel you've accomplished something. 

Of course, I try to write a book that moves quickly and has compelling characters and storylines. I feel this is more important than going over the top to impress readers with your vast vocabulary. Sometimes, in fact, that can turn people off. 

What kind of things would make you read more? 

Let's talk about the conspiracy theories in my books 😱(Updated)

My readers know to expect a few conspiracy theories in my books, but how did it get started, and why do I do it?

One of my strongest motivations as a writer has always been to make people think. I know other authors are content to entertain, warm hearts, and create hope with their readers. So in many ways, I guess I do the complete opposite. Where other books might be a soft place to fall at the end of the day, I prefer to introduce topics that make my readers think, wonder, and consider.

This is not to say that any conspiracy theories brought up in my books are right or wrong. In most cases, they work well with the story and cause a little more intrigue, leaving the reader some food for thought. I think it adds an element of excitement to the book. Also, it gets the reader more involved in the story. And if a reader feels more involved in the story, it helps to make them feel more connected with the characters, and really, isn't this what it's all about?

In the end, I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. But in a world where we're conditioned to feel certain ways about specific topics, I think it's kind of neat to shake things up.