Friday, December 15, 2006

PBW's Eleven

The winner of the No Thanks Ten giveaway is Paula, whose comment read Porcelain or whatnot figurines. I don't have enough shelf space as it is, I'm too lazy to dust them, and I'm not fond of them anyway (a woman after my own heart.) Paula, please e-mail me at LynnViehl@aol.com with your full name and ship-to info so I can get these books out to you.

Writers who blog were once rare creatures. I got started back in 2001, when weblogs in general were just beginning to snowball. In those days web sites, newsgroups and discussion boards were considered much more the thing for an author to do. I did the web site and had some fun with that, but I've been keeping journals since 1974, and a blog appealed to me as fun and a steady writing challenge. I've been blogging almost daily ever since (even when I retreated to my ivory tower in 2003 to sulk for eleven months, I still kept an online journal. I just moved and renamed it and didn't tell anyone about it.)

I try to read as many new or new-to-me writers as I can every year, but because I read all genres it's impossible to keep up with everyone out there. Luckily weblogs have introduced me to folks whom I might have otherwise missed. Many of these have added great books to my shelves, inspired me to work harder on my own novels, and have motivated me, entertained me and got me in gear when I felt depressed or apathetic.

Among the many, some shining examples:

1. I think I missed reading Douglas Clegg because his books were probably shelved either in horror or literary, two places I usually avoid at the book store. Since he now takes up a good chunk of my keeper shelf, I am pathetically grateful I found him via blogging.

2. & 3. I discovered Donna Hill via Monica Jackson. Monica talked openly about disturbing things that for years I'd been watching RWA sweep under the carpet or pretend wasn't happening. Donna's work was a cache of jewels in a puzzle box. Monica was an epiphany online and in print.

4. I finally met another author who quilted when I ran into Tamara Siler Jones online, and then discovered the nice quilting lady also wrote dark, intense mysteries with the most unique setting and cast of characters I'd seen in a long time.

5. & 6. Alison Kent had one of the most energetic and polished blogs I'd ever read, and in turn led me to Jo Leigh, who is truly one of the nicest authors I've (virtually) met, and who got me back to reading category romance. So where were you guys when I belonged to RWA?

7. Marjorie M. Liu I had seen on the lists, but the down-to-earth fun contained in her journal convinced me to overcome my aversion to Clarion alumni and give her books a go. She not only turned me into a fangirl, but now I have to take back all the bad things I've said about Clarion.

8. Kristopher Reisz's weblog has made me laugh so hard I almost dislocated a rib, multiple times. Given his blog, how could I resist his work in print?

9. I don't think Shannon Stacey knows it, but her weblog is the reason I enabled comments on PBW (now she'll drive herself crazy wondering why.) She reminded me daily that it's okay to be who you are and not to sweat the small stuff. She's also one hell of a writer.

10. Sasha White's blog reminded me of my nefarious youth (among other things, I once moonlighted as a bartender.) In the south we'd describe Sasha's books by fanning ourselves and uttering two words: Have mercy.

11. Last but not least, James R. Winter snagged my attention with a comment on another blog (a comment that I wished I'd made); I tracked him down to see what else he had to say. Not one to suffer fools, is our pal James. I like that attitude in the fiction I read, and when I bought his book I wasn't disappointed for a moment.

I know for a fact how much work goes into being a writer who blogs, and how little that effort is recognized and appreciated. For the many hours of reading pleasure off and online that the above named writers have given me, I'm making them the eleven very cool writers of December.

For a chance to win today's giveaway, in comments to this post name an author/blogger you enjoy reading in print, and whether you discovered their books or weblog first (or, if you don't read any author/bloggers, just throw your name in the hat) by midnight EST on December 15, 2006. I'll draw one name from everyone who participates and send the winner one book by each of my eleven very cool authors: unsigned copies of Mordred, Bastard Son by Douglas Clegg, Getting Hers by Donna Hill, Mr. Right Now by Monica Jackson, Valley of the Soul by Tamara Siler Jones, Beyond a Shadow by Alison Kent, Closer by Jo Leigh, Eye of Heaven by Marjorie M. Liu, Tripping to Somewhere by Kristopher Reisz, Forever Again by Shannon Stacey, Gypsy Heart by Sasha White, Northcoast Shakedown by James R. Winter and Talyn by Holly Lisle. Giveaway open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.

97 comments:

  1. I'm first. LOL...burning the midnight oil.

    That has to be Holly Lisle. I'm working my way through her books and all the articles on her massive site. I simply adore the woman. She has so much to offer us newbies. And she does so willingly which rarely happens.(so glad to see Talyn on the list... I haven't read that and it is on my Christmas list but I doubt I'll get it unless I win...hint hint)
    You are a doll for doing this giveaway.
    Merry Christmas.
    -
    Kay

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  2. My response has nothing to do with buttering you up, but I enjoy this weblog nearly as much as your writing, O Paperbackish One. I can't tell you how often I have been disappointed when a writer I liked turned out to be a horrid blogger, or vice versa. There are, in fact, numerous authors whose books I have no interest in reading after seeing their (terrible, awful, boring) blogs.

    You disappoint in neither arena.

    And for what it's worth, I would not be reading your novels if not for your blog.

    Holly comes in as a close second.

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  3. Anonymous1:56 AM

    I have ten days off soon, and my one goal is to get down to Eureka to hit a decent bookstore. Time to check out some new authors. Thanks for the list!

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  4. Anonymous2:09 AM

    Other than this, I regularly check Marjorie M. Liu's blog (in fact, it's how I found my way here!). Among all the cool things about her, I love that she loves comics ;)

    Oh, and tossing my name in the hat...

    -aj

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  5. Throwing mmy name in the hat.

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  6. I just looked through my RSS feeds and they're mostly agents or editors, which is odd because I already have both. (I spend a lot of time reading about how to perfect a query letter, or how unlikely it is to find a publisher. I think I'm just preparing for the second phase of my 'career' - the one which starts after you have to change your name.)

    Anyway, one of the few writers in my blog list is Jenny Fallon's, and if you don't read her blog you really should. She's down to earth, funny and no-nonsense. She also takes the time to post daily.

    And for others, John Scalzi just posted his top 51 SF author blogs, and PBW comes in at number six. So, I'd expect a lot of people to say 'PBW' as their most-read author blog ;-)

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  7. Anonymous2:34 AM

    Chaz Brenchley (desperance on LJ), and I read his blog before I read his books. The books are exquisite!

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  8. I know many author blogs have contributed to my shopping list, but there are so many blogs that I have trouble remembering who I found where. I can't say that a blog alone makes me buy, but it sure can get me interested.

    Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. :)

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  9. This one's easy! The only book I've ever got after first reading their blog, is yours! I received 'Afterburn' just the other day, so I'm not very far into it, but I'm really enjoying it.
    I cant say I've read an author then looked for their blog, it'd most likely be the other way around for me. If a blogger has a book, I might beg the hubby to allow me to buy it (I already have toooo many books and really shouldn't buy any more)!

    So, thanks PBW! :)

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  10. This one's easy! The only book I've ever got after first reading their blog, is yours! I received 'Afterburn' just the other day, so I'm not very far into it, but I'm really enjoying it.
    I cant say I've read an author then looked for their blog, it'd most likely be the other way around for me. If a blogger has a book, I might beg the hubby to allow me to buy it (I already have toooo many books and really shouldn't buy any more)!

    So, thanks PBW! :)

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  11. This one's easy! The only book I've ever got after first reading their blog, is yours! I received 'Afterburn' just the other day, so I'm not very far into it, but I'm really enjoying it.
    I cant say I've read an author then looked for their blog, it'd most likely be the other way around for me. If a blogger has a book, I might beg the hubby to allow me to buy it (I already have toooo many books and really shouldn't buy any more)!

    So, thanks PBW! :)

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  12. Anonymous3:50 AM

    One of my favorite author-bloggers is Elizabeth Bear (matociquala on Livejournal). She has interesting insights into the writing process, and usually a funny comment or three on whatever the current sf/f kerfluffle is. I read one of her books first, then found her LJ; reading her LJ got me more interested in reading her other books.

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  13. Anonymous3:59 AM

    Throwing my hat in the ring.

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  14. Erastes and R W Day, both on livejournal. I read their excerpts and their lives long before their books were published.

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  15. Anonymous4:30 AM

    I love reading Marjorie M. Liu (I have her friended on my LJ) and Monica Jackson, who has opened my eyes to a lot of issues I've never had to encountered.

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  16. I love reading Alison Kent's and Jo Leigh's blogs.

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  17. I picked up Beth Ciotta's romance novels after reading her blog. She's a fun lady whose blog reflects her books.

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  18. Anonymous5:56 AM

    I don't read a lot of blogs, and I always read the writer before I look for his/her blog. Yours, PBW, is practically the only writer's blog I check on daily. Other more occasional checks include Meg Cabot and Lilith Saintcrow.

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  19. There are actually three writers who I discovered through their blogs: PBW (duh!), Holly Lisle and Tamara Siler Jones. I don't normally go looking for an author's blog after reading something they wrote, but I often buy a blogger's book after reading their blog.

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  20. There are actually three writers who I discovered through their blogs: PBW (duh!), Holly Lisle and Tamara Siler Jones. I don't normally go looking for an author's blog after reading something they wrote, but I often buy a blogger's book after reading their blog.

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  21. Lots of great blogs out there. And I have to admit that I find blogs through other blogs or mentions on posts at Yahoo Groups. Sometimes through an authors website, or interest in a book. Now I just discovered this blog. A great one I will most likely check everyday from now on. But some other blogs I am addicted to belong to: Dakota Cassidy, Laurell K Hamilton, Witchy Chicks, The Dynamic Trio and The Liquid Silver Blog.

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  22. Anonymous6:53 AM

    For this one I had to go to my bookshelves. For the most part I am one of those book buyers that loves to peruse the bookshelves for something to read. I will just campout in a section and start at the A's and work my way to the end of the alpabet or until my eyes get tired. If I am unable to make it through to the end the next time I will start with the Z's and work backwords to give those author's an equal chance at my book buying dollars. My preference is fantasy / mystery / suspense thrillers but through their presence on blogs I have rediscovered my love of science fiction via John Scalzi and Tobias Buckell. I also have a list of books on my To Be Read Pile (or to be read again) that I either discovered via theirs or someone else's blog: Gil's All Fright Diner / A. Lee Martinez (if you are looking for a fun read go out and buy it), Kitty and the Midnight hour / Carrie Vaughn (normally the title would have turned me off but due to web presence I gave it a try and I don't regret it one bit), Ships of Air / Martha Wells, Goblin Quest / Jim C. Hines, Tinker/ Wen Spencer, A Fistful of Charms / Kim Harrison, GreyWalker / Kat Richardson, Staying Dead / Luara Anne Gilman. I also rediscovered an author I enjoyed years ago and found out she writes under several psuedonyms, Michelle West aka Michelle Sagara her books are wonderful so I will forgive that fact that she is one of the most unprolific bloggers around. I think she went over a year in between entries and her website hasn't been updated in a year or two, but just the simple fact that I stumbled upon it reignited my interest in her books. The list could go on and on but I will stop now I have already practically written a novel on the topic. Cheers

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  23. Anonymous7:23 AM

    Also just throwing my name in. I only read PBW's blog.

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  24. As Dawn says.
    Blogs first.

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  25. Anonymous7:48 AM

    Rosina Lippi (aka Sara Donati). I discovered her Wilderness series first and only found her blog when I went looking to see when the next book was due out. Then I got hooked on her blog. Now I have to read it everyday.

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  26. uuuuuhhhhhh.... man.... I go thru phases where I'll follow blogs a lot and then I won't. Yours is the one I try to check out daily.

    I like Jaci Burton, the Running with Quills group, Alison Kent and Shannon Stacy although I don't go to any of them as regularly.

    Now one of my favorite blogs, and it's not authors, is Dear Author. I love Dear Author.

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  27. Oh, don't put me in the draw. I bought Talyn earlier this week, and I also have several of the other books.

    I have this desperate hope that maybe I can win the Plague of Memory book if I'm really really nice.

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  28. Tess Gerritsen. Yeah, wierd but I had never read her books until I came across her blog. New author, Melissa Marr, I found online too after reading an excerpt on her LJ. Her book doesn't debut until '07.

    Tambo's books I round through FM and I followed her back to her blog.

    Maripat

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  29. I found PBW, Holly Lisle, and Tamara Siler Jones through Forward Motion. I'll read anything by Tess Gerritsen, but I can't remember which came first, the blog or the book. I'm also learning a lot from Robin D. Owens; she was book first gratis the hubby but the blog followed quickly.

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  30. I found your books through your blog, actually. And I'm very glad I did.

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  31. Anonymous8:47 AM

    Like you I could list about a dozen, but there were two who started it all. I found Holly by pure chance one day, and through her I found you. I'm so happy about that pure chance...even though you both have forever corrupted me into trying and buying new authors. Sheesh, what's the matter with you guys anyway. ;)

    But like any junkie, I just want more. Keep those recs coming! :D

    And thank you, for everything you do.

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  32. I've never found an auther by the blog, but I read yours and Wen Spencers blogs regularly once I found them

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  33. all of the author blogs I read, I discovered the author first: Holly Lisle, Tam, Wen Spencer, and you Sheila :)

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  34. I enjoy reading Alison Kent's and Jill Shalvis' blogs

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  35. One day I went into the bathroom and swallowed the wrong pill. Afterward, I logged on to the computer and came across the blog of Philip K. Dick. The writing in that blog grabbed me by the lapels with both hands, lifted me off the carpet and screamed in my face.

    Since then I've gone out and bought his books. I'm waiting for his latest, but I've been told I'll have to swallow another one of those pills. Damn. Which universe did I leave those pills in?

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  36. Anonymous9:10 AM

    To be honest, none. I do read yours daily, but no other published authors. I don't remember how I found you, though I know it was through LJ, but I came here wanting, strike that, needing a question answered. You answered it immediately and honestly. So I have stuck by you through all your blogging. I have looked at other's blogs, but none have brought me back repeatedly. No fault of their own, that is on me. I need to get over worrying about a few things. Douglas Clegg is on my LJ list, but he rarely updates, so doesn't count. ~grin~

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  37. Yours is the only one I read regularly. I stop in on Christopher Reisz once a week or so, and found him through you.

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  38. Anonymous9:27 AM

    I discovered Tamara Siler Jones on Forward Motion, shortly before Ghosts in the Snow came out. Shortly after that I discovered that there were many blogging writers out there, and now I have a list of about twenty or so that I check every morning before I start working. Because, you know, who wants to work when you can read someone who's doing what you aspire to do? :)

    Erin

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  39. Anonymous9:32 AM

    Besides you? Seconding Elizabeth Bear, and also adding Jay Lake. For all three, I found the blog first and then the books.

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  40. Anonymous9:33 AM

    I discovered Holly Lisle's blog first and then her writing, and her links list led me to you, who I actually admit I haven't read any books of b/c they aren't my preferred genres, though I'm going to try one anyway because I love your blog so much. I just need to find time. From Holly I also found Tamara Siler Jones who is now on my favorite author short list and whose blog is so helpful.

    Jess, who desperately wants to win this time.

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  41. I usually find the blogs after I read the writers. Well with the exception of yours I have the first two in one of your series in my tbr pile. Can't remember which now since I am at work and they are at home. But a friend recommended them so I bought them.
    I also like Rene Lyon and Lora Leigh blogs amoung others. I like how they don't just talk about their writing. They give glimpses into their lives.

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  42. Anonymous9:40 AM

    don't think Shannon Stacey knows it, but her weblog is the reason I enabled comments on PBW (now she'll drive herself crazy wondering why.)

    Ha! I remembered, and I was able to find it. When If Angels Burn made the USA Today list, I had to congratulate you on my own blog, and others came over to do the same. :)

    PBW Says:

    April 15th, 2005 at 8:44 am edit

    You all are going to make me turn on comments, aren’t you?

    Thanks.


    Shannon Says:

    April 15th, 2005 at 9:18 am edit

    Of course! It’s part of our diabolical plot to spread the spam wealth.

    I'm glad you did. :)

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  43. Anonymous9:46 AM

    Oh, definitely Holly Lisle. I had seen her work around, but never picked any up until I started reading her blog. And, well, you, of course -- though I had read your work before I found the blog.

    And if livejournal counts, I enjoy reading the journals of Elizabeth Bear (did not read her before finding her journal), Sarah Monette (had read Melusine before finding hers), Scott Lynch (definitely found his journal first), and lots of others.

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  44. Stuart MacBride for sure. You and the StarDoc series, also.

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  45. Don't enter me in the contest, PBW, since I already won this week! (Thank you SO MUCH -- I received them already!!)

    My first introduction to your books was when you gave out arcs of If Angels Burn right before Christmas, which I learned about on your blog. Also Holly Lisle, Alison Kent and Jo Leigh. I found their blogs first, then tracked down their books.

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  46. I had bought Blade Dancer, but hadn't read it yet when I discovered your blog. I liked your blog and then I realized I already owned one of your books, so I read it immediately and loved it. I then went on to read the StarDoc series, which I also loved. I think it was through this blog that I discovered Holly Lisle. Love her blog, love her books. Other blogs I read are Dooce.com and Mightygirl.com.

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  47. Anonymous10:14 AM

    Holly Lisle was the first. I found her site and then started reading her blog. Then I read "Gods, Old and Dark." Now I am a fan.

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  48. S.L. Viehl

    Actually "met" her over at FM, then started reading her blog. I think her books came next, if memory serves.

    At any rate, I've enjoyed every minute of it.

    Pam

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  49. Patti O'Shea - read her first then got into her blog.
    Robert Gregory Browne - blog first, book coming out in '07.
    Allison Brennan - read her first then her blog.


    I enjoy blogs because they give me a better insight into their books.

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  50. I second Jay Lake - I read his blog and am interested in getting his books now.
    Your blog too has prompted me to try your books, si I can definitely say that blogs do attract readers!
    :-)

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  51. Anonymous11:22 AM

    Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer's He Wrote She Wrote blog convinced me to buy Don't Look Down, their first book together. I loved the good natured ribbing, and the talk about craft.

    I picked up StarDoc because of PBW. :)

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  52. I started reading Laurie R. King's books and only after I had read several did I stuble upon her website, which led me to her blog. One day she linked to your blog which led me here, and I was hooked (which made me start reading your books). I found Holly Lisles website when several writing friends suggested it as a valuable resource for writers, and that's how I found her blog, and also her books. I have to limit the number of blogs I read, otherwise I find myself following so many links that I spend all of my writing time reading blogs. Ooops. :o)
    Ann
    P.S. This is the second time I've tried to post this. Wish me luck.
    The word verification is axdnt- do they know something I don't?

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  53. You, of course. I was introduced to your work through your blog, and I now own eight of them (including one Stardoc novel I won here in a giveaway).

    Holly Lisle is another favourite writer I discovered through her website and her amazing book, "Mugging the Muse".

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  54. I started coming here after reading PBW posts on Romancing the Blog. Didn't know at the time that we'd met a few years back at a Florida Romance Writers Conference. This led me to the Darkyn series, which I love. Thanks, PBW!

    (Not throwing my hat in to win anything, I just wanted to say that I'm glad this all happened.)

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  55. I'm going with Annie Dean. She has three published e-books, none available at the moment, but she discovered my blog and we struck up a friendship. I have since read her work, both for fun and when she solicited my feedback. I mean, how cool is that? Writing partner, friend, entertaining author -- all discovered by hooking up through blogs.

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  56. Anonymous12:25 PM

    Doug Clegg, Alison Kent, Tess Gerritsen, Susan Grant, Marjorie M. Liu, Michelle Rowan, Monica Jackson, Cheryl St. John, Karen Templeton, the Squawk Radio authors and yours.
    :-) Yup, I love reading author blogs!

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  57. Anonymous12:31 PM

    First of all, considering I already have almost half the books listed up there, don’t put my name in the drawing.

    I discovered Monica Jackson through her web presence. Monica isn’t afraid to tell the truth, and tells it often. She gets a lot of crap for saying what she does. But up until I read her messages here and there, I had no idea that bookstores are segregated. I’m a white girl; it seemed reasonable to assume that the ‘African-American’ sign in the store meant that those were books on the Black experience, Black history, etc. I had no idea that the sign actually referred to the race of the authors. What a learning experience. Then I started poking around and found Donna Hill, L.A. Banks, and Beverly Jenkins. There are more I haven’t gotten to yet.

    I check Monica’s BLOG pretty regular, along with PBW (of course), and the Smart Bitches.

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  58. I would have missed a fair number of good authors and books without the net and its forums and blogs (esp. because I live in Germany). Among my favourite discovieries are Scott Oden and Elizabeth Chadwick, plus several aspiring authors also writing historical fiction. Whereas there's only one German author I found via the net and not by browsing the stores.

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  59. I read Rosina Lippi's blog, newsletter, website, and board. I also read her Wilderness Series and read her recent book Tied to the Tracks. I found her books first. Then I found her website. She commented on my blog and that was how I found her blog. From there I signed up for her newsletter boards.

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  60. I found Jaci Burton via blog and internet before ever reading her work. Now that I've read her work I still visit her every day.

    I read Shannon Stacey's 72 Hours before reading her blog and now I also read that every day.

    I love writers who blog and not just about their latest releases.

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  61. Anonymous2:18 PM

    I started buying Holly Lisle's books after reading her blog for a while. First 'Diplomacy of Wolves', then a bunch of others until the magnificent 'Talyn' that many of my friends are going to get for Christmas this year :)

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  62. I discovered many authors on their website and blogs. This has been a great resource for me since it allows me entrance into so many author's great books. Normally I check into books but now with blogs available and links it makes this much more efficient and excellent. Yours is a casein point.

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  63. Anonymous2:28 PM

    Joshilyn Jackson. I found her blog during the run-up to her first novel's release, when she was holding a very pretty contract, but nobody was sure how the book would fly.

    I love her blog because she is so real. She admits when she's neurotic and when she's absolutely certain she cannot write fiction (despite two bestselling books), etc. She feels like a dear friend.

    Not to mention, the woman is hysterical!

    http://www.joshilynjackson.com/mt/

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  64. Anonymous2:46 PM

    Sara Donati, John Scalzi and Jenny Cruisie.... read blogs then books.

    With Holly Lisle and PBW, I found books and blogs about the same time due to findng them both on Forward Motion Community.

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  65. This is my first blog.

    I found author first then blog.
    Now I read PBW and Scott Adams everyday.

    Thanks for both!

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  66. Sara Donati's Storytelling. I read her books first but I love her blog.

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  67. Anonymous2:58 PM

    I nominate two authors who I read on livejournal: Karen Traviss (karentraviss) and Liz Williams (mevennen). Liz Williams' life is a constant stream of anecdotes, and her posts are full of warmth towards humanity. Karen Traviss is passionate about many things, two of the strongest being a deep respect and regard for members of the armed forces, and the other being the best storyteller she can as thought of by her readers. Both writers and their blogs are inspirational to me.

    Sophia

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  68. Anonymous3:00 PM

    I forgot to say: I discovered Liz Williams' books first, and through her blog, Karen Traviss' blog and her books.

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  69. A co-worker introduced me to this blog and I have since begun working my way through your books. I also read Scott Adams blog and Gina Bigg's Livejournal. Those two I read their works before their blogs. My real weakness is for author websites. They usually have the information I'm looking for and some good postings. If every author I read had a blog that they posted on daily I'd never get anything done!

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  70. Anonymous4:22 PM

    I think Marjorie Liu's was the first blog I followed, around the time she finished writing Tiger Eye. I had to get that book the day it came out. Since then, I've enjoyed discovering books that I never would have been exposed to otherwise - first time authors and genres that I haven't read before all because of author blogs.

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  71. Anonymous4:52 PM

    I love your blog and I would like to put my name in the hat.
    Katie B.

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  72. Anonymous5:09 PM

    I think I have always read an author's books before checking out their blogs. Though I'm sure that isn't the case.

    The only blog I read on a regular basis is yours PBW. Though after reading your list I have been adding more blogs to my favourites. Another blog that I check quite regularly is Rachel Caine's. And I also like Charlaine Harris's.

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  73. I enjoy reading Alison Kent. I started reading Alison Kent's books after discovering her blog...I have done that with a few authors (Anna DeStefano, Susan Stephens, etc.). I also have found blogs after reading books (Heidi Betts, Karen Kelley, etc.)

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  74. Wow. Besides PBW, I read Holly Lisle (discovered her first through 101 Best Writer's Sites, then her blog, then FM).

    I also read Tambo, Wen Spencer, Deanne Gist, Karen Hancock, and Sharon Hinck fairly regularly.

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  75. I really enjoy Holly Lisle's books, and didn't even know she has a blog, I just picked one up at random at the bookstore. Now i'll have to look for her blog! And you, of course. A friend recommended the Stardoc books, they led me to your old site and the other books...yay!

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  76. Well, definitely PBW--- found the blog first and then discovered your books ; )

    As for non-fiction, Terry Whalin's blog for writers (The Writing Life) continually draws me-- and I buy his print books as well.

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  77. I found Holly Lisle first via her articles, I think... then lurked on her blog for just about forever, and eventually found her books. I wandered over here to PBW from Holly's site, I think, and finally got my hands on one of your books just this last week.

    Tambo,though, i found serendipitiously in my local library, and then raved about it to everyone... and discovered her site and then her blog thanks to a link, if I remember right, in Ghosts.

    Another is Ann Rule. I've been reading her blog since she started it. And I definitely found her books first... the nature of her writing means that readers often wonder what the current status is, and her site and blog give her the ability to update that much more easily then she'd been able to do in the past.

    Besides- she comes across as a total doll... and so real... nothing like seeing a well-known author talk about her hillside and carpets to remind a person that there isn't any magic to becoming an author- just a lot of hard work.

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  78. Hey, I'm game. There are some great books here, go ahead and throw my name in the hat.

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  79. Anonymous6:20 PM

    This year alone I discovered three authors who I started reading because of their blogs - Alison Kent, Holly Lisle, and you.

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  80. Anonymous6:35 PM

    Name in the hat.

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  81. Anonymous6:37 PM

    Looks like I'm not alone in my answer. I've been reading your blog for over a year now, and only just got around to reading your books. Both have been incredible.
    Another writer whose blog I read first was Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (the Yarn Harlot). She's great. I want to be her when I grow up.

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  82. How great to be a part of the PBW Club! I had read one of your books before I found your blog - now I've read all of them! I had read a lot more of Holly's works before I found her website. Strangely enough, I have several authors whose blogs I read - and I've never read their works. I have no idea why either. Maybe I need to amend my wish list....

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  83. I go to a couple dozen blogs. Wish I had time for more. I've just recently found Loreth Ann White and Lucy Monroe and enjoyed books by both of them.

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  84. I don't think I've found any authors using blogs. With me it's the other way around...I find the author and their site first
    By the way I agree on Douglas Clegg..I have been a huge fan of his for a very long time

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  85. This lady... She goes by many pen names - S. L. Viehl, Lynn Viehl, Jessica Hall,... - she's my favourite. Discovered first in print, I never miss a day for reading her weblog (if I can help it)!

    Thanks!
    ~Briana

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  86. Anonymous9:02 PM

    You are so generous this Christmas season, thank ye kindly! ^_~

    I have to agree with the majority and say that you are my favourite blogger/writer because any other blogs I've looked up by my favourite writers just have nothing to say that keeps me coming back--you could give some good tips in this area! You should make a post on one of the romance blogs you're a part of. ^_~

    I received my signed copy of Afterburn by the way--thanks so much for sending me that special copy. :D

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  87. Anonymous9:05 PM

    I read this blog. I discovered your books first, and have only recently found you. I've read some of the comments that you make and truly enjoy finding out more about you and your writing style.

    Crystal B.

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  88. Well... Holly Lisle, PBW, Lazette Gifford, Tamara Siler Jones, I've followed from Forward Motion - yeah, call me a cyber stalker!

    Can't help it, you've got to follow the talent if you want to succeed.

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  89. i found your books 1st and now the blog

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  90. Anonymous10:05 PM

    Sherrilyn Kenyon - I found her via a website. I have checked out her website/blog but prefer just to read the books.

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  91. Some blogs I love that I already knew the authors are yours, Alison Kent's and Jill Shalvis blogs. And I also loved the blog that Jaynie R had and missed it. I know she is an editor and aspiring author too, and just reading her blog I know that I would look for her books if they are published someday.

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  92. There are so many! Can I do top five lol? My top five author blogs are PBW, Alison Kent, Jill Shalvis, Anna DeStefano, and Jaci Burton. Oh, and I love the Writeminded blog too! Hey, I never said I was good at narrowing things down lol.

    Happy Holidays! Zara ;)

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  93. Oh, I love HelenKay Dimon's blog as well! :)

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  94. oigThrowing my name in the hat!

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  95. I'm addicted to your blog and Candace Haven's. I read both in print first,it's always nice to get the know the people behind the books I enjoy so much.

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  96. Anonymous12:02 AM

    Found Holly Lisle first. Read everything there, then started collecting her books. She mentioned you. I followed the link. Started a new collection. Also read Learn Writing with Uncle Jim on Absolute Write. Yet another collection. This seems to be a reoccurring behavior.

    Karen, the lurker

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