Question Soup!

1. What’s the best book you’ve read lately?

2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?

3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)

4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I’m going to debut in a couple of weeks?

and most importantly…

5. Who is going to win American Idol???

Answer any or all!

Rachelle Gardner

Literary agent at Gardner Literary. Coffee & wine enthusiast (not at the same time) and dark chocolate connoisseur. I've worked in publishing since 1995 and I love talking about books!

118 Comments

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  5. Hauk IT - Web Consulting on October 2, 2011 at 8:39 PM

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  6. Ashley K. on April 25, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    >Oops. For number 3, I meant to say:Well, besides you I guess I will say Writer Unboxed.



  7. Ashley K. on April 25, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    >Hi Rachelle. I read your blog everyday,but this is the first time I have commented on here. 1.Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen(I just started reading the Peach Keeper so,this might change.)2. Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing 3. Well, besides you, i guess will say Writer Unboxed.4. Yes,I’m really excited!5. I’m sorry, but I haven’t been watching American Idol this season.I love all the comments. I feel like I should be writing a list of books to read next.



  8. catherinemjohnson on April 25, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    >Love BK's comment 😉

    1) Just started The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, expecting it to be very good since I loved The Forgotten Garden.

    2) Anthing negative and too long, short and sweet for me.

    3) Your blog obviously, Kristen Lamb, Jody Hedlund,Julie Musil, Literary Rambles

    4) Looking forward to it!



  9. mulligangirl on April 24, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately? Cassandra Clare's City of Fallen Angels.

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs? Nothing—bring it on! Even those topics I've seen before are good reminders.

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.) You (of course), Nathan Bransford, Jessica Faust, Janet Reid, Pimp My Novel, Literary Ramblings, Editorial Anonymous, Authorial, Agently & Personal Ramblings, Pub Rants, The Intern, Bellas Novella.

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks? As long as you keep up the great content, you could be writing on the back of a napkin as far as I'm concerned. But, I'm sure it will be very nice. 🙂

    American Idol? I'm one of those odd balls that doesn't watch TV so I couldn't venture a guess, sorry.



  10. Roslyn Rice on April 24, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    >I enjoy reading the blogging bistro blog and also the writer's blog by CeCe Murphy.

    Thanks,
    Roslyn
    http://doubleportioninspiration.blogspot.com/



  11. Emily Wenstrom on April 24, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    >1. How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

    3. This one, Nathan Bransford, Erin Reel's The Lit Coach's Guide (http://thelitcoach.blogspot.com/)

    4. Of course 🙂



  12. Care on April 24, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    >1) Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock

    2)? it takes alot to bore me…

    3) You Rachelle, Nathan, Hope Clark, Ally with Ambitious Enterprises.

    4) Hercules -Hercules! 🙂

    5) I was hoping for Paul McDonald… Casey Abrams is my next pick.



  13. lynn on April 23, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    >.1. Anne Rice's early works are my all time favorites

    2. How to use Social Networking to build anything.

    3. Yours. You are sincere and helpful, not bitter.

    4. Yes, although I read yours for content, wouldn't matter what it looks like.

    5. Sorry, I have never watched it.



  14. Anonymous on April 23, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    >Best book: Raising Real Men by Hal & Melanie (forgot last name).



  15. Camille Eide on April 23, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    >Timothy: DVR.

    Thanks for all the great blog ideas, guys!

    #5. James will win and deserves to. That guy rocks! I love Casey (bassists stick together) because he's so unique and so wildly talented! And I've loved Haley all along, even when Randy did nothing but pick on her. Her Adele song felt like she'd found her style! Scotty is a great kid and will do really well without winning this show. All of them will, actually. I think most of the top 10 this year will get a contract of one kind or another.



  16. Ane Mulligan on April 23, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    >Normally I don't comment here, because you have so many already. 🙂

    1. The GIrl Who Chased the Moon, by Sarah Addison Allen
    2. The direction or death of publishing. It isn't dying, it's simply changing. So we need to change and get on with it. 🙂
    3. Besides you and Novel Journey, I love Girls Write Out and Seekerville, and Jenny B. Jones' blog.
    4. Absolutely! Since I read yours every day, I'm anxious to see the changes you're making.
    5. I hope it's either Lauren or Scotty, but preferably Lauren. Guys have won for the past few years It's time for a gal again. 🙂



  17. CCC on April 23, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    >Best Book: This Wicked World by Richard Lange.

    Sick of: How to write a query letter.

    Favorite blogs: Victoria Mixon and Joe Konrath

    Your new blog design: I'll know in two weeks.

    I'm hoping Haley Reinhart wins Idol.



  18. Sharon A. Lavy on April 23, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    >Since I can't seem to quit checking all the comments I will pop back on one more time.

    I love to read.So when my 9 year old granddaughter asked me to read her latest book. I did. After all, I came home from BlueRidge last spring with three of Vondda Skinner Skelton's books expecting my grandchildren to fall in love with them.

    I told Kinsley I couldn't read it until I got back from my trip. She and her family left for Haiti and Husband and I left for a tour "Following Paul's Footsteps" ~~that is a story for another day.

    Kinsley's, other grandpa is a missionary to China. He goes once a year and visits and prays for the pastors of many home churches. He has many fascinating stories.

    And the title of this book was "Peanut Butter Friends in a Chop Suey World" by Deb Brammer.

    I am glad I read it.



  19. Marcia Richards on April 23, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    >1. The Linen Queen, among others
    2. Writing and publishing tips that are presented in a dry manner, no humor or personal side to the blogger
    3.Nathan
    4. New design? Cool!
    5.When Simon left, I stopped watching Idol. TV pretty much leaves me cold these days anyway.
    Have a great weekend!



  20. Marion on April 23, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    >1. A Killing Kindness, by Reginald Hill (a Dalziel & Pascoe mystery). Very good. Much more subtle than the TV series.
    Read Baum's Wizard of Oz for the first time. The MOVIE is MUCH better than the book, which is too digressive.
    2. The future of publishing, e-publishing, etc. Practical pointers–that's fine. None of us knows the future.
    3. You & Nathan.
    4. More excited by the content of your blog & the comments. But bring it on! A header that's less sepia would be nice.
    5. Saw it on vacation in the US. Some amazing talent this year, especially female. Not available in Egypt, as far as I know. They do have a show with the annoying title Arabs Got Talent–a spin-off from that other show, of course.



  21. Jil on April 23, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    >The Elegance of the Hedgehog was beautiful and left me all choked up at the end.

    I'm sick of reading how impossibly difficult it is to get published. Very discouraging.

    Nathan is not in agenting anymore so I'll say Pimp my Novel and Querytracker.

    Oh yes, of course I look forward to your new design!

    I think the fellow with the beard will win. Is that Casey? Wish he'd keep it bushy though.



  22. Jodi Janz on April 23, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    >A most wonderful Easter to you Rachelle. He is Risen!

    My favorite book – I need to pick one fiction and one non-fiction, if I may. Fiction would have to be Just Between You and Me by Jenny B Jones. Although one of the first few people to comment mentioned Tamera Alexander and almost all of her books come in a very close second. For non-fiction I would select In the Footsteps of Jesus by Bruce Marchiano.
    Blog topics are not a sore spot for me. I just move on if I don't want to read about it.
    Favorite bloggers – you are the only one I check every day, but I am enjoyed the list of everyone else's favorites and I will check them all out.
    I will reserve judgment of your new blog style for now – but you should know I am not that hard to impress.
    As for American Idol – I do not watch it. I was encouraged to see I am not the only one who commented that does not have TV. My kids tell me that no one else is like us!

    Thank you for listening again, Rachelle.



  23. Hope Clark on April 22, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately?

    My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?

    How self-publishing is losing its stigma and becoming dignified.

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)

    Jane Friedman – No Rules

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?

    Absolutely.

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???

    Durban, but Casey is a close second.



  24. Shelli on April 22, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    >1. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Gripping and inspiring.

    3. Nathan Bransford and Query Shark.



  25. Dee Bright on April 22, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    >1. WORDS, by Ginny Yttrup.
    2. Any blog topic that rambles on and on about nothing in particular.
    3. You :); Michael Hyatt; Chuck Olson; Wendy Lawton.
    4. Have been traveling and hadn't heard! Look forward to it.
    5. Alas, watched it last night for the first time this season, so really have no opinion.



  26. Amy Armstrong, MS, NCC on April 22, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately?
    Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?
    The virtues of self-publishing ::gag::

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)
    Nathan Bransford

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    Sure. Change is always good.

    and most importantly…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???
    I don't watch American Idol



  27. Piper on April 22, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately?
    Redeeming Prince- Francine Rivers

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?
    I see a lot of self promotion- I would like to see less

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)
    If I listed anyone other than you, I would be lying

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    Yes!

    and most importantly…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???

    Lauren of course!



  28. Lisa R on April 22, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    >1. The Last Child by John Hart
    2. That traditional publishing is going into the toilet and self e-publishing is the way to go; it's too early to tell; let's give it five years and see what happens. I'm also equally tired of hearing how hard it is to get anywhere in this business. It took me 4 years to find an agent so uh, yeah, I got that part. Having to hear it fifty times a day is not at all constructive.
    3. I love the blog called Kill Zone by a group of mystery/thriller writers; Nathan Bransford
    4. Yes.
    5. Scotty McCreery!



  29. R.D. Allen on April 22, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    >2. The battle between self publishing and traditional publishing is beginning to bore me to tears, quite frankly.

    3. Nathan Bransford and Eric at Pimp My Novel. 😀 LOVE them!



  30. Sharon K. Mayhew on April 22, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    >1. Nightshade City by Hilary Wagner…it's an awesome mg fantasy!

    2. self publishing…it seems that everyone is talking about it at the same time.

    3. You are number one!

    4. I'm beside myself with excitement.

    5. Lauren's going to win…but she needs to start singing more country stuff. 🙂



  31. Michelle Massaro on April 22, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    >1. Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers

    2. The tumultuous state of the publishing industry.

    3. Nathan Bransford, Michael Hyatt, Jody Hedlund, Kristin Lamb

    4. Sure! Always fun.

    5. Lauren



  32. HopefulLeigh on April 22, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    >I'm reading The Distant Hours by Kate Morton right now and it's absolutely blowing me away.

    Can't wait to see the new design!



  33. Jeanne on April 22, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    >1. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, possibly one of THE best stories I've ever read
    2. Babies! My god. It seems like every single blogger I read got herself knocked up in the last two years so instead of knitting, etc., content, all I read about is drool, diapers, and the discomfort of pregnancy. Being kidless by choice, I am not amused. No offense. Write about your kids, but remember the rest of us came here for the knitting, etc.
    3. The Shark (Janet Reid). Of course.
    4. Absolutely! Can't wait to see it.
    5. I have no idea. Haven't watched this season. Steven Tyler should win for best host, though, just because he's Steven Tyler.



  34. Aaron Armstrong on April 22, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    >1. The Next Story by Tim Challies
    2. Rob Bell
    3. Engaging Church (Zondervan) is enjoyable
    4. Yes
    5. I dunno, who?



  35. Rachelle on April 22, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    >Larry! 52 million votes this week on Idol would seem to contradict your assertion that nobody watches it!

    Idol haters (and Idol abstainers) everywhere: You will not get me down! You will not succeed in quenching my Idol thirst! And you should be GLAD of this, because the same instinct that makes me love watching young singers make their dreams come true is the instinct that keeps me searching for America's Next Great Writer… and I will never stop.



  36. ARJules on April 22, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    >1. I just did a re-read of "To Kill a Mockingbird" because it's just a damn good book! But other than that, the last series that I got excited over was Karen Marie Moning's Fever series.

    2. I think I'm like others on here: I'm getting tired of the self publishing/e-publishing/traditional publishing topic. And the "Is it the end of publishing?" blogs. Lastly, the "you will never get published so stop trying – I mean, it's a hard industry" blogs. Trust me, I'm aware of how hard it is. I've cried into my wine glass more than once about it. 🙂

    3.Besides you of course. 🙂 I agree with people that Nathan Bramsford has a great blog and I like Janet Reid (in both Janet Reid and Query Shark forms). I just realized that I was about to write an entire list so I'll shut up now.

    4. Heck YEAH!

    5. I know this may be shocking and disappointing. But….. I don't watch American Idol. *dodges sharp implements being thrown in her direction* I"M SORRY!!! *ducks a chainsaw* Wow. You are serious about your American Idol.
    I'm a Buffy fan – does that win me any points back?? 😀



  37. Rebecca LuElla Miller on April 22, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    >1. Recent reads. There's this interesting ghost story called The Resurrection that I liked — by debut author Mike Duran. I'd say my favorite one, though, is by Jonathan Rogers — The Charlatan's Boy.

    2. Least favorite blog material. Rants, or even comments, obviously parroting someone else's opinion because the writer admittedly has limited knowledge about the subject (e.g. "I don't read Christian fiction, but it's worthless.")

    3. Publishing blogs — Query Shark, Pub Rants, Nancy's Blog (Nancy Kress).

    4. I mostly read Rants & Ramblings from Google Reader, so a change won't really matter to me.

    5. Is that country singer still in it? I don't really watch the show any more, but earlier I had it on when I was working in the kitchen. Heard that guy and thought he was some established star they brought on for entertainment. What a voice! And I don't even like country. He should win but I don't know if he will or if he's even still in it.

    Becky



  38. Larry Carney on April 22, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    >1. A collection of "Peanuts" strips. I kid you not. Most writers could learn a thing or two about being able to condense your story (and being able to do so in a few panels with minimal dialogue goes far in showing "less is more")…after all, we're not in the age of Dickens where you get paid by the word.

    2. Blog posts by English majors decrying the lack of good books being published. Know what I want after reading a book that forces you to grapple with Ideas That Matter? To read something where Stuff Goes Boom.

    3. Books and Such. The blogs are great, but what I really like is the community. Thoughtful, considerate people.

    4. Only if it is shiny.

    5.Hah! Trick question! No one watches the show now that Simon has left!



  39. The Pen and Ink Blog on April 22, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    >Just finished reading everyone's favorite books. What a delicious list. Was delighted to see Little Women and The Keeper of The Bees up there and another vote for Sarah Addison Allen. I love her books.



  40. The Pen and Ink Blog on April 22, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    >The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen, Warp Speed by Lisa Yee, The Times We had by Marion Davies, Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss. (I read a lot, so I gave you my favorites in different genres) Happy Easter



  41. BK on April 22, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    >LOL! Well if we compile everybody's "Blog posts I'm tired of" we could officially give everybody permission to quit blogging and use that time for something else. 😎



  42. Maril Hazlett on April 22, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    >Oh man. I had to take notes as I read through the comments. Thanks to all for the new reading material!

    1. Best book read lately: A Visit from the Goon Squad.

    2. Sick of reading on blogs: The basic comment – "Well, lots of crummy writers get published and it's not fair." Nope. Life's not fair. That's how it goes.

    3. Favorite publishing bloggers? You. Duh. (I'm saying it.) Pub Rants, Book Ends, Dystel and Goderich, Mary Keely at Books and Such.

    4. Excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design…? Sure!

    5. Who is going to win American Idol??? Sorreeee. I only allow myself to get sucked into one reality show at a time, and right now that is Dancing with the Stars. Sequins, fake tans, fake teeth, fake lots of other things, but, I love it. Not entirely sure why.



  43. Gwen Stewart on April 22, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    >Best book I've read lately: "Everlasting Man", by C.S. Lewis and of course, "Fairer Than Morning" by Rosslyn Elliott. The prose in that book is simply dreamy.

    And, well…I say this as an unpubbed writer: I grow weary of reading blogs about the writing process from unpubbed writers. A few posts are terrific, don't get me wrong. But too much "writing about writing", especially if the writer isn't an expert, becomes too much meta-meta-meta to me. I love peeking into people's lives and experiences; I'd much rather read about adventures than synopses and query letters. YMMV, of course.

    Happy Easter, Rachelle! God bless you in this holy season.



  44. T.M. Lunsford on April 22, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately? Lately? Hmm…Probably THE IRON DUKE by Meljean Brook or 50 WAYS TO HEX YOUR LOVER by Linda Wisdom

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs? Query don'ts. I'd love to see examples of queries that have been successful, rather than failures.

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? Roni Loren, The Naked Truth, Bookends Blog, Sarah Hoyt, Tawna Fenske

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks? Kinda (I use google reader most of the time so I won't really get to see it ;))

    and most importantly…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol??? AI? I've never been a fan. But I can't wait for X Factor! Watched it during my study abroad in the UK and it's SOOOO good.



  45. Julie Nilson on April 22, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    >1. One Day. I know, I'm pretty far behind the cutting edge on that one, but I'm glad I waited to read it until I was writing a novel! There's a lot for writers to learn about structure and weaving in backstory.

    2. Search engine optimization. Blech.

    3. Keli Gwyn, Jody Hedlund, Query Shark, and Janet Reid.

    4. Of course! 🙂

    5. No idea. As much as I love Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, I don't watch the show.



  46. Dave Tedesco on April 22, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    >1. Broom of the System by David Foster Wallace (Pale King coming out inspired me to pick up his first book, it's killer)

    2. The self-publishing craze. Enough already, I get it.

    3. Edittorrent

    4. Beyond excited

    5. I'm too busy ready avant-garde literature for such frivolous entertainment… kidding.. but in all honesty, I'm a guy and don't watch that show.



  47. Just Another Day in Paradise on April 22, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    >1. Water for Elephants
    2. e-pub vs. traditional pub.
    3. Nathan
    4. Of course
    5. No TV (this is paradise after all)



  48. Nicole L Rivera on April 22, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately? The DUFF

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs? — Nothing yet.

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.) Nathan Bransford and Creepy Query Girl

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    Whoop, whoop…very!!!
    and most importantly…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol??? –Confession: I don't watch this show *Hides face in shame*



  49. Timothy Fish on April 22, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    >A couple more things I’m tired of seeing: first page critiques and why this query letter stinks posts.



  50. M. R. Pursselley on April 22, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    >1. The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers.
    2. Bonnet Fiction and Vampire Fiction.
    3. How could I have a favorite other than beautiful, savvy, witty, no-nonsense go-to-girl Rachelle? : )
    4. Very excited.
    5.The last time I saw an episode of American Idol was five years ago so I'm probably not going to be much help on this one.

    Have a wonderful Easter, everyone!



  51. Wendy Paine Miller on April 22, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    >3. Forgot to mention deCOMPOSE by Mike Duran. I relate to a lot of his posts. Makes me want to read his book all the more!

    ~ Wendy



  52. Cacy on April 22, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    >I just finished reading the last two books in the CHAOS WALKING trilogy by Patrick Ness. The first book, The Knife of Never Letting Go was really good and each book only got better and better so by the time I finished reading The Ask and The Answer and Monsters of Men I was super blown away. Best I've read so far this year!

    4. Totally!

    5. When I've caught the show, I've really liked Casey so I'ma go with him. (Caseys in general are awesome, that's all I'm saying.)



  53. ddelano on April 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    >1. The Elegance of the Hedgehog
    2. I know it is really important, but there has been a glut lately on e-books vc. print.
    3. Nathan Bransford, Betsy Lerner, Pub Rants
    4. Very!
    5. I love Lauren and Casey — My money is on Lauren though!



  54. Tamara on April 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    >1. I am number 4.
    2. I'm tired of all the mean and nasty comments by followers on some of my favorite blogs-when they disagree with the blogger. Saying it's not for me or I think differently is fine, but being bitter and cruel, come on we're better than that.
    3.GlassCases
    4. Very excited-biting my nails over it.
    5. Stefano



  55. Monica Mansfield on April 22, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    >1. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan. Can't wait to read The Dark and Hollow Places, next

    2. I skim over posts that don't pull me in or that I have read before, but I do get exhausted when I see writer's complaining about the publishing industry. It's bad form. Complain to friends and family, not the blogosphere.

    3. Confessions from Suite 500, Query Shark, Bookends LLC, Navigating the Slush Pile, and The Bookanistas to name a few. 🙂

    4. So excited!



  56. Stephanie McGee on April 22, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    >Best book I read recently? Well, it's not too recently, but I read Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore last December.

    Right now I'm tired of the A-Z blogfest. I've skipped all the entries because it just feels too fake to me. I like reading blog posts that are genuine and a forced structure like that just screams the opposite to me.

    I think Scotty, Casey, or Lauren should win, but I'm not avidly following the show.



  57. Beth K. Vogt on April 22, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    >Re: What am I sick of reading about on blogs:
    I am weary of posts that go on and on and on like an unraveling roll of toilet paper.
    Yes, I've listened in on the short blog posts are better versus long blog posts are better debate.
    Blog options are limitless. Hours in the day are not. All the more reason posts should have a limit on them. (Think word count.)
    Enough said.



  58. Crissy on April 22, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    >I am almost done reading Shaunti Feldhahn's new book, The Life Ready Woman. It is excellent!

    Can't wait to see the new design!



  59. Jill on April 22, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    >1. A year in Provence

    2.I like stimulating debates and get tired of reading the same old, same old on publishing and writing (yet I keep coming back for more. Huh.)

    3.Jody Hedlund's

    4. Sure.

    5. ?



  60. Laura Pauling on April 22, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    >I've read so many good books lately I can't even begin to point out just one!

    And I'll read about any topic on a blog if the writing is good and there's a bit of voice in it.

    And even though I love Casey, I don't think he'll win. He's too niche. I'm a total James Durbin fan. He's a cutie and his voice is incredible.



  61. Colleen on April 22, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    >1. Her Fearful Symmetry.

    2. Political arguments.

    3. Kristin Nelson over at PubRants, or WriterUnboxed.

    4. Yes!

    and most importantly…

    5. Can I vote for Community?



  62. BW on April 22, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    >1) "A New Set of Eyes" and "Waking up to this Day", both by Paula D'Arcy.

    2) Nothing really, I try to keep an open mind as to what is being blogged about.

    3) Besides you, I also like Books and Such, Janet Reid, and Book Ends, LLC.

    4) Definitely

    5) I don't watch it but I am looking forward to America's Got Talent.



  63. Carrie L. Lewis on April 22, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately?

    I finished The Weeping Chamber by Sigmund Brouwer about ten days ago and it was great.

    I just started reading Whom Shall I Fear? by Athol Dickson this morning and it's pretty good, too. Only two chapters in, though.

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?

    Nope! I can't learn if I don't read!

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)

    This is a tough one, since I have art blogs and writing blogs to choose from. I have narrowed my reading list somewhat, but still follow several and am hard pressed to choose a favorite.

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?

    I have no idea what the new blog design is, so I'll wait and see!

    and most importantly…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???

    Haven't a clue and don't really care, since I watch zero TV.



  64. Robin Hillyer Miles on April 22, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    >1. The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen – all I can say is wow and I'll be pushing this book into people's hands at bookstores and recommending it on ebookstores.

    2. I skim blogs on google reader so if I don't want to read it, I don't. I can tell you I do like humor. My favorite (non-writing) blogs are thebloggess and hyperboleandahalf

    3. Carina press, Astraea press, Jennifer represents, SlushPile Hell, kt literary, the Swivet

    4. Can't wait to see your new design!

    5. I watched AI one year and only because I thought Clay Aiken would pass out on the stage each night. It was thrilling to wonder if he'd make it through. Now I try to watch minimal television – favorites are Masterpiece Theatre and Raising Hope. I'm eclectic like that.



  65. Lauren B. on April 22, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    >1. The best book I read in the past year that totally blew me away was "Perdido Street Station" by China Mieville.

    2. I *love* query and page critiques, they're immensely helpful, but I feel like a lot of the same problems are rehashed over and over, and that literary doesn't get enough attention.

    3. Nathan Bransford, Kristen Nelson, Bookends, Janet Reid, The Rejectionist.

    4. Sure, why not!

    5. I have no idea. I've had the show on in the background, but haven't played close attention;



  66. Taz on April 22, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    >Thank you, sweetie. And a happy Easter to you, too. God is good 🙂

    1) Best book lately is Siri Mitchell's "Love's Pursuit." The woman just carted me off completely!!

    2) Sick of reading Redeeming Love reviews. Give the gal a break! Who out there has done what she has? As far as I'm concerned, her testimony in the back of the book is the best bit (and I did love the story, so there)… The only reason that book is what it is, is by the grace of God. Who can say the same?

    3) M Hyatt's blog is good. Chip MacGregor's was sensational. May that blog RIP… *sniff*



  67. Cynthia Herron on April 22, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    >Fave Publishing Bloggers (AKA the ones I've learned the most from): Books and Such Literary, Michael Hyatt, and yours (of course!)

    Happy Easter, Rachelle!



  68. MJR on April 22, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    >1. THE INVISIBLE WALL: A Love Story that Broke Barriers by Harry Bernstein, a memoir written when the author was 92 (gives us late bloomers hope).

    2. Anything about how ebooks are taking over the world…makes me too sad.

    3. My favorite blogs are this one, Betsy Lerner, Nathan Bransford, and Natalie Whipple Between Fact and Fiction (though the latter is on hiatus)

    4. I am resistant to blog improvements, but will be a good sport about it…

    5. Don't watch it. I watch Survivor and The Amazing Race (go Globe Trotters!)



  69. Beth on April 22, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    >1. These are RECENT reads. I couldn't possibly pick my favorite of all time because it's too overwhelming.

    • Best middle grade book: book 10 of the 39 Clues series
    • Best contemporary adult book: 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society'
    • Best picture book: Hard to choose, but I think 'Mr. Duck Means Business'
    • Best kids nonfiction: 'The Secret of the Yellow Death'
    • Best noncontemporary: 'Pride and Prejudice' (everybody's favorite, but too bad)

    2. Sick of reading about on blogs? Nothing, really. Yours is always good.

    3. Favorite blog(gers): Kristi Holl, Mary Jo Campbell (Writers Inspired), Chuck Sambuchino (Guide to Literary Agents), Writers In The Storm Blog, Adventures in Children's Publishing, Teaching Authors, Adventures in Agentland

    4. Very

    5. No idea. I don't watch very little TV.



  70. Jaime Wright on April 22, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    >1. Best book lately in the fiction categaroy is Maureen Lang's "Springtime of the Spirit" / Best NON fiction is Stuart Briscoe's "Time Bandits"

    2. I don't really get "sick" of anything on blogs …

    3. I LOVE Jody Hedlund's blog!!

    4. Totally stoked 😉

    5. Casey – obviously 😉



  71. Caitlin Vincent on April 22, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    >1. Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. It's a phenomenal start to a 10-part epic series and I cannot wait for the rest of it. Sanderson is brilliantly creative and his works are completely enthralling.

    2. Self-publishing v. Traditional publishing. It's been hashed over so many times by so many people that, if someone wants to know which way to go, they can do the legwork themselves instead of asking someone to post about it.

    3. Nathan Brandsford and you (of course)

    4. Can't wait to see it 🙂

    5. I've never followed American Idol so I don't know. I'll root for whoever you're rooting for.



  72. Rosslyn Elliott on April 22, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    >5. Lauren

    But whoever wins, I think Lauren and Pia will be the most successful afterwards, based on the examples of Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

    I think James will have difficulty finding a marketable niche for his voice.



  73. Mary on April 22, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    >1. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.

    3. Mary Kole – Kidlit



  74. Val on April 22, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    >1. Anna Swir's 'Building the Barricade and other Poems'

    2. Television shows

    3. No favourites

    4. Not excited but a bit curious

    5. Who cares



  75. Timothy Fish on April 22, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    >I somewhat agree with the person who is sick of reading about building a platform on blogs, but I’m not sick of the topic as much as I am sick of the people who write about it not providing any useful information about how to build one. So often, the answer seems to be “It has never been easier to build a platform because anyone can have a blog.” At best, blogs can be said to be one method that has worked for some people. They can’t be said to be the answer to the question “What do I need to do to build a platform?”



  76. IanBontems on April 22, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    >1. ROOM and WOLF HALL (can't split them, both were excellent)

    2. Posts with nothing but a youtube link (I kinda end up skipping them)

    4. Looks nice.

    5. Don't watch those kind of shows.



  77. Cheryl Barker on April 22, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    >Believe it or not, the best book I've read in the past 3 or 4 months has been Little Women. Have been trying to intersperse my reading with some of the classics, and that one has outshone other things I've read lately.

    As for Idol, I'm thinking James, Lauren, or Scotty. Each one amazing in their own way but not sure Lauren has the confidence to pull it out.

    Happy Easter, Rachelle!



  78. Sandra Ardoin on April 22, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    >Fun questions!

    1) I actually read it a couple of years ago, but I loved Lynn Austin's Hidden Places.

    2) I'll skim blog posts that don't really increase my knowledge of writing and publishing.

    3) Books and Such, Steve Laube, Hartline, Michael Hyatt–besides you. I love the interaction of Seekerville.

    4) A new blog design? I'm curious, but I do like this one.

    5) As a devoted Country fan, I have to go with Scotty. I don't know, though. His performance wasn't very good this week. But he's just so obnoxiously cute. I hated the song James did, but have to admit that he did an awesome job. They're all good this time around. It's hard to choose.



  79. Katie Ganshert on April 22, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    >1. Room

    2. Nothing yet

    3. Jody Hedlund

    4. Of course!

    5. What is American Idol?



  80. David A. Todd on April 22, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately?
    1. Lately I've been researching for a small group study I'm writing, and read John Wesley's 1774 masterpiece Thoughts Upon Slavery. A great work.

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    Don't know anything about it, but since I'm generally resistant to change, I guess I'd say no, I'm not excited about it.

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???
    I've been too busy researching and writing (which I treat as my second job) in the evenings to watch any of it. Not that I'd watch it if I wasn't that busy. I just haven't figured out the attraction for the show.



  81. A3Writer on April 22, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    >1. To Hell and Back (Audie Murphy's Memoir)

    2. ebooks and self-publishing

    3. BookEnds, Nathan Brandsford, Queryshark & Janet Reid, Confessions from Suite 500

    4. Change can be good. As someone who recently redesigned a blog, yes, it's exciting.

    5. Idol's never been my thing.



  82. MissM on April 22, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately?
    – Hard to pick a favorite… reading Leaving Atlanta right now. Really good.

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?
    – I agree with the X steps to achieve/do/be Y is so old I don't read them anymore. On that note the "Blah blah Daily" is so much info to sift through, I stopped looking at it. I'm also sick of the social media posts. I want to read about writing a book.

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)
    This one, Bookends LLC, Pub Rants and Query Shark are the only ones I read.

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    – Can't wait.

    and most importantly…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???
    – The one with the hair and the voice. I don't know… I haven't seen it since season two!



  83. Timothy Fish on April 22, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    >1. As much as it pains me to admit it since it is a romance, I think the best book I’ve read recently is A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter.
    2. I’m sick of reading about how perseverance is the key to success in publishing. It seems like the only justification for that claim is that we define those who have publishing contracts as those who have persevered and anyone who quits before they get a contract just hasn’t persevered enough. That isn’t particularly helpful.
    3. Pass
    4. No, not really.
    5. Jack, is sure to win. How should I know? I haven’t been watching it because it is on a church night.



  84. Gail Crane on April 22, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    >1 Impossible to say. I read so many good books. But here's one I'm reading right now and I bet no-one has heard of it. "Light & Dark" by Margaret Thomson Davis published in 1984. Looking for something to just fill in time, I picked it at random from the shelf and I love it. It's a real page-turner and I struggle to put it down.

    4 Of course.

    5 Er – what is American Idol?



  85. Sherri on April 22, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    >1. The Hunger Games
    2. How to write a query letter, and e-pub vs. traditional pub.
    3. Dystel & Goderich, Nathan Bransford
    4. WOO!
    5. Scotty, but I want Casey to win.



  86. watching the game on April 22, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    >I am excited about your new blog design. Can't wait to see it!

    Recent favorite book: "Thirst: Poems by Mary Oliver." perfect for this season. a blessed Easter.



  87. Ella Schwartz on April 22, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    >1. Lately? I would have to say the Hunger Games series

    2. Publishing is dead… Sick.Of.It.

    3. Nathan Bransford, Jane Friedman…Kristin…I guess the usual suspects.

    4. Excited!!! YEAH!

    5. My guess is it will be James. I like Casey, but I think James will win. He is very theatrical which bodes well for a talent competition like AI



  88. Kelly Combs on April 22, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    >1. I've been reading the same books as my 11 year old, and then we chat about them. The best 2 I'd recommend are Soul Surfer (we then saw the movie together) for the story line. And Coffee House Angel (Suzanne Selfors) for the incredibly entertaining and wonderfully written youth book.

    It opens up great conversation, because we also recently read The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet, and my favorite feature of the book, (some of the story line written as a play) was the aspect my daughter hated about the book.

    4. Yes, Of course!

    5. I'm thinking Casey will win. My 11 yr old is hoping for Lauren Alaina.



  89. Casey on April 22, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    >When Sparrows FAll by Meg Moseley (Go it, awesome descriptions and story!)



  90. Bill Giovannetti on April 22, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    >1. What's the best book you've read lately? William Dietrich's THE BARBARY PIRATES… fun, adventurous, historical fiction. Book 4 in a series.

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs? Rob Bell. Go away. 🙂

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.) Janet Grant @Books & Such, Steve Laube.

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    On the edge of my seat. I can't wait. SOOO excited…what, er, uh… oh, you did a redesign?

    5. Who is going to win American Idol??? JAMES… the most excellent feel-good story of the year. An amazing talent, a voice that goes anywhere, and a presence that lights up the room. Book it! 🙂



  91. Jon Stolpe on April 22, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    >1. Chazown – by Craig Groeschel
    2. Rob Bell's latest book
    3. Michael Hyatt
    4. I guess so…although I read your posts through a reader.
    5. Tough one…this is the best year for contestants. I'm going with Scotty – the young chicks dig him, and they vote the most. My personal favorite though is Casey.



  92. Patrice on April 22, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    >1. Raising Elijah by Sandra Steingraber. It made me feel good about my mothering skills.

    2. I'm sick of reading rehash of TV shows. I don't watch TV so I can have more time for writing and painting.

    3. I'm new to reading publishing blogs (2 weeks), so I don't feel I'm qualified on this one.

    4. Sure. Show us your stuff!

    5. I don't watch, but my teen tells me about it over, and over, and over…



  93. Lawrence on April 22, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    >#1 – Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People"



  94. Vadim on April 22, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    >1. The Underneath

    2. Unoriginal thoughts that regurgitate something about 40,000 other bloggers have wrote about

    3. Mary Kole of KidLit.com

    4. Sorry, no, as I rarely visit the actual site, preferring to read the posts through a RSS reader.

    5. What difference does it make?

    TGIF!



  95. Heather Sunseri on April 22, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    >1. Just finished If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman.

    2. I'm actually getting a little tired of the traditional vs. self-publishing debate. There. I said it. I've even joined in some of the discussions, but now, I'm wanting the issue to chill a bit.

    3. I've enjoyed Writer Unboxed lately.

    4. Most definitely. New blog designs are always something to cheer about.

    5. Sorry, no idea. Don't hate me, but I haven't watched it in a while. But I can quote several episodes of Modern Family.



  96. Lance Albury on April 22, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    >2. Sick of reading about ebooks and self-publishing.

    3. Favorite blog (besides you, of course) = Books & Such

    4. I believe I already got a sneak peak yesterday when searching for older blog entries using Google. It looks nice!



  97. Sharon A. Lavy on April 22, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    >1. Unpublished (but agented) manuscript, by Carole Brown. Said manuscript is a recent semi-final selection in the Genesis contest.

    When it gets picked up by a publisher I will tweet it from the rooftop.

    2. I really don't have much time to read blogs because after I read yours and all the comments your blog generates, well a girl has to get some other things done in her day.

    3. I miss Chip MacGregor's blog and Brandilyn Collins.

    4. I like this one. So I will withhold judgement.

    5. I am sure you will let us know! LOL.



  98. Wendy Paine Miller on April 22, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    >1. Little Bee.

    2. The { } steps to { } is getting a little old.

    3. I’ve been getting a lot out of Writer Unboxed lately and I still love the Novel Matters blog.

    4. Absolutely.

    5. No idea. I’ll go with that guy you posted a video of weeks ago if he’s still in it.

    Happy Easter, Rachelle!
    ~ Wendy



  99. BK on April 22, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    >2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs? Social media

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? Only one? The Kill Zone.

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks? Guess I'll find out when it debuts…

    5. Who is going to win American Idol??? Don't watch it. But having just in the last few weeks discovered the Hawaii Five-0 remake (and am stunned that I like it–I HATE remakes of anything), I am chomping at the bit to see the series from the beginning. Love Alex O'Loughlin. 😎



  100. Anonymous on April 22, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    >1. Illona Andrews' Bayou Moon

    2. "It's the end of publishing!!!" Or, more subtle warnings that so few authors get published and no one who does makes money anyway, so give up now, foolish writer.

    3. Bookends LLC. Slushpile hell.

    4. Won't see it on my phone, but congrats!

    5. Haley or Scotty. Can't decide. 🙁

    -fia



  101. Joy Nicholas on April 22, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    >1. I can't say yet if it's my favorite book ever, since I haven't finished it yet, but I'm reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and really enjoying it.

    2. I don't know… I guess if a blog has stuff I don't like, I just stop reading it.

    3. I like blogs like MADE and similar creative, craftsy blogs. Soulemama's good, too. I also enjoy reading Conversion Diary. Even though I am not Catholic, I find it very thought-provoking and lots to mentally "chew on" there.

    4. Um, I'll go with… yes!? 🙂

    5. Don't watch, don't know.



  102. KathrineROID on April 22, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    >Hello, Rachel. I've followed your blog for a while now, but never commented. Remedying that forthwith!

    1. What's the best book you've read lately?
    Well, I finally got around to reading The Hobbit (I should have much sooner!). Everyone else I've read lately sort of pales and faints when faced with Tolkein. Although I am in the middle of J. K. Chesterson's Thrusday, but that is so far in another genre you can't compare the two. They're both classics and they're both gooooood.

    2. What are you sick of reading about on blogs?
    Those down-to-earth, shake-of-the-glamor posts. I get tired of that subject after every writing blog I follow has made a post on that three times. Besides, anyone who still has that delusion wouldn't be reading one of these blogs, because in the process of getting plugged into the writing community, they would have found out on one of the hundreds of static web pages devoted to the subject. /rant

    3. Who are your favorite publishing bloggers? (Besides me, of course.)
    You're actually the only one I would call a publishing blogger. I follow a few news-and-thoughts-and-interviews-in-the-genre, Query Shark, etc. Publishing is a step ahead of where I am right now, but it's good stuff to know when the time comes!

    4. Are you excited about the all-new-and-improved blog design I'm going to debut in a couple of weeks?
    *nodnodnod* I like design changes, it's in my nature.

    5. Who is going to win American Idol???
    Oops, sorry, I'm in one of those houses that doesn't have cable. Too distracting from the family. 🙂

    Oops, I just revealed I am utterly out of sync with society in my first comment. . . not good. . . 😉



  103. Em-Musing on April 22, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    >Beautiful Maria of my Soul. How one author can get so much "hot cha cha" in a story without making it sound cheap and cheezy is why it's so literary.



  104. Bryce Daniels on April 22, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    >1) "Edge" by Jeffery Deaver
    2) Tired of the debate surrounding traditional and self or e-publishing…let's all worry about telling a good story
    3}Nathan, Janet, Kristen (do I lose points for not saying you? cuz ya know, you won't let me)
    4)Oh, dear. More points lost. Not familiar with your new layout?
    5) Easy. James. I'm a writer, and EVERY writer loves a good story.



  105. charlotteotter on April 22, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    >1. Snow Tag by Louise Erdrich. Portrait of a poisoned marriage. Hard going, but very well written.

    2. Writing tips from non-industry professionals. It seems like the same advice is being churned out over and over again and while it's not wrong, it's getting tedious.

    3. Nicola Morgan from Help! I Need a Publisher. Her writing tips are spot-on.

    4. Yes!

    5. Dunno, because I don't live in the USA, but I know for sure who I want to win Deutschland Sucht Ein Superstar! Go Piero!



  106. Rosemary Gemmell on April 22, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    >I loved 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters: chilling goings-on in a crumbling old English house.

    I'm fed up reading negative things about the modern publishing world (which is why I like your positivity). It’s not all bad: I’ve just heard of a few authors getting good contacts here in the UK. And we have so mnay other options too.

    Looking forward to seeing your new design. Happy Easter!



  107. Leigh D'Ansey on April 22, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    >I really enjoyed the book I read today 'The Lover' by Amanda Brookfield. Jodi Picoult's latest 'Sing You Home' was great too. Actually, I enjoy most books I read because, getting older, I've gotten over feeling as if I should persevere to the end whether I'm enjoying the reading or not.

    Blogs I enjoy include yours (of course!), Jody Hedlund, Julie Musil, Jane Friedman and Kristen Lamb. Oh, Bob Mayer and Holly Lisle.

    I'm really excited about your new blog, even though I hadn't heard about it before. I love blogs.

    I don't know much about American Idol. I'm tone deaf and Elvis is still King to me.



  108. Petrea Burchard on April 22, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    >Rereading "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White. I had forgotten how gorgeous it is.



  109. Kathleen @ Kath Ink on April 22, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    >1. The Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton-Porter



  110. Laurinda on April 22, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    >1. Just re-read Isaac Asimov's Caves of Steel. I'm a sci-fi nut.

    2. I'm getting tired of blogger's being inspired by the latest current events. "5 Leadership lessons from Lady Gaga's Grammy performance" Yes, I made that up. But it's coming off as gimmicky.

    3. I also read Michael Hyatt's blog. But his blog isn't solely dedicated to publishing.

    4. Good for you for improving your blog. Looking forward to it.

    5. Most likely James, but I'm a Casey Abrams fan. None of my favorites ever win. I don't like pop music. I'm a jazz kinda gal.



  111. Melissa K Norris on April 22, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    >One of my favorite blogs is Books and Such Literary Agency's Blog. Another is Nick Harrison's.
    I'm almost done w/ Tamera Alexander's Timber Ridge Reflections Series. Great historical romance read.



  112. CraftyMama on April 22, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    >1.) Dirty Girls Come Clean by Crystal Renaud (a book about females struggling with porn addiction)
    2.) Not a fan of pop culture chat on blogs.
    3.) The writers for The Book Doctor on Blogspot.
    4.) Yes!! Can't wait to see it!!
    5.) Simon Cowell. Because I don't know who's even in the line-up this season.



  113. Darcy Drake on April 21, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    >1) I reread Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth today and I loved it just as much the second time around.

    2) Nothing immediately springs to mind.

    3) BookEnds Blog is one of my favorites.

    4) Why of course I am! =D



  114. Tana Adams on April 21, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    >1. I just read The Life of Pi and found it bizarre and yet awesome.

    2. I'm not a fan of dry blogs, which is why I love yours because you are anything but. And I haven't tired of any one topic, except maybe queries…

    3. You are my fav! Nathan is awesome-sauce as well. I think of the two of you as the titans of the publishing industry.

    4. Um yeah…if it involves chocolate.

    5. Me, because I believe in miracles. And if that doesn't pan out, I ordain James D with the victory.

    6. I leave you with my favorite quote;

    "There is no Easter without Good Friday."
    -Revrand Schuller (sp)

    It applies to life in so many ways.

    Happy Easter to you and yours!



  115. Vienne on April 21, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    >1. "Wintersmith," by Terry Pratchett. I love his writing beyond the bounds of all reason.

    2. Flame wars. Nobody's opinion is that important.

    3. Larry Brooks, Randy Ingermanson, and Victoria Mixon, since I'm not allowed to say "Rachelle Gardner."

    4. Yes! Yes!! Yeeeessss!!! … ow … I think I broke something.

    5. Uh … Adam Lambert?



  116. Melissa on April 21, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    >1. Best book would be Lisa Kessler’s “Night Walker.” I was in her virtual crit group; she just got picked up by a publisher, so I got to read the first version. She’s an amazing writer. She actually got me to enjoy reading paranormal romance because her characters are mature and complex.

    2. The need to “build a platform.” If I knew I were going to have a book published, I’d be all over that. Until then, it seems like a waste of time to spend too much time wrangling with WordPress and building a following of …. who, exactly? Other writers?

    3. Your blog, Nathan Bransford, Janet Reid, Meredith Barnes (her assistant) and Lucienne Diver.

    4. I’m excited about the new blog design, as long as I can figure out how to use it. (Er … you’re not using WordPress, are you? If so, blessings. Good thoughts. Crossed fingers.)

    5. Don’t watch “American Idol,” but I can tell you that I’m still really bummed that Emily got written out of “Criminal Minds.”

    Happy Easter to you too, Rachelle.



  117. Stephanie Campbell on April 21, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    >1. SMART VERSUS PRETTY by Valerie Frankel. (A tale of two sisters, basically. It was funny and charming.)
    2. I don't like–well–whine blogs. If you focus on the good in life, then it seems brighter.
    3. Nathan Bransford's blog is heaven sent. I also love his forums. Miss Snark's agency blog is amusing too.
    4. Sure, as long as it's not too complicated.
    5. Er…I've never watched a single show. Please don't kill me. *Ducks head.*



  118. Laura Miller Edwards on April 21, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    >. Where She Went

    2. Arrogance. There's not a ton of it around the blogs, but when I do run across it, I just cringe. Never here! 🙂

    3. Nathan Bransford always has interesting and helpful blogs; I also enjoy The Intern's witty blogs.

    4. I can hardly wait. ^_~

    5. Go Casey!