Life's Unexpected Twist

What happens when the train you’re on is derailed?

I don’t mean literally, but figuratively of course. I’m talking about when you have something all scheduled and then life steps in and changes everything. That seems to have happened to me during the last couple of days. (For those stopping by for my Sunday post, the migraine has eased. Thanks for all the kind words.)

I don’t have a lot going on when compared to others who are raising a family, working full-time and writing books. But there are days I wonder what I was thinking when I signed on to do something else.

When I started this blog on Halloween last year, I never imaged it would take on a life of its own. Don't get me wrong. It’s been a wonderful learning experience. I have meet a group of amazing bloggers that includes authors and readers.

A number of these great authors have even been gracious enough to guest blog here. That in itself has been a thrill and a wonderful experience. Herein lies part of the derailment, however. A guest blogger I had scheduled for today was unable to participate as planned. I was unprepared for that and didn’t have a post ready. So today’s post is a rambling of my thoughts from last night as I tried to figure out why I couldn’t turn photos into a slideshow and burn to a DVD. This is something I have done a number of times before but no go this time.

Back to books. In addition to the authors, I’ve meet some great people in the publishing field. To my surprise I’ve also received numerous books to review, as well as various books from giveaways.

My main focus when reading has always been in the general genre of mystery. Whether it was cozy mysteries, suspense mysteries, and even thrillers with a great deal of emphasis on the graphic details of the murder. I just enjoy mysteries.
   
Occasionally I would read something with a little romance in it. But even then, most had a murder thrown in or was filled with some type of suspense. When reviewing books for the paper I work for, I focused mainly on mysteries.

This blog has changed how I read and the way I think about books in general. I’ve been reading a variety of genres lately. I have a number of romance and historical romance in my TBR stack, along with a mother and daughter relationship novel, a western, paranormal romance, and even a couple of mysteries (LOL). In addition, I decided to review children’s books, cookbooks, and a graphic novel. I have also been exposed to some very good YA novels that I’ve added to my wish list.

Blogging has expanded my interest and love of books. My appreciation of authors has increased tremendously. My exposure to new authors is expanded daily.

In general my impression of what an author does has changed. I realize more each day all the hard work that goes into creating the wonderful characters and plots I love to read. I’ve also come to realize that authors as a whole are a very supportive group of people looking out and helping each other (as well as non-writers) whenever possible. To me that is heartwarming.

Chatting with and reading blogs by authors has rubbed off on me in another way. No, I’m not considering writing a book. However, I do find myself taking certain situations and thinking of different ways they could play out. Reading is a wonderful thing. So this is my way of saying thanks to all who are authors and to those non-authors who share their love of reading and new books with me.  

I also want to give a special thanks  to Jemi at Just Jemi for giving me the Sugar Doll Award. If you haven't checked out Jemi's blog, be sure to do so. She recently changed her blog layout and has added a number of interesting items. I wish there had been teachers like her when I was in school. Her love of teaching and her students comes through her writing.
Thanks to Lorel at I'm Blogging Down Here! for giving me the Prolific Blogger Award. Lorel has a wonderful blog even though she has cut back some on blogging to concentrate on her writing. Be sure to stop by and say hi.  She recently participated in the Murder Scene Blogfest. Check our her entry.

Also thanks to to VR at VR Barkowski for giving me the Blogger Buddie Award. VR has a great blog. She also participated in the Murder Scene Blogfest. Be sure to drop by and read her entry too. VR is always sharing current contests, giveaways, and writing events on her blog to help out fellow authors and non-writers alike.

Now I have winners to announce. Thank goodness for RANDOM.ORG which helped me select the winners. First, here are the winners of “Montana Legacy” by R.C. Ryan. Congratulations goes to Tabathia B. of Winterville, NC; Brenda H. of Warner Robins, GA; Lisa B. of Filion, MI; Neljo M. of Cleveland, TN; and Kara T. of Cincinnati, OH. Thanks to everyone who entered the giveway. Second, here are the winners of “The Highest Stakes” by Emery Lee. Congratulations goes to Teresa of Journaling Woman and karenk. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented on Emery’s post.

Has blogging changed your way of reading? Has a blog lead you to read a book you wouldn’t have otherwise? Or has blogdom changed your way of thinking about other genres?