A couple weeks ago I started lifting weights to mix things up. When I say lifting weights I’m not talking about two-hundred pound barbells or anything because first, that’s more than me and I don’t think I could anyway and second, I don’t want to look like a sumo wrestler. I got one of those exercise balls to balance on while I’m writing and while I was shopping I decided to pick up some four pound hand weights. I’ve been working out with them and while I can’t actually tell a huge difference in my arms, I feel better and more limber and all because I added a little change to my workout routine. I also think my posture has improved but that’s thanks to the giant exercise ball I’ve managed to master. Sort of. I still fall off it sometimes ;)
As a reader and a writer, I like to mix things up. I definitely have my go-to authors that are on auto buy (Lisa Marie Rice, Sherrilyn Kenyon) and there are certain genres that I’ve been reading since I was nineteen (romantic suspense) that I can almost guarantee will always top my book buying scales. But, if I read a good review or a friend recommends an author to me that’s not in my ‘normal’ reading genre, I’ll give them a try. I’m rarely disappointed.
A couple years ago I discovered erotic science fiction, something I NEVER thought I’d read and now Nathalie Gray is one of my fave authors. If you don’t know who she is, she’s got a little something for everyone so check her out pronto! For a while I contemplated trying to write a short story in that genre and even though I think it’s important for authors to break out of their comfort zone once in a while, it didn’t feel natural so I tucked that dream away for the time being. Instead I decided to combine my two loves: romantic suspense and the paranormal. Even though I’ve got a paranormal werewolf series at Ellora’s Cave (under my alter ego), they’re all novellas, so I’ve recently started working on a single title in the same genre (not erotic romance though). It’s off to a good start (or I think it is) so for now, I’m enjoying stretching my brain muscles ;)
What about y’all? Have you ever picked up a new genre to get out of a reading slump? Did it send you running back to your faithful genres or did you discover something new? What about you writers? Did you try something new and discover a new love?
6 comments:
Good for you! The exercise ball is my fave piece of exercise equipment, and I use one as a chair when I work with patients. I recommend therapeutic exercises using them too, because they're always available at gyms, Costco, etc. If you want any exercises for a particular muscle group, let me know and I'll send you some suggestions.
I've discovered that I like hotter and hotter books :) In fact, my writing is getting rather steamy I think, which is a good thing for the most part. One of my fave RS books is still ATQM by Linda Howard, but another is Facing Fear by Gennita Low. Have you read that one? It's awesome. Packs an emotional punch and delivers plenty of heat.
Yes, please send me some exercises for legs and arms :) But especially legs!
Well, you know ATQM is my all time fave romance novel too so I'll definitely take your word on Facing Fear and check her out. (don't think I've read Low yet but if you like her I'm sure I will).
I love switching from indoor workouts to outdoor workouts.
Me too December! That's why I'm so glad this ridiculous winter is almost over (at least here in FL, lol)
I can't wait to read your new project! I stepped out of my zone to write romantica and I'm loving it.
Sitting on a balance ball and writing? Seriously? OK - I have to try this. I already have the ball. I'll let you know how it works for me - unless I break my butt trying;-)
Yeah, the ball is a little tricky. I actually rolled off it this morning and I definitely don't use it until after I've had my first cup of coffee ;)
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