I love books that are set in far away places. Regency England is my favorite location--it's geographically half a continent and one whole ocean away from Ohio, plus it's 200 years in the past. That's pretty far away. But gosh, do I love being whisked off to that magical land of fancy gowns, country gardens, quieter times, and gentlemen in cravats. Sigh.
Yes, I have strong opinions of where I like to read about. But what about where I like to actually read? Does that make a difference?
I've got noisy kids, rambunctious dogs, invasive cats, and a house with a very open floor plan. So yes, I've learned that where to read a good book does indeed make a difference. Let me share with you a bit of what my efforts have uncovered:
Can I enjoy a book if I read it at my desk? No. Because A) this is where I know I should be working, and B) there is way too much pouncing at my desk.
Can I enjoy a book if I read it in my bed? No. Because Someone (ahem, Lulu) likes to crowd me out of my spot. 
So where does a girl have to go to get some alone time?
Yes, I have strong opinions of where I like to read about. But what about where I like to actually read? Does that make a difference?
I've got noisy kids, rambunctious dogs, invasive cats, and a house with a very open floor plan. So yes, I've learned that where to read a good book does indeed make a difference. Let me share with you a bit of what my efforts have uncovered:
Can I enjoy a book if I read it at my desk? No. Because A) this is where I know I should be working, and B) there is way too much pouncing at my desk.
Can I enjoy a book if I read it in my bed? No. Because Someone (ahem, Lulu) likes to crowd me out of my spot.
So where does a girl have to go to get some alone time?
Okay. Not my first choice.
Here's where I'd rather curl up to read a good book.
How about you? Do you have a favorite place to read a good book? Does where you read have anything to do with how much you enjoy the book?
I'll be doing some give-aways over the next couple weeks. In honor of this long weekend here in the US, I'm giving away four copies of my upcoming release, PASSION AND PRETENSE. If you love light-hearted Regency Romance with a little mystery, let me know where you like to read. Tell me about your favorite reading spot and I'll put your name in the drawing. On President's Day, Feb. 20th, I'll select four lucky winners. (International readers are welcome to enter!)
Okay, now it gets better:
If you send me a photo of you reading one of my books in a favorite (or dreadful!) reading spot, I'll put your name in for a bigger drawing and you can win a gift card for either Barnes & Noble OR for Amazon/Kindle along with your free copy of PASSION AND PRETENSE! That winner will be announced on release day, March 6, 2012.
Photos can be posted to my Facebook page or emailed to susan.heino@gmail.com. The only stipulation is that you let me post your photo on my blog and/or my social media. Okay? So make sure you comb your hair!
12 comments:
For any books that are NOT "cliff-hangers" I love to read in bed, warm and cozy under the covers, before I fall asleep...
Alternatively, I lounge sideways on "my" couch under a fuzzy blanket and with dog dozing on my feet, eating popcorn and enjoying the read...
Wouldn't you know, all the books of yours that I have are in my other house, so no photos (I know that sounds weird, but I'm a snowbird). In the summer (in the North), I like to sprawl in an Adirondack chair next to the pool with a book. In the winter (in the South) I sprawl on the sofa on the lanai next to the pool with a book. I know. You hate me know, right? LOL!
Colorful Heart--I love your moniker! I'm amazed that you actually have time for reading. I guess the kids and critters give you a little peace now and then. The idea of warm cozy covers sounds really good right now...
Kat--Yes, I hate you. Enough said. LOL (Thanks for taking time away from the pool to stop by!)
I love to curl up on the couch early in the morning before the kids and hubby are out of bed. My dog cuddles up next to me with her head on my lap. If I look down from my book, she will typically give me the "are you done and ready to play yet" look that all dog lovers know so well. A comfy end seat on the couch, a strong cup of coffee, a warm lovey dog and that golden morning silence... can't beat it. I'll be sending a picture your way!
I love sitting on the end of my sofa near our bay window. Lots of light and warms sun, if I have a cup of tea, my Jack Russel, and a blanket then its perfect for reading. Love all your books, know I'll love this one, too.
Nicolohio--You paint a beautiful picture! I love mornings like that. Hope you have lots of them! Thanks for the comment.
Paulette--Seems dogs are apparently a huge part of reading! Who knew? Well, I guess we all did. lol Thanks for posting. Hope to see you soon! (And hope hubby is feeling better.)
In winter, I love to read in the big chair-and-a-half in the living room, with a pot of tea at my side and a big crocheted afghan keeping me warm. I wear earphones and listen to my "movie soundtrack" Pandora channel (no words).
In summer, I go out on the deck and sit in my special chaise lounge under a big umbrella. Perfect.
Saralee--Sigh, that sounds lovely! I haven't gotten into Pandora yet--clearly I need to. And I have a feeling that big, fluffy afghan is one you crocheted yourself, right?
Where do I like to read? Anywhere. Lately, however, I seem to do most of my fun reading in my car while waiting for my oldest son to come out of a store he's went in while we're out together. It's quiet in the car, plenty of light, no one to distract me, no phone ringing, a comfortable chair (the driver's seat) a drink of some kind close at hand, and me. I carry a book at all times in my purse so I'm ready to whip it out.
Drumroll--all commenters' names were put in a bowl and one lucky winner was drawn by a non-biased third party (my son who could barely be bothered to look away from his video game long enough to pull out a piece of paper).
And the winner is....
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter! Yay! Applause applause. I'll be contacting you, Sandy. Happy reading!
And thanks to everyone for your comments here and on Facebook.
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