I love anthologies. It's not so much that I like shorter reads, but more that I like being able to read something and finish it even when I have a bunch of stuff going on in my life. I can read a novella and finish it without the same amount of guilt that I feel when I take the time to read a full novel. The other thing I love about anthologies is usually you get at least two of your favorite authors in one book, sometimes more. And it's just heaven when you get three or four of your favorite authors in the same book. The other thing I love is that in addition to getting your favorite author, sometimes you get introduced to a new author. I love being introduced to new authors. And I love acquiring new favorite writers.
I just finished reading the anthology, Takin' Chances for the Holidays. It features novellas by three amazing best selling authors, Adrianne Byrd, Donna Hill, and Monica Jackson. The stories are H-O-T! They offer three quick reads by these three very talented writers. The stories were fresh and had a bit of an edge to them. They had a sassiness to them that I loved. 
I also finished the novellas in the anthology Vegas Bites: A Werewolf Romance Anthology. And all I can say to this is, YES! I finally got my Black weres! I am so happy that more sisters are writing paranormals. I really loved this anthology. I'd read vampire paranormals by two of the authors, L. A. Banks and J. M. Jeffries and contemporary romances by the other two authors, Seressia Glass and Natalie Dunbar. But what these women did with those Black werewolf packs... Lawd. Have. Mercy.
I have lots of favorite anthologies and I'll be adding these to the list. Do you like anthologies? Or do shorter reads not have enough meat for you? Do you have favorites? What are you reading now? Any suggestions for a good read? Let me know. Until next time...
Happy Reading,
Gwyneth
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
I Puffy Heart Lo-ve Anthologies
Posted by Gwyneth Bolton at 11:03 PM
Labels: Commentary, Reading, Reviews
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11 comments:
Oh, I sped-read 'Takin' Chances for the Holidays' in the bookstore. Didn't have the cash to buy it just then. But, it is very good. Highly recommend it. Monica is a wonderful, multi-dimensional writer.
I so dislike anthologies. I don't like the shortness of the stories and I always want more.
I love anthologies for when I want a quick satisfying read, and long books for when I have the time and don't want the story to end. Guess I love books, period. Thanks for the tip.
Kimber An -- Yes, Monica is an excellent writer, very diverse.
Ragyone -- I know that a lot of people feel the way you do. They want more :-)
Kari -- I'm with you, girlfriend! I wish I could just read all day every day.
Love anthologies. Sometimes my mind needs the brevity, especially when I'm writing or otherwise consumed. Also, great way to meet new authors, as you said.
Read "Takin' Chances for the Holidays". First time I read a work by Monica Jackson or Adrienne Byrd. Enjoyed it. Also read another Kimani holiday anthology, "A Season of Miracles", again with Adrienne Byrd and also Kayla Perrins, Rochelle Alers, and one of my favorites, Janice Sims. Good holiday read.
Patricia
OK -- Google/Blogger is messin' with me so I may have to publish this as Anonymous
Thanks for the kind words, Gwyneth. I like anthologies for those reasons too and writing a novella is way faster than a novel also.
Patricia -- I got Season of Miracles last year in hardcover. Loved it! I remember when Arabesque used to have all those great themed anthologies at least 3-4 times a year. They'd have a winter holiday one, a Valentine's Day one, a Mother's Day one, and sometimes a Father's Day one. And then there were all those beauty salon themed anthologies, island romance anthologies, and the big beautiful Black women ones with plus sized heroines. As you can see I own a lot of anthologies... :-)
Monica -- I know! I wrote my first novella earlier this year and thought, dang, that was almost painless compared to writing a full novel. LOL!
I love anthologies because I get to check out new authors. I know there is at least one author that is a guarantee and the rest are bonuses. I have discovered many people that way. Books are expensive, especially when you have a book-habit like I do(on the corner shaking, patting my arm, head twitching "psst, gotta book.")
Anthologies are the best because I get a good read, a quick read, and a chance to read people I wouldn't normally read.
I discovered Delilah Devlin that way. (Anthology- Mr. Satisfaction). I went a picked her latest book. And I loved it. It is the only book I have read more than twice. (Cause really I'm all about the black porn...um er uh I mean erotica, wait no, sensuous romance).
Though I have read all of your books, I must say you really outdid yourself with your story in Cuffed by Candlelight. And guess what newbies who have never heard of you or may not have picked up your books yet, will pick it up because of BJ and fall in love with your writing.
Yeah it's all about the anthologies.
Kimberly,
I know what you mean about the book habit... I'm a book junkie and that's another reason why I love anthologies. I think you mean Delilah Dawson in Mr. Satisfaction. I love her writing too. I had read her two Genesis Press books before the novella in Mr. Satisfaction. She's an excellent writer. Thanks for the props on the Cuffed novella...
Thanks I get soo confused sometimes. It was early in the morning when I typed that.
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