What are you reading these days?

Hi everyone, the end of the year is once again upon us. I hope it was fruitful for all and that 2010 proves even more impressive. I've done a lot of reading in the last decade. As they say if you're going to be a writer you must read and read often. I found some gems, some not so good, and some that I just couldn't finish. But I am proud to say that I branched out and I tried on some authors that I normally wouldn't. It's good to explore, to try something new and make a change. I even added a new favorite author in Dan Simmons...that guy is a master of description. I'm currently reading his novel The Terror and I feel like I'm on the icy ship with those poor bastards. Soon after that it's on to murders set in Vegas...that's another book, not necessarily the forecast for New Years Eve in Vegas though I could see the confusion. There's a lot of novels I'm looking to digest in the new year. What are you reading these days and why?

Leave me a comment for your chance to win a copy of DEMON HUNTER: SEEK & DESTROY 
And make sure to follow me into the new year for more great giveaways and an upcoming blog series full of tips for writing and marketing your novel.

Quote of the day: “The worth of a book is to be measured by
what you can carry away from it.”
— James Bryce

Last minute shopping...give the gift of reading this year!

(Book Giveaway at the bottom of the post, read on!)

Stumped for a gift this year? Give the gift of imagination with a book. The Association of American Publishers is celebrating the second year of their Books Are Great Gifts campaign and I commend them for that, not just as a writer but as a lover of books as well.

As a child I grew up on great stories and fantastical worlds that allowed me to explore my own imagination and wonder "what if." Now into adulthood I still love to lose myself in a good book.

I believe giving a book takes great consideration and thought because you're not going to give the same book to each person on your list, they are individuals with different tastes and the good news is there is a plethora of books out there to choose from. Plus, in these economic hardships I know even the thought of gift giving makes some people cringe but books are affordable, and they provide hours of surprise, escape, and discovery.

But if that certain someone on your list is more of a gadget person then you're in luck because this year Amazon introduced the book of the future with their e-book reader The Kindle. Right now Amazon is offering free 2-day shipping on what's being called the #1 bestselling, most wished for, and most gifted product on their site.

Books make great gifts all year round, they never go out of style and they never will. Do you remember your first book? Sure you do...was it Doctor Suess? Tolkien? Maybe even J.K. Rowling? I remember mine. I loved to read, I still do, and now I'm a writer. So give the gift of reading this year and on into the years that follow...you never know what world you'll open up.

Author Note: Already giving a Kindle as a gift or another e-book reader? Email me via contact(at)cynthiavespia(dot)com and let me know why you love to read or your gift recipient loves to read and I'll send you a copy of one of my novels for your e-book reader!!! 


MORE ON:

BOOKS ARE GREAT GIFTS
BOOKS ARE GREAT GIFTS FB CONTEST
AMAZON KINDLE OFFER
DEMON HUNTER: THE CHOSEN ONE and DEMON HUNTER: SEEK & DESTROY on E-book

The Value of a Smile at Christmas

First off, official business...congratulations to the winner of the "Name the actor and win" contest I had running here. You were all right, the actor from THE NOTEBOOK I was looking for was RYAN GOSLING. After a blind ballot drawing...drum roll please, Anna Shah Hoque you are the big winner and you will be receiving a copy of my novel DEMON HUNTER: THE CHOSEN ONE in your Christmas stocking!
Special recognition also goes out to Cathy Mack for naming JAMES GARNER as the older "NOAH." I'll be sending you something as well :D
Thanks to everyone for participating and check back again for more great contests!

I recently changed the format of this blog because I wanted to do more than just bring news and updates on my writing. I wanted to post some positivity in a world filled with negativity at every corner. So today I'd like to offer up a little something for the holidays. Some years ago a department store in NY presented the following philosophy to relieve the pressures of Christmas:

THE VALUE of a SMILE at CHRISTMAS

It costs nothing, but creates much.
It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give.
It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None are so rich they can get along without it, and none so poor but are richer for its benefits.
It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is the countersign of friends.
It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and Nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody until it is given away.
And if in the last-minute rush of Christmas buying some should be too tired to give you a smile, leave one of yours instead.
For nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give!

I enjoyed these words and would like to express that they ring true not only of Christmas but all the year through! :D

Name that actor and win a free ebook!

Hi everyone! I recently sat down with Introducing Writers for a chat on novel writing and marketing. Its a fun and informative interview.

During the chat we discussed novels becoming movies and who would be the perfect fit to play my lead in Demon Hunter, Costa.

My choice was the young actor from The Notebook who played the character of "NOAH"

For your chance to win a copy of DEMON HUNTER: THE CHOSEN ONE can you name that actor? Or can you name another actor who might fit the bill better?

*Obviously you can look it up, but test your memory banks first! I will randomly draw a winner for a copy of DEMON HUNTER: THE CHOSEN one...give the gift of reading this Christmas!

And now the interview:

Chat tonight

Join me for another great chat on Introducing Writers, 7:30 central

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kims/2009/12/14/cynthia-vespia

Listen to the new interview...its a fun chat

New interview, this was a fun chat with Barry from A Book and a Chat. Loose lips on this one...secrets revealed!!!

A few words on the power of characterization, and win a copy of DEMON HUNTER!

I recently did a guest blog on Book Chick City where I discussed the elements of characterization. Read the blog and comment for your chance to WIN A FREE COPY of DEMON HUNTER: THE CHOSEN ONE! Just in time for the Holidaze!!!

http://www.bookchickcity.com/2009/12/guest-author-note-on-characterization.html


CYNTHIA VESPIA
Author of Thrills and Chills
http://www.CynthiaVespia.com

Have you faced your demons yet?
Demon Hunter 2: Seek & Destroy available now!
Contact Me: Blogger Twitter

Speaking of Sin

I joined Sin City Sessions for an interview about Demon Hunter 2: Seek & Destroy and the crazy world of writing.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sincitysessions

#89 - Author Cynthia Vespia Returns

#89 - Author Cynthia Vespia Returns

Sin City Sessions welcomes back the "Demon Hunter"

Always a good time. Keep those questions coming!