SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

I’ve been thinking about sharing what I’m reading for a while now. Like most readers, I used to put it all into Goodreads, but since getting a Kobo, it’s not as quick as doing it on the Kindle. Plus, I’ve never really gotten into GR that much.

My solution is a simple weekly post. Yip, that’s pretty much it. The links to the books don’t have affiliate codes–they may eventually if I ever bother my arse to get around to it.

I don’t know about you, but I choose a word or phrase each year that I aim for. Last year it was progress, and I have to say I did make a lot of progress with my writing. This year’s word is balance, mainly because I went a wee bit doolally with forcing progress to the point it messed with my health.

So, my starting books of the year represent the kind of balance I’m aiming for. Work, fun, and me-time.

The Work Read

7 Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL your Books to ANYONE by T. Taylor.

I’m 69% of the way through this book, and I have to say that I’m learning a lot and having fun at the same time. Theodora is an energetic and enthusiastic writer, and it’s hard not to get pulled into her happy vibe.

Universal Fantasy isn’t so much about tropes–enemies to lovers is a trope, one I LOVE–as it is about human drives and secret desires (that’s my understanding of it). Hmm. This is why it takes a book to get the point across. The Universal Fantasy of my Deniable Unit Series is all about deadly justice. The untouchable bad guys finally getting their comeuppance.

This is a book I will keep close at hand as I outline, write, and market my books.

7 Figure Fiction on Kobo (£4.99 on Kobo)

7 Figure Fiction on Kindle (£3.99 on Kindle)

The Fun Read

Rocky Road by Anne Stuart

I think this is one of Anne Stuart’s old books from the nineties. I don’t care how old it is; I don’t care if the references are outdated; I don’t even care if it isn’t romantic suspense. It’s an enemies-to-lovers written by my favourite author, making it a one-click buy for me.

WARNING: I’m going to be totally upfront here; throughout this What I’m Reading series, you will see Anne Stuart’s name repeatedly. I’ve yet to find another author who comes close to her skills. She is just that good.

Rocky Road on Kobo (£3.49 on Kobo)

Rocky Road on Kindle (£3.49 on Kindle)

The Me-Time Read

Ahead of the Curve by Jenny Rushmore

I’ve been playing with the sewing machine (we call him Brandon) for a wee while on and off. And, with the severe lack of clothing choice that lasts more than a blink, I want to make my own clothes. Clothes that I actually like and that fit me. The shoulders on my tops are three sizes too big, the hips too small, the chest is the only area that fits.

That’s where this gem of a book comes in. There’s so much I didn’t know that I didn’t know about clothes making. Oh, gods, and the mental gymnastics involved. But this book is making what seems like the inside of Sheldon Cooper’s mind a lot easier to understand.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to make a pattern work for your body–no matter your size–I think this book will come in handy. Plus, there are five free pdf patterns to download!

Ahead of the Curve on Kindle (£8.96)

I’d love to hear what your reading plans are for the next week…

Until next time, take care, and happy reading!