Friday, May 1, 2020

Cure for Quarantine Fever by Diane Burton #amreading






Happy May Day. In the dark days of winter in the Great Lakes states, we talk about cabin fever when we've been cooped up too long. Quarantine Fever sounds appropriate for these unusual times.

Are you tired of staying home? Never thought I’d say it, but I am. Mind you, I like being home. After nearly three months, I’ve about had it with not going anywhere. Here in Michigan, we’ve had shelter-in-place for eight weeks. But I broke my foot in February, and the “cure” was staying off my foot and keeping it elevated. That equals nearly three months of only going to the doctor. Once my foot healed, I got to go to the store to pick up groceries that a “shopper” had collected. Whoopee! I haven’t even seen my grandchildren in person, except at a distance. Daughter and Daughter-in-Law decided at the beginning of the shelter-in-place that it was safer for Hubs and I not to come in contact with the kiddos. Son and Son-in-Law work in essential jobs, so the risk of their bringing home the virus is very real. Rational, but I sure do miss those hugs and kisses.

According to the ads on TV, we’re all in this together. So I’m probably not telling you anything new or anything that you haven’t experienced. I understand the reason for staying home and totally agree with it. Emotionally, I’m finding it hard.

With all this “free” time, you’d think I would get a lot done. Being confined to the recliner meant cleaning, organizing closets, etc. were not on my agenda. So what have I done? I wish I could say I’ve been writing like crazy. Unfortunately, no. I’m finding it difficult to focus on my work-in-progress, the science fiction romance that is 85% done. I wrote myself into a corner and can’t figure out how to get out.



So, if I’m not cleaning and not writing, what am I doing? Binge-watching TV and binge-reading. Since my buddy Nancy Gideon wrote about bingeing television shows here on Saturday, I’ll talk about reading.

When I find an author I enjoy, I tend to binge on his/her books. I discovered Jayne Ann Krentz (w/a Jayne Castle) back in the early 80s when she wrote for Dell Candlelight. I’ve read almost everything she’s written. Thanks to our library that loans ebooks, I’ve kept up with her latest, especially the ones taking place in the 1930s. Great romantic suspense. And I find the world-building in her science fiction romances fascinating.

Linda Howard is another favorite. Her romantic suspense stories capture my interest from the first pages of each book. Since I write romantic suspense (along with mysteries and sci-fi romance), I try to examine books in those genres to see how the author does it. With Howard’s books, I get so caught up in the story I forget what I’m supposed to do.

Veronica Scott’s science fiction romances are captivating. I’ve binged on her entertaining Badari Warrior series, featuring genetically engineered soldiers, as well as her Egyptian mythology series. She really knows how to build fantastical worlds.

Lately, I rediscovered Phyllis A. Whitney, an author I first read while in my 20s. I think she and Victoria Holt are the mothers of gothic fiction. As I read book after book, I found myself fascinated by the atmosphere Whitney creates that sends shivers down my spine. Our Nancy Gideon does the same with her vampire and shifters series. I’ve never considered writing a Gothic (or fantasy) romance, so reading them is pure pleasure. Not to learn anything, just to enjoy.

Anna Hackett develops futuristic worlds on a dystopian Earth. Her characters are strong and flawed, the alien conquerors are downright creepy, and the stories are so hot you need a fan.

S.J. Pajonas’ cozy mysteries are a delight. They feature a young woman who daydreams her way through life in rural Japan and somehow solves mysteries.

I blasted through Diane Henders The Never Say Spy series, reading one after another. Exciting with a middle-aged heroine. Did the same with Josie Brown’s Housewife Assassin books. Like I said, when I find an author I like, I binge-read their books.

So, if you’re still sheltering-in-place, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorites. Have you read any of them? What books/authors would you suggest?



Stay safe. We’ll all get through these difficult times by doing our part.



24 comments:

Nancy Gideon said...

Since I can't sit at my keyboard binge watching ALL day, I've been reading, too. Around the required books I've got to judge for the FF&P RWA Chapter's Prism contest, I've been rummaging through TBR piles for Sandra Brown and Linda Howard and after reading (and watching) The Outsider, I've been digging up unread Stephen King's until I've got to shift gears to proof an upcoming boxed set of my House of Terriot shapeshifter books and Beta reads for RISE BY MOONLIGHT, my final "By Moonlight" book. But today, those will have to wait until after coffee on a sunny (Finally!!) deck with with cat! Happy May Day!!

Diane Burton said...

So glad to see the sun today!!! A good day to sit on the deck, soak up some rays, and read. I read Sandra Brown a long time ago. I'll have to dig out some of her books from my towering TBR pile. Thanks for the reminder.

Patricia Kiyono said...

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I remember reading and enjoying Phyllis A. Whitney, too. I'm going to have to check out S. J. Pajonas' books and see if I recognize any of her settings.

Nightingale said...

I loved both Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. Read everything by
Daphne duMaurier and Mary Stewart. Also try Tanith Lee.

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

I'm tired of not being able to go much either.... Dancing every week, out to eat a couple of times, hug those grandbabies and children, couldn't even travel to TX from Louisiana to visit my son! Thankfully that restriction has lifted so I'll be going there soon. No Camping - UGH - parks closed. Hopefully that'll change soon to.

BUT I AM getting a Lot of things accomplished that have been hit and miss for a long time so I'm not complaining (too much) LOL

Great post.
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT

Lucy K. said...

Reading has always been my escape, no matter the reason. It takes me away, helps me get to sleep at night, and lets me think about something other than what's bothering me. Right now it's truly a sanity saver. I'm currently reading two books; The Widow's House by Carol Goodman and Ride the High Lonesome by Rosanne Bittner, in my two favorite romance categories: gothic and western.But I also love the Longmire books by Craig Johnson and the Wind River mysteries by Margaret Coel. So many books, so little time, even in this quarantine time!

Diane Burton said...

Patty, I think you'll enjoy S.J.'s mysteries. That would be so cool is you recognized places.

Diane Burton said...

Linda, thanks for reminding me of Daphne duMaurier. Rebecca is my fav mystery--the movie and the book. I just downloaded a Mary Stewart book. I used to read her in my 20's, too.

Diane Burton said...

I hear you, Pam. My son--who has the twins--lives 5 miles away. It's so hard not popping over there like we used to for a visit. FaceTime has to suffice. Glad you're getting lots of things done, though.

Diane Burton said...

Lucy, thanks for sharing those books. I've never read Carol Goodman. I'll have to keep an eye out for her books. Of course, Rosanne's books are a great example of western romances. I read for the same reasons you do. Such a relief from constant reminders of COVID-19.

Alina K. Field said...

We gave in and had the little ones come over so mom and dad could go surfing last weekend. It was more for their mental health than any other reason. My daughter was starting to climb the walls spending 24/7 with a 6 month old and a 2 1/2 year old. She needed a break, and we needed the cuddling time.
Great post, Diane, as usual!

Diane Burton said...

Alina, you are so fortunate to get to hold those little ones. I can imagine your daughter climbing the walls. I remember those days when mine were little. Couldn't wait for Hubs to come home from work. Stay safe.

Kara O'Neal said...

I love Linda Howard!!! She is so great.

Diana Stout said...

I LOVE Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt, having read all of their books in the past. I was such a Gothic fan back then. I still love those kinds of mysteries. Hmm, I think I should be writing them...

Maureen said...

Thanks for the suggestions. I find my reading taste changes based on my mood. Right now I've been reading more light, paranormal like Angie Fox but before that I was reading more horror like Stephen King etc. My work is in healthcare, and remote education, so I've been busier than ever. I've found myself a little jealous of some of my family and friends who are off work for a bit. I guess there is good and bad in both.

Diane Burton said...

Kara, thanks.

Diane Burton said...

Diana, you could do it. Glad you liked the reminder.

Diane Burton said...

Maureen, I appreciate your work. You and your coworkers are so needed. I'm sorry you don't have the free time so many of us do. My reading depends on mood, too. I need something light after a heavy-duty story. Thank you for working for all of us.

Veronica Scott said...

Honored to be mentioned! And in such great company - wow! I've been working on my next book but in the evenings I typically read and I've been going through some post apocalyptic scifi series, some nonfiction (reading Val Kilmer's autobiography right now) and some paranormals. I can't read scifi romance while I'm writing SFR so my next Anna Hackett is in the TBR list, waiting for me to finish the work in progress. I used to love Phyllis Whitney too, and Mary Stewart...!

Diane Burton said...

Thanks for visiting, Veronica. You know how much I enjoy your stories. Your books are a 1-click for me. I don't usually read autobiographies, but I want to read Michelle Obama's.

S. J. Pajonas (spajonas) said...

Thank you for mentioning me and my cozies!!

Diane Burton said...

Stephanie, I love those stories. I hope to read more. I enjoy your sfr stories, too.

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks for the suggestions. Since I'm writing a memoir now, I've been writing how-tos on writing them. I think I'll pick up some of your suggestions to get a break. It is hard to focus and I know these books will be great escapes for a while.

Diane Burton said...

I hope you enjoy whatever you choose. Needing a break is understandable. Wishing you success in writing those memoirs.