My Reading Life – Jennifer Chastain
by Jennifer Chastain
The last time I shared about my reading life, I traveled way back to some childhood memories of growing up in a small town and visiting our library on a weekly basis. Those were the formative years for my reading habit.
I’ve always loved to read across genres. So, when others ask me what my favorite genre is, what they ought to ask me is, “what is your favorite genre at this point in time?”
Right now, I’ve been gobbling up rom-coms and marriage of convenience stories, whether historical or contemporary. I follow several rom-com authors who write in the sweet and clean genre. I think my subconscious reason for this is because writing romantic suspense is technical and requires a ton of research. Whereas rom-coms are more like the forbidden hot fudge sundae (for those of us on a low-sugar eating regimen) for my soul. After editing some intense scenes the past few weeks I’m drained emotionally, and all I want to do is read something that doesn’t overstimulate me. I want to read about those sweet and swoony kisses with the handsome hero without them having to be on high alert. Right now, rom-coms, whether in book or movie format, are my guilty pleasure. These types of stories are my reward for writing a particularly tough scene (or book).
Today on My Reading Life Jennifer Chastain lets us know what she's reading. Share on XI know what some of you are probably thinking—but you’re a romantic suspense author. Shouldn’t you be reading in your genre?
Well, yes, and no. I just finished reading a romantic suspense novel, and I’ve started reading a second one. But these are not relaxing, in any shape or form. If I try to read before bedtime, my heart pounds, I’m trying to figure out the clues, want a resolution to the conflict, or want to see the villain exposed.
As a result, I try to read something soothing, something that doesn’t involve murder and mayhem! But reading across genres also stimulates my creativity. Different genres are refreshing, and they help me generate fresh story ideas.
My advice is to try a book out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised to find that you have a new favorite genre or author to read.
Jennifer Chastain is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA. Her contemporary romance stories contain the themes of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.
A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, old movies and a good romantic movie. She loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen and when not cooking, she’s reading. Growing up in the snowy North, Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine scenting the air.
She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and they are permitted to co-exist with their black rescue cat.
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