You Can Always Spot A Reader...

Last week I met a reader. Now, I didn't know she was a reader when we first met...there are so few around nowadays. However, after talking with her for a minute or two, it became evident.

She loves to read.

What gave it away? My friend told her I was a writer. I've been introduced as a writer before. Most of the time the news is met with indifference--not disrespect, but they might think it's cool to be a writer. The written word isn't that important to them. No, she stopped and asked some follow up questions. 

"What do you write?" 

"What are your favorite genres?"

"What do you like to read?"

That last question is interesting. It's assumed writers are also readers. I have been more of an active reader in the past--it's something I need to do more. She is correct, though. To be a successful writer you need to be an active reader.

I told her I got my masters degree in English and to do so, I read a lot of book, mostly classics. She is currently reading some classic literature. I asked if she liked reading fantasy or speculative fiction. She said she's not read all that much, but would like to read more.

I had the perfect book for her.

The next time I saw her, I dug up my copy of D.H. (Dave) Butler's amazing Witchy Eye. If you've read it you know the level of writing found in its pages. 

I don't know if she'll like it--she may hate it. I hope not. Since she's a reader I'm almost certain she will appreciate the writing, even if it's not her cup of tea. I've never met anyone who has read Dave's books who didn't respect Dave as a writer and craftsman and wordsmith.

Hopefully, she'll finish the book soon. I'm anxious to know what she thinks. If she likes it, there's two more book waiting for her in the wings.

For a reader, that'a heaven.

A New Book...And The Author

This picture is one of the most unique I think I've ever taken. It's not spectacular or full of action. Quite the opposite, really. It's a picture of my computer screen. In the picture I have Facebook open to a friend's post. The post is proclaiming to the world that a new book is available. It's launch day for David Butler's In the Palace of Shadow and Joy from Baen Books.

If you can't see the blurred image above my computer screen, I captured the author of this new book hard at work on his next project. Yes--that's D.J. (a.k.a. Dave...) Butler, the author of the book on my screen. Now, I've taken many pictures over the years of authors proudly holding up a book or books they've written. I think this was the first time I snapped a photo of an author and their book on the first day of that particular book's availability.

If you're interested in Dave's newest offering, click: HERE. From the Amazon website, here's what this book is all about:

Indrajit Twang is the four hundred twenty-seventh epic poet of his people, the only person alive to carry their entire epic history and mythology in his head. His people are dwindling in number, and if he can’t find a successor in the great city of Kish, their story will disappear with them.

Fix grew up a foundling on the ancient streets of Kish and is making his living as a mercenary. The woman he loves married someone else, and Fix has turned to buying and selling risk on the black market—but is he trying to impress her, or prove something to himself?

Indrajit and Fix have been hired by a powerful risk-merchant to protect the life of opera star Ilsa without Peer for the duration of a risk contract he’s taken on. When an attempt is made on Ilsa’s life, Indrajit and Fix find themselves hunted by multiple mercenary squads and targeted by some of the most powerful men in Kish. Will they be able to save themselves, not to mention protect Ilsa, in the Palace of Shadow and Joy?

So, there you go--a new book and its author. If you've read anything from Mr. Butler, you know the story will not be average or ordinary. And, when you're finished, you'll be able to answer the question; Will they be able to save themselves, not to mention protect Ilsa, in the Palace of Shadow and Joy?

Get the book and find out!