Er, Hi There (Thursday Tourist)

Heeeyyyy there, everyone. Ginger went ahead and promised an entertaining post from me. That pretty much trashed what I was going to talk about! (my book, excerpts, and writing) Instead, I'm going to shoot for somewhat amusing with a hint of educational.

First, who the heck am I? That's me in the picture and my 51 pound monster, Colby. This morning, he tore the cover off the book I am reading, The Accidental Sorceror by K.E Mills. I was not a happy camper. Don't mess with my books dog.

I'm just happy I didn't pay money for a now-torn book. What? What's that? Oh yes, baby, I get books for free. That's what happens when you're a madly successful author. People send you stuff free, just so you can breathe on it, then leprechauns will shoot out of my butt and grant the author a pot of gold. Works every time!

Actually, I got The Accidental Sorceror and many other books from an online book swapping community, Bookmooch. It works pretty much how you think it will work. You list 10 books you are willing to give to others, you get a 1 point for it, you can use that point to get a book you want. Easy peasy with some cheesy.

Yeah, I know. A writer trading in used paperbacks?!? But the author doesn't receive royalties for book swapping! True. However, this goes back to the age old debate on whether or not used book stores and book swaps are good for the author/publisher. It is good, and I'll tell you why, little grasshopper. After discovering K.E. Mill's books, I bought 3 of hers that I couldn't wait to read. The same happened when I read Susan Grant, Linnea Sinclair, Patti O'Shea, Patricia Briggs, and Marjorie M. Liu. (so actually, I guess bookmooch costs me money.)

The point is, these websites like bookmooch are incredible resources for authors/writers/readers/people who don't have a lot of money. Since a book is only 1 point and I have like 90 points, I can take chances on genres and authors I'd never spend money on. I've gotten trashy romances with heaving bosoms on the cover, nonfiction, mysteries, and young adult. I liked young adult so much that it inspired me to write my own (currently in progress. Look for it on USATODAY best seller list when the sun goes supernova.)

Of course, it works both ways. I discovered I'm not a fan of Jim Butcher or Julie Czerneda.

So bookmooch has let me experience different genres and writing styles, for very little cost. It has exposed me to different things which has greatly improved my writing (and plots). It's good for established authors because they can reach a broader audience, who might be inclined to buy book 2 and 3 of the series. Or their next release. I know a few editors and literary agents are on bookmooch. (I once swapped a book from Anna Genoese.)

After all, if you are a writer, what better resource is there than other people's books? And if you could get them for free, why wouldn't you? Bookmooch forever! Long live the queen bookmooch!