Welcome to Biting-Edge, a blog shared by authors and vampire experts, Mario Acevedo and Jeanne Stein. We’ll cover urban fantasy, vampires, pop culture, and all things Joss Whedon. Unlike other fantasy blogs, we don’t insist on body cavity searches (unless you ask politely). Snarkiness is most welcome...though we won't promise not to bite back!

Sunday, December 30, 2012
  Time for the new
Mario here:

What I'm reading: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi









It's that time of the year. I'm not much on resolutions, believing that if you have to commit to something, then do it now. However, it's good to reflect on what we're doing, measure how well things are going, and if necessary, apply a mid-course correction to the tiller.

One of my ongoing "resolutions" is to read more, and for the last few months I've averaged about a book a week. The books I selected were either recommended to me or I plucked them from those "Best of" lists. Most I enjoyed and cribbed from for my writing classes. Others...I couldn't see what the fuss was about.

This past year we've been bombarded with advice on promoting ourselves and using social media. Twitter and FaceBook yourself to fame and fortune.  Joe Konrath offers a review of his resolutions, starting with 2006, and we can see the evolution of his musings regarding the publishing industry and how to nurture a writing career. He distills his hard-earned advice into this nugget: The best way to find success is to write a good book.

Which begs the question: What is a good book?

Here's my take: One that people want to read.

My reading this past year showed me that there isn't one single key to what makes a good book. No formula. No templates. Some stories were funny and acerbic tirades, lacking in plot but loaded with wit. Others steamrolled you with a plot so engrossing that the lack of lyricism didn't matter. And yet others set up a premise in a setting so compelling that I had to devour every word. If you have any favorite reads, please chime in.

Happy New Year!



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