What I’ve Been Reading Lately (When I’m Not Writing My Own Books)
You’d think that after spending a good chunk of my time writing romantic comedies, the last thing I’d want to do is curl up with someone else’s. But apparently, I can’t get enough of other people’s fictional relationships either.
I’ve always loved reading, and it’s something I do pretty much every night before bed. It’s also an essential part of any holiday, preferably somewhere warm with a cocktail within easy reach. I’m quite partial to reading in the bath, too, although there’s always the danger of getting so caught up in a story that the water goes cold and I emerge looking like I’ve aged another ten years.
These days, I’m almost exclusively an ebook reader. Not because I don’t love a beautiful paperback. I do. But ebooks have one very important advantage.
I can make the font bigger.
Honestly, whoever invented adjustable font sizes deserves a medal. My eyesight isn’t quite what it used to be, and while I still love the idea of curling up with a paperback, holding it at arm’s length and squinting at the pages isn’t quite the relaxing experience I’m after.
Getting older. What a treat.
The Trouble with Reading When You’re a Writer
Something I hadn’t anticipated when I started writing books was how much it would change the way I read them.
Once upon a time, I could happily lose myself in a story without giving much thought to how it was put together. These days, I find myself noticing things I probably wouldn’t have picked up on before. Dialogue that doesn’t sound quite natural, characters making decisions that leave me scratching my head, or little plot details that don’t quite add up. And occasionally, I catch myself mentally rewriting a sentence.
There I am, tucked up in bed, supposedly relaxing, and my brain has decided it’s time for another editing session. As if I haven’t spent enough hours doing exactly that with my own manuscripts.
Of course, I’m well aware that my own writing isn’t perfect. Far from it. If anything, becoming an author has given me an enormous appreciation for just how much work goes into creating a book. From the first messy draft to the endless rounds of editing, there’s a lot more involved than simply sitting down and telling a story.
But I do sometimes wish I could switch off that little editorial voice and go back to being blissfully unaware.
So, What Have I Actually Been Reading?
I’ve been on a bit of a romantic comedy reading spree lately, and since I’ve spent all this time talking about my reading habits, I thought I’d share a few of the books that have been keeping me entertained.
I’m not going to hand out star ratings or attempt to become a professional book reviewer, because I'm far from that. But I thought it might be fun to list a few recent reads and the things I enjoyed about them.
The Great Italian Holiday Mix-Up - Sandy Barker
Another author living in Western Australia!
I love a book that transports me somewhere I’d rather be, and this one certainly had me dreaming of Italy. Sunshine, gorgeous scenery, delicious food and the possibility of a little romance. What’s not to love? The travel element was what really appealed to me, and I finished it feeling like I’d enjoyed a little Italian getaway without having to deal with airport queues or lost luggage.
Someone Else’s Honeymoon - Phoebe McLeod
This one had a lovely mix of travel, comedy and reinvention, which is always a combination that appeals to me. There’s something about a character finding her feet again, particularly somewhere fabulous, that makes for an enjoyable escape. I really found myself enjoying the humour and the whole starting-over aspect of the story.
The Suite Life - Portia MacIntosh
Of the Portia MacIntosh books I’ve read so far, I think this might be my favourite. I loved the travel element, really warmed to the heroine and particularly enjoyed the twist towards the end. I won’t spoil anything, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when a romantic comedy manages to catch me off guard. This one definitely stood out for me!
Not in a Million Years - Sophie Ranald
This one had a little more emotional depth than some of my other recent reads, touching on a few heavier themes along the way. I found those parts slowed things down a little for me, but I enjoyed the sense of adventure and the contemporary humour woven throughout. It was a nice reminder that romantic comedies can explore more serious subjects while still offering plenty of entertaining moments.
The Problem with Giving Up on a Book
I should probably confess that I’m also one of those people who struggles to abandon a book once I’ve started it, even when I’m not particularly enjoying it.
I’ll convince myself that perhaps the next chapter will turn things around. Maybe the characters will become more interesting, or there’s a brilliant twist coming that will suddenly make everything fall into place.
Sometimes I’m rewarded for my persistence. Other times, I’ve spent several evenings wondering why I’m still reading something I’m not enjoying when there are hundreds of other books waiting for me.
I have occasionally admitted defeat, but a book has to be pretty awful before I reach that point. And even then, there’s a small part of me that wonders whether I’ve given up just before something wonderful happens.
Apparently, I can’t even abandon a fictional relationship without overthinking it.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Rom-Coms
I read other genres too, but I always seem to find my way back to romantic comedies. And I think it’s because, at the end of the day, I know exactly what I’m hoping to get from them.
I want to laugh. I want to escape. And I want to finish feeling good.
That doesn’t mean I need everything to be sunshine and roses. I love a bit of chaos, characters who make questionable decisions and relationships that don’t go quite according to plan. In fact, those are often the most entertaining parts.
But there’s something comforting about knowing that, after all the misunderstandings, disasters and romantic complications, things will probably work out in the end.
Life can be complicated enough without every book leaving us emotionally exhausted.
Sometimes I just want to close my ebook, put it on the bedside table and go to sleep with a smile on my face.
And I suppose that’s a big part of why I write romantic comedies, too. Because if I can give someone else that same feeling, even for a few hours, then I’m pretty happy with that.
Over to You!
So that’s what I’ve been reading lately, along with a few confessions about my reading habits.
Now I’m curious about yours. Are you someone who finishes every book, no matter what? Or are you perfectly happy to abandon one after a few chapters?
And have you discovered any romantic comedies lately that have made you laugh out loud or transported you somewhere fabulous? I’m always looking for recommendations, although at this rate I’ll need to live to about 150 to get through my reading list.
Still, there are worse problems to have, right?
Happy reading!
Sarah x
#CurrentlyReading #RomComBooks #BookLovers #ReadingLife #FeelGoodReads #AuthorLife #AustralianAuthor
If you love romantic comedies filled with laughter, a little escapism and plenty of romantic complications, you might enjoy some of my own stories, too.
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