After a lengthy, but fun Q&A session at a recent book talk I gave, one shy reader slowly raised her hand. When called upon, she said in a soft voice, “You probably get asked this all the time, but what are you reading?” I answered her question and she followed up with, “Can you write down those book titles for me?”

“I’ll go one better. I’ll write a blog post on what I’m currently reading, as well as what I am watching.” From her expression, she was obviously pleased. So here is that blog post. 

First and foremost, I am an avid reader of nonfiction. The routine started as a necessity while conducting research for my thriller series. That need developed into a pleasurable pastime, and the routine continues today.

When I read, fiction or nonfiction, I often find myself reading critically, consciously doing my best to improve my craft. This may sound laborious, but it has become ingrained. Analyzing character development, dissecting plotlines, and scrutinizing emotions. All of which helps a writer to refine their own skills to create a work that readers find compelling to read.

Reading

As a fan of Pamela Taylor’s historical fiction series Second Son Chronicles, it’s no surprise that on my night stand is Pam’s latest release The Rest of His Days. “Set against the mystery of the death of Edward II of England, this is a tale of power struggles writ both large and small, finding redemption, and the true meaning of honor.” To read more about The Rest of His Days: https://www.pacificbookreview.com/the-rest-of-his-days/

Sound like something you might enjoy? Click here https://pamela-taylor.com/guest-giveaway/ for a chance to win a signed paperback. Deadline for entry is October 3rd.

Interested in learning more about Pam and her books? https://pamela-taylor.com/more-about-me/

In addition to being an author Pam is also an editor, and I am proud to say she’s my book editor as well. https://shoutoutmiami.com/meet-pamela-taylor-novelist-and-editor/

On a personal note, Pam shares her home with two Corgis who remind her frequently that a dog walk is the best way to find inspiration for that next chapter. As a dog owner myself, I can relate. These walks also give you time to reflect on a new approach to anything you’re writing, and most of the time these reflections result in better prose. 

The authors that have influenced my writing the most over the years have been Robert Ludlum and Fredrick Forsyth. At the moment, The Afghan by Fredrick Forsyth sits next to my computer. Since book five in my thriller series, Blue Angel, centers on the topic of modern terrorism I decided to reread Forsyth’s thriller novel, which was published in 2006. Sometimes revisiting the old triggers something new such as a new plot twist to an old conspiracy.

Watching 

In my younger years, while living overseas, I didn’t watch much television. Either the countries we lived in had no television service or the broadcasts weren’t in English. By the time we moved to Nigeria and bought a TV, most of the programs were in the local dialect, Yoruba, or were limited to news telecasts. Only one program, a Canadian mystery series – the name escapes me – was interesting enough to hold my attention. 

And once a week I sat glued to my seat listening in suspense to a popular old-time radio series that began with, “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!”

You may wonder, no TV? Then what did you do with your spare time? Answer: read and write. I am – and most of my siblings are – still bookworms today, but only I became an author. https://patkrapf.com/sharpening-reading-skills-author-born/ 

These days, what captures my interest when it comes to television programs? I’ll never pass up a good Western or any series that focuses on my adopted state—Texas. That brings me to Landman. One of my favorite leading men is Billy Bob Thornton who stars in this “combustible big oil drama,” as one reviewer called the series.

I was immediately captivated with Landman and looked forward to each episode, thoroughly engrossed in the insights into the oil industry and the high-stakes world of West Texas oil drilling. 

In Season 2, another Western legend joins the cast, Sam Elliott. Billy Bob, Sam, roughnecks, and wildcat billionaires squaring off during the booming oil business in deep West Texas—now that’s TV worth watching.