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Of Dogs And Books

HelenKay Dimon

My dog ate the May edition of my Romantic Times magazine.

Really.

That’s not a high school excuse. She really ate it. The only reason this matters is that I tend to look through RT to see what’s coming out soon and what books I want to keep in mind to buy. What has me a bit disgruntled is that I specifically remember seeing a few books I wanted to purchase. The bigger problem is that I saw the books in pretty color ads - which shows that authors aren’t wasting money when they buy those things - and those aren’t available online as far as I know.

One book I do remember. It was by Gennita Low. It sticks in my mind because I read a few by her in the past and really liked them. Seeing the ad sparked one of those I-gotta-get-that moments. So, with the help of google and Low’s website I should be able to track that one down. But, there were others. I have a vague memory of a book by one of those authors who I see her name and think “man, I need to read her” then don’t. This time I was going to buy the book. Now I can’t remember the title.

That dog is lucky I love her so much…

How do you guys stay on top of your book buying wants? Do you keep a list, carry around notes, go by what you see on the store shelves - what? I’m wondering from both a reader perspective and from the perspective of wanting to be one of the authors on the list, notes or whatever. Tell me what works for you and you’ll be entered to win a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate. I’ll pick a winner at random on Saturday.

54 Responses to “Of Dogs And Books”

  1. Websites like this one will show different authors new books that are out. Also, some authors send out a newsletter to tell you that their book is out. Also, I will go to a bookstore and check out what new books are there.

    by Maureen on April 11th, 2007 at 5:58 am

  2. Hi HelenKay. I’ve taken to keeping a list because as a blogger, I come across a lot of great recs that I probably wouldn’t have discovered on my own, plus I don’t want to end up getting a book I already have, what with re-issues and the like. I also subscribe to RT magazine so that I can see what else is out there. Other readers (and their blogs) are a great source of information as well, so I do visit and make up my list from those sources.

    And HelenKay, your next book is already on my list :)

    by Stacy ~ on April 11th, 2007 at 6:02 am

  3. Hi HelenKay and readers!

    I bring a list with me when I go book shopping. I also browse the shelves to see what is out there and sometimes I find something interesting that was not on my list.

    Sometimes recommendations from blog or booksites and other readers have influence.

    So many books, so little time! ;-)

    by Pat L on April 11th, 2007 at 6:17 am

  4. Most of the books on my wish list are from the author blogs I visit daily. Of course, when I get to the book store, so many more are added when I browse the shelves.

    by Cheryl S. on April 11th, 2007 at 6:57 am

  5. I keep a list of books that I want to buy. I find a lot of the books I want to buy by reading author websites, group sites like this one, and from blogs. I also just peruse the shelfs when I go to the store.

    by Crystal B. on April 11th, 2007 at 7:22 am

  6. I usually keep a list also. I get my list from a variety of sources. Also, it is a way to see what I am reading. For instances, lately paranormals have been on the list. Unfortunately, those are going in the TBR pile. I really need to cut back!

    by Sandy L on April 11th, 2007 at 8:29 am

  7. I do have a list that I continually add to. This is from visiting author’s websites as well as their blogs. I browse through the bookstore whenever I have time.

    by alissa on April 11th, 2007 at 8:29 am

  8. I make my wish list based on books I see in the stores…but primarily from books I see on websites, blogs, newsletters! and additional updates that authors send out. Oh!, and the last few pages of books usually lists a few new books coming out!

    by Kathleen on April 11th, 2007 at 8:42 am

  9. I keep an Amazon wishlist for extended reference, and I take notes anytime I hear about books - at work, at libraries, at meetings, at dinner, at bookstores, on my various online recs lists, and especially on reader/author/publisher blogs… The back five pages of my little moleskine are solid with tiny printing of books to find.

    by Keri on April 11th, 2007 at 9:19 am

  10. I make a list from browsing B&N coming soon in the genres I like, and from blog posts from authors I visit every week.

    by Vivi Anna on April 11th, 2007 at 9:28 am

  11. I do have a list of TBB, which seems to grow daily! :lol: Your blog is one of many blogs that I visit daily that has added to it. I do all my buying online because I live so far out in a rural area, the closest bookstore is a hour away. :sad:

    by Susan on April 11th, 2007 at 9:48 am

  12. Add me to the list of list makers. I ususally make a list from authors web-sites and newsletters with new releases. I alsoo just like to shop and browse for new and different authors and books.

    by Christy H. on April 11th, 2007 at 9:51 am

  13. I also have a list of books that I find in blogs and on author’s websites. Sometimes the next book in a series is mentioned in the book that I’m reading and that goes on my list, too.

    by Carol on April 11th, 2007 at 10:19 am

  14. i have tbr books and only buy blaze books and check my library. i do keep list and check all authors site that i read. check amazon and keep names of book in head lol. love gennita low books :smile:

    by kim h on April 11th, 2007 at 11:14 am

  15. I used to do a lot of lists few years ago. I took up the habit by starting an Amazon list (just because the service is free and available) last year, and I’m trying to keep it updated. I printed out a condensed list when I went shopping.

    I get my book info through the web, mostly, either by visiting author/publisher/reader websites or by “hearsay”. Magazines are nice for browsing, but the web is easier to access and offers a broader selection for me.

    by Paula on April 11th, 2007 at 11:24 am

  16. I get ideas for new books from chats, blogs, newsletters and authors’ websites.

    by RobynL on April 11th, 2007 at 11:35 am

  17. I’m such an organization freak. I have a couple notebooks of all the books I’ve read, by author. On each author’s page, I have a post-it note of books that are coming soon. But since I couldn’t carry these notebooks around, I have a list of books that I want to puchase on my Pocket PC, which I almost always have in my purse.

    I get most of my book information from websites, blogs and newsletters. I find new authors from chats, group blogs (like this one) and just browsing at the bookstore or library.

    by Jennifer K. on April 11th, 2007 at 11:53 am

  18. I keep a list of books and update it every couple of months. I add to it based on recommendations by my sister, Romantic Times, author websites, blogs, and chats. I have also added authors to my TBB list by winning one of their contests and trying one of their books and getting hooked.

    by Cherie Japp on April 11th, 2007 at 12:06 pm

  19. http://www.romrevtoday.com/General%20Pages/2007_book_releases.htm

    They only go through May there, but I find that page very helpful for just such an occasion.

    by romblogreader on April 11th, 2007 at 12:08 pm

  20. I’m also a subscriber to Romantic Times! I can’t wait to get the issue every month to check out all the new releases coming out for the month ahead. I regurally visit author sites and blogs to keep me informed on new releases. I also receive newsletters from various authors and sites that keep me informed on new releases.

    by Teresa W. on April 11th, 2007 at 12:11 pm

  21. I used to just pick up what looked good when I browsing the shelves. Now I keep a little post it note of book titles in my wallet with the names and sometimes release date if they’re a few months away so I remember when to look for it.

    by Lis on April 11th, 2007 at 1:20 pm

  22. When I read about a book I want to add to the TBB pile, like Lis, I write myself a post-it and stick it in my wallet, or the flap of my purse, or in a purse pocket. That way I always have it with me. The downside of that is that I have all these random post-its floating around in my pocketbook! :roll: :razz:
    The upside is that I was in B&N yesterday and crossed two Patricia Brigss books off the list!

    by Angie T on April 11th, 2007 at 1:35 pm

  23. I keep a list by my side and whenever a book comes to my attention I add it to the list.

    by Lisa W on April 11th, 2007 at 1:47 pm

  24. I have a list that I make from newsletters, author sites, blogs, great books I’ve read.

    by Karen B on April 11th, 2007 at 1:47 pm

  25. Well, I visit author websites at least once a month, or pay attention to their newsletters. Then I’ll notice sites like this one, or groups that talk about books and show lists of what’s upcoming.

    My list is always half of a regular printer piece of paper, folded in half. One half is marked off in blocks for months. So now it’s listed April - December, and whenever something is coming out, I’ll put it in the right month. The other side are older ones that I want to watch for as well. :) Alas, this is just about the only place I’m that organized. :)

    Lois

    by Lois on April 11th, 2007 at 2:15 pm

  26. I keep a list of books and I find new books and authors by visiting blogs and visiting the author’s websites. :mrgreen:

    by Amy S. on April 11th, 2007 at 3:16 pm

  27. I keep a list but I can be tempted by books that I see while browsing in the store.

    by Linda F on April 11th, 2007 at 4:06 pm

  28. I carry around a pocket size address book with book titles listed under author’s names.

    by Cathy on April 11th, 2007 at 5:12 pm

  29. I’m not a list maker. So wheither it’s a trip shopping for books or groceries I have to trust my memory. Mostly I browse the aisles and shevles until something jogs my memory.

    by Sue A. on April 11th, 2007 at 5:22 pm

  30. Oh I do it all - total chaos. I have notebooks of books I’ve read, books tbr, books tbb, etc. I have short lists, long lists, new lists, old lists lol. And if I’m really lucky, I have them on me when I’m buying but since I stop spur of the moment sometimes that is a hit or miss situation too lol. If worse comes to worse and I already have the book - my sister gets it and vice versa lol.

    by catslady on April 11th, 2007 at 6:11 pm

  31. I have a database that I enter data in all the time. It keeps all the books I want to buy and the books I’ve read. I print out my TBB list from there eriodically and keep that in my purse.

    by Kim on April 11th, 2007 at 6:31 pm

  32. I try to write down the titles of the books that I want to read, so that when I go to the bookstore they are in my mind. Usually, I just try to remember the names of the authors, or wander the aisles until I see the book that I wanted. By the way, your books are always on my list.

    by Patty L. on April 11th, 2007 at 6:54 pm

  33. I check out Amazon and have a Word list of upcoming releases that I want. And also AAR’s romance list for the coming month. And blogs, and author newsletters. And RT, and um….lots of places.

    by Nicole on April 11th, 2007 at 9:52 pm

  34. Hi Helen,
    I keep up with the authors that I like and their books. I join their newsletters and bookclubs like Doubleday and Rhapsody. That way I’m always on top of whats coming out. Sometimes when I go to bookstores or even Wal-mart, the cover of the book catches my attemtion. Mostly I like getting newsletters from authors and reading excerpts from their new releases. Helps me out alot.

    by Kimberly Lane on April 11th, 2007 at 10:06 pm

  35. HI HelenKay,

    I love to visit review sites to get ides for what to buy next. Also I try to keep tabs on my favorite authors via newsletter so I know when they have a new release out.

    by Carol on April 12th, 2007 at 2:22 am

  36. I have a mini-notebook that is devoted only to books-title and author. The front section is for new books and starting from the last page going backward is for older books to be purchased used. Since my fanny pack hangs on the back of my chair near my computer, I just add to the lists from chats, excerpts, etc. Then when I go out, the list is ready in the pack to go out with me. I never know when I might run into a bookstore.

    by Little Lamb Lost on April 12th, 2007 at 3:40 am

  37. I usually keep a mental list when some of my favorite authors are coming out but as far as new authors, I usually read excerpts or find out about them through the RT magazine. I also hear about new books from the people in my book club. I also write a list down on the ones I absolutely have to have.

    by Janet on April 12th, 2007 at 9:53 am

  38. Looks as if the list idea is popular. I wish I could remember to do that. I generally do the wander-down-the-aisle method, but I know I’m missing stuff and I hate that!!! :evil: Like Keri I have started using the Wish List feature on Amazon. Maybe that will help.

    Romblogreader - thanks for the RRT link. I check out the reviews on RRT all the time. Forgot all about its Upcoming Books page. Also forgot that AAR has one. Must check that out, too.

    Thanks ladies!

    by HelenKay on April 12th, 2007 at 11:45 am

  39. Definitely a list person…as long as I don’t loose it, lol.

    by Deborah on April 12th, 2007 at 11:51 am

  40. Writing a list is the easies way for me to keep track.

    by Shuck Ying on April 12th, 2007 at 11:51 am

  41. Hello Helen,

    Great topic :)

    I would go to different publishing sites and see what’s new that I would want. I would alos go to my favorite authors sites and see what they have coming up. When I go shopping I would print out my wish list from amazon.

    Hugssss
    Linda.H.

    by Linda on April 12th, 2007 at 2:11 pm

  42. I have an Amazon wish list too like everyone else. It is very handy and I have printed mine out too so I can see the book cover to remind me of what book it was I wanted.

    by RachaelfromNJ on April 12th, 2007 at 6:42 pm

  43. I definitely have a TBR list and a TBR pile (that includes 3 boxes of books). Reading is truly an addiction.

    I have a list by the months that they come out. It’s actually a spiral notebook with a page for each month.

    by Joyce on April 12th, 2007 at 7:10 pm

  44. I also choose my books from the RT magazine - note to self pick it up off the floor before the dog checks it out! I’m also subscribed to several author/publisher newsletters and often see recommendations while I’m blog hopping. I don’t have any trouble making a list :smile: I don’t write my list down but keep mental notes.

    by Shelley on April 12th, 2007 at 7:53 pm

  45. I write down the name of the author and the date the book is coming out on a calender just devoted to my authors. I take this with me in my purse. I gather the info from author and publisher websites.

    by Laurie G on April 13th, 2007 at 5:32 am

  46. hi, i keep an amazon list and real list of all of the interesting authors i come across on blogs, websites, and author groups. i make sure to jot down when i see a posting of book release date and after i read a good excerpt or review. you can always do a search for upcoming releases as well. :smile:

    by Melissa V on April 14th, 2007 at 2:40 am

  47. Hi Helen I have a small notebook with authors names and the books that are coming out. I check authors newletters and blogs and websites for new books .I like to go to the bookstores and look for new authors .

    by Emma on April 14th, 2007 at 2:44 pm

  48. WoW! Looks like we all have fun when it comes to buying new books LoL. Lots of great ideas everyone. I still think amazon is the best thing love it. Every time I hear about a new book and if I want it I add it to my amazon wish list then I print out my list when it’s time to go book shopping LoL

    Hugssss
    LindaH

    by Linda on April 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm

  49. who won?

    by kim h on April 17th, 2007 at 11:06 am

  50. Do you ever pick any winners in your contests? :neutral:

    by Karen B on April 21st, 2007 at 12:39 pm

  51. Yes, Karen - she does and she is very generous in giving away prizes. She is a very busy author and somtimes loses track of time.

    by Pat L on April 21st, 2007 at 7:10 pm

  52. Pat - thanks for defending me ;-)

    Karen - I always pick a winner and post the winner in the comments section. But…I’m usually late. Kim usually has to remind me (big thanks to Kim for that). This time is no different. Sorry for the delay.

    The winner is - Lois (comment #25). CONGRATS!!! I just need your email address and I’ll get that to you.

    by HelenKay on April 23rd, 2007 at 5:02 pm

  53. wtg lois, you are on a role. Hi helen.

    by kim h on April 24th, 2007 at 12:03 pm

  54. congrats Lois

    by RobynL on April 25th, 2007 at 9:27 am

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