Erin Davies is a passionate reader. We’ve been connected through social media for quite a long time and I admire Erin’s passion for reading and for sharing her thoughts about the books she’s read whenever she has a chance. She has been blogging about books for more than 10 years – you can find her at Historical Fiction Reader.

Erin is a BIG fan of historical fiction and I thought it would be interesting to have her take on The Reading Journey, just as I’ve invited several authors to share their writing journeys.

Mary: How and when did your passion for reading develop?

Erin: It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when my love for reading began. Like many readers, I can’t recall a time when I didn’t have a book in my hands. I have vivid memories of enjoying the classics in elementary school and being captivated by high fantasy as a young teen. 

I read a considerable amount of historical fiction as a child. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi, King of the Wind by Henry, Time Cat by Alexander, and Both Sides of Time by Cooney were high on my list of childhood favorites, but I didn’t consider myself a genre fan until high school when I stumbled across The Champion by Elizabeth Chadwick. That was my gateway book.

Mary: When and why did you decide to share your reading and reviews with others? How do you interact with other readers? Which platforms – blog, Goodreads, Amazon, other venues – do you use to share your thoughts about the books you read?

Erin: I started my first review blog more than a decade ago when I was a new mom and a stay-at-home parent. That chapter of my life was wonderful, but also lonely and isolating. I began reviewing books as a way to connect with the outside world. My initial goal wasn’t promotion; I had no understanding of the industry or the role that reviewers play in it at the time. I simply craved conversation and wanted to connect with others who shared my passion for literature. 

I’ve rebranded a couple of times, but most of my reviews are still available on Goodreads. Currently, I am working to consolidate my reviews on my blog, Historical Fiction Reader. I am also active on social media, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.
  

Mary: How have your reading interests changed over time? Do you read all genres? Only a few genres?

Erin: I’m a genre junkie and suspect my passion for historical fiction is somehow coded into my DNA. That said, my tastes have definitely evolved. Where I once preferred plot-driven fiction, I now favor stories with something to say. I’ll still read anything with an iota of historical relevance, but the top of my TBR is heavy on biographical and literary novels. 

I don’t often review other genres, but I frequently read them for both pleasure and research. Venturing beyond my usual stomping ground is how I discovered gems like The Radium Girls by Moore, Ghost Soldiers by Sides, Tender is the Flesh by Bazterrica, and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Yagisawa. My current read, Sing for the Red Dress by Marshall, is a contemporary suspense that highlights MMIW. 

Why are you so passionate about historical fiction?

History fascinates me anyway, but facts can only tell so much of a story. Historical fiction explores the gaps and imagines the lived experiences, the hows, and the whys of the past. Some novels are more accurate than others, but I appreciate how the creative lens of the genre allows readers to engage with the material in ways the factual record does not afford. 

How have changes in the publishing world – more indie books, more small publishers, e-books, Amazon – affected your reading? Have they changed the book community? 

Without a doubt. I used to discover books in used bookstores. I’d wander the maze of shelves for hours, hoping something would catch my eye and I’d get recommendations from whoever was behind the counter. The rise in online distributors has made it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. It takes only a few clicks to find titles on a specific topic, and if the results don’t strike your fancy, the algorithm presents a host of curated alternatives. Paid advertising and artfully designed codes have made it much harder to discover titles organically. 

I love that indie publishing has created a publishing pathway for so many creatives. Titles that major publishers deemed too niche or risky are finding their audience in the indie market and breaking long-held industry stereotypes. A few titles are released without the polish readers expect, but by and large, indies are the ones.

Has there been an event or a life-change that has affected your reading?

I’ve had episodes where reading was difficult due to time constraints or emotional turmoil, but losing my dad had a profound impact on how I read. I select novels set in Montana or stories set in the American Civil War more often than I used to, as those stories are the kind he liked and would have enjoyed discussing with me.

What is the value of reading?

I believe reading encourages critical thinking and empathy. It’s also a great form of stress relief. 

Do you reach out to authors? If so, can you tell us a little about those conversations.

I am a natural introvert, so reaching out to authors intimidates me, but I get genuinely giddy whenever an author sends me a PM or responds with a comment on social media.

Most authors are really open in sharing their experiences and expertise with readers. I’ve learned so much about the industry from both trad and indie published writers, and I think those engagements have made me a better reader.

Do you have favorite authors? Favorite time periods? Favorite elements that you look for in a novel?

It would be easier to choose a favorite star in the heavens. I have fallen for too many creative voices at this point and would hate to pit them against one another. The same is true of time periods. I’m a very cheap date. As long as something can be tied even remotely to the past, I can be tempted to read it. 

That said, I do favor stories with a defined theme or message. Inciting incident, rising action, midpoint, crisis, climax, falling action, etc. Solid story structure isn’t enough for me. I want novels that dare to say something. 

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts on reading, Erin. I’m sure others – both readers and writers – will appreciate your perspective. I certainly do!

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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from  Amazon ,  Nook ,  Kobo ,  Google Play  and  iTunes . She can be contacted on  Facebook  or on her website  www.mktod.com .

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