The Cozy Chicks | Cozy Up To Some Killer Books

Off to the beach

The taxes are done, the manuscripts I’m supposed to review are about half-finished (they’re due next Friday), and the copyedits due Tuesday have barely made it out of their big manila envelope. And don’t get me started on my book deadlines.

But you know what?

I’m leaving it all behind to eat Doritos and read trashy novels on the beach for the weekend.

Woo hoo!

Well, maybe not trashy novels, come to think of it — right now I’m in the mood for armchair travel books, which are kind of travel pornography, if you will. I love to read people’s travelogues (particularly if they involve hard work, like renovating a house, that I can read about and not have to do) and fantasize about living in other corners of the globe. And then, of course, I always start thinking of exotic story lines in gorgeous locales…

Which leads me to a question. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, and I’d love your opinion. What part of the world would you drop everything to read a fictional book about? My current infatuations include the Caribbean, Ireland, Greece and Venice — I would LOVE to read a good story set in any of those places. (Provided, of course, there was plenty of local color, scenery, and food.)

But how about you? What exotic travel destination would you drop everything to read about? Any fascinating corners of the world I need to explore? And this is not necessarily a rhetorical question; I’m thinking about my next literary venture…

Well time to pack the car. (I’ve got to find the Margarita mix, too, come to think of it.)

Here’s wishing everyone a relaxing pre-tax weekend (ha).

Cheers!

9 Responses to “Off to the beach”

Well, my last set of taxes aren’t done yet, but we are still taking off for the weekend. Not the beach but plenty of beer and good friends playing darts.

Where would I love to read about? I read one series just because it’s set in Seattle and I love reading about King’s Maine. But as far as distant places? I’d love to read a mystery set in the Inca or Aztec villiages of old, but in modern times. Hummm, I’ll have to think some more about this.

Have a great weekend.

by Lynn on April 10th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I fell in love with Maine on our vacation last year, and have since read any book that takes place there. (Speaking of which, when does the next Gray Whale Inn book come out?? )
I have always wanted to go to Scotland and Ireland, and love reading books set in those locales. A trip to Ireland with some of the in-laws may actually take place Summer 2009, so am now looking for books set there. Hubby and I are driving from Dallas to Chicago, then to Niagara Falls the end of next week, then cutting through the lower part of Canada to cover all of Michigan for vacation. He loves to drive and I’m an avid photographer, so we love vacations and have planned this one to within an inch of its life. I am aiming to break my photo-taking record on this trip - over 3,200 in Maine in a week last year.
Have a great beach weekend!

by Allison on April 10th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I used to love historical mysteries because I liked going to different times, but I don’t think there are too many *places* I feel that way about. On the other hand, I like to read about ANY place, if that makes sense. I like to “go places,” there’s just not one particular spot I want to go more than any other.

I do hope lots of people want to read about the Caribbean, though, since the romantic suspense I am currently writing is set there. At least, half of it is.

by Laura on April 10th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Drop everything? Boy, I wish I could drop everyth8ing and sit and read. But I’ve already had to “drop everything” (i.e. writing my current mystery in progress) three times since mid March when visitng daughters arrived. Don’t get me wrong—I loved the visits. Who wouldn’t? I got to escape once again into Colorado’s High Country, then stroll thru Fort Collins art galleries for two days, then these past few days—spend three days shopping with youngest daughter in Denver and Fort Collins for all kinds of clothes–casual and business. Great fun. Bujt—-I’m a working writer. This is how I pay the mortgage and the light bill. So—I have to keep up with my writing schedule and my deadlines.

And now, that I’m getting back to work, I look at the calendar and what do I see? Income Tax deadlines!!! Ye Gods! I’m only half-way done on my income taxes. Yikes!! Now, I’ll have to spend the entire weekend catching up and hoping I can finish. I’ve never been this late. Never.

It’s all the New York Giants’ fault. (g)

by Maggie on April 11th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I love Italy as a place for a setting and of course cruise whip mysteries but I also really enjoy Maine, Louisana, small midwest towns and MA, oh and I love Washington State.
Pam

by Pamela on April 12th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Well gee Karen, I like to read mysteries set in Maine. Can you recommend any to me? Also, I’ll read anything cozy about England or Scotland that includes a peat fire (what the heck is that?), cornish pasties (they sound delicious but, ditto, what are they?) and scones (yummy…I know what they are.)

by Melissa Balsam on April 14th, 2008 at 1:16 am
I could really go for some sort of Under the Tuscan Sun meets Michele Scott’s Nikki Sands. Hey, maybe we can get Michele to send Nikki off to Europe???

by Jessica Conant-Park on April 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Love, love “Howling” and I’m only half way through! Can’t wait for part two!!! I would like to suggest Paris…what is a more romantic and mysterious location than old Paris…or Venice…or Ireland…or Scotland. Bright Blessings, Suzanna, Bearer Of Light

by Suzanna on April 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Hi Karen,
Haven’t seen your blog in a long time and hope everything is ok. I’m sure you’re just buckling down to your writing schedule and getting as much done as you can before summer (and kiddies) arrive again to provide lots of warmth and fun and time away from the writing routine… When is the VAmpire book going to be out?? I can’t wait to read it.
re: locales I like to read about… Maine, of course… and New York City (that can never be overdone), and Paris would be nice even though I”ve never been there… Which locales do you like best? Hope to see your blog again soon! And Happy MOther’s Day.

by Judith Walpole on May 6th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

Off to the beach

9 Responses to “Off to the beach”

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