Do People Read?

Really, folks. I’m going to need your input on this one. As an author, I’m finding myself conflicted. Perhaps some of you may have a new perspective to offer, but hear me out first.

Of course, I know we all read every day. We read texts, we read these blogs, we read social networks. We even read signs on the road as we drive. But, does anyone actually sit down to read a book anymore?

Maybe I should change my genre to canine-saga.

I used to be an avid book reader. I couldn’t get enough of them. Bookstores were my home away from home, and libraries were palaces to me.

If I’m being honest, since 2010, my reading has diminished immensely. Aside from the few weeks after my husband’s accident, I’ve been writing on a regular basis, pretty much daily (7 days a week). In addition, I read a half dozen authors from my writer’s critique group. Between writing and critiquing, it’s difficult to find the time to read.

I don’t hear anyone say to me, “I read this fantastic book that you just have to read.” I mean, the only titles that I’ve heard lots of talk about in the last several years are Harry Potter and Fifty Shades. I don’t write YA, New Adult, Fantasy or Erotica. I write Family Saga, Women’s Fiction (not necessarily romance, although there is some of that) and Inspirational.

Due to technology, it just doesn’t seem like people care to read books anymore. Another problem is that anyone can publish a book, whether they are a good author who hones their craft, or someone who just jots down an idea and uploads it to amazon.

As an author gearing up to publish my first novel, all of these matters highly concern me.

I love to write. It’s what I’ve wanted to do for as long as I’ve been able to read, which I’ve done since before kindergarten. I will always write, but getting published almost seems hopeless. I know . . . I’m supposed to be an optimist, right? Not really. I battle pessimism every day. I like to post optimistic blogs, because it’s what I need to learn.

I have one novel finished, and two more are in the works. I’m going to attend a very good writer’s conference in October and gather information on what to do. From there I’ll make a decision on whether to self-publish, try the traditional route, or even bother publishing at all.

I know some fantastic authors out there who are spending more time marketing than writing. They really aren’t selling many books, and I believe it’s because people don’t read anymore.

My novels are about people you know. My characters are your neighbor, your friend, your sister, your aunt, cousin, your mom and yes, even you. They are people you can relate to. They are human beings having lives filled with the drama of family dysfunction. Some of them learn and grow from their dramas, and others remain stuck. Would anyone read me?

Does anyone even read any types of books anymore? What do you think?

Lots of family to draw ideas from. Can you find Yours Truly?

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