Samhain Publishing Ltd Weblog

New-to-me authors

I read 38 books last year. Not a huge number. Other years I’ve read significantly more. But still not as bad as I thought, given that I feel I haven’t been reading much at all.

So while I did my reading roundup over at my blog, I thought I’d list new-to-me authors here, and also, because I’m curious, why I picked up a new author.

1. Kresley Cole—buzz, I believe I may have been swayed by a Dear Author review.
2. Elizabeth Hoyt—buzz, buzz, everywhere
3. Patricia Briggs—ditto
4. Josh Lanyon—free book giveaway
5. Megan Whalen Turner—buzz
6. Karen Marie Morning—I have no idea
7. Sandra McDonald—friend and buzz
8. Sharon Cullars—two reviews
9. TF Banks—I have no idea
10. Maya Banks—free book giveaway
11. Scott Westerfeld—a blog post written about trilogies, using his as illustration
12. Anne Frasier—her name kept popping up and I got curious

I’m actually surprised at so many new-to-me authors.

Anyway, obviously the biggest factor is buzz. You know, when reviews of the same books appear on many different blogs and at AAR, all quite excited about the book—or else reacting strongly but negatively. And my curiosity is piqued. I also like to then go to the reviews after I read the book and see if our reactions match up.

But I’ll also pick up a book if it’s just one blog post and someone has written something about the book to hook me. For example, TF Banks, I’m quite sure, was described as very well done Regency mystery with bow street runners. That was enough to get my interest.

Finally, free book giveaways work! At least for me. I’ve bought books by both Josh Lanyon and Maya Banks since reading the books I won. I always feel a little guilty about getting free books, because I’m an author too. But given the results this year—admittedly only two books—I shouldn’t if they convert me.

So, how many new-to-you authors did you read last year? And why did you pick up the book?