The Writers Who Read series continues this week with author Naomi Zener.
Who are you?
I’m the author of Deathbed Dimes, available in both paperback and ebook online worldwide, and I write satirical short fiction on my Satirical Mama Blog.
What are three beloved books you first read before the age of 12?
1. Charlotte’s Web
2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
3. James and The Giant Peach
What is one book you are always recommending to friends and family (and maybe the local barista) as an adult?
Lately, I’m recommending The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld. This is a Pulitzer Prize worthy novel. See my review here. Last year, my big recommendation (and I’m still championing it) was Real Happy Family by Caeli Wolfson Widger.
What is your book kryptonite–those unique elements in a book, beyond just great writing and three-dimensional characters, that make you unable to resist reading?
Books where the writing grabs me from the first page and is replete with complex and flawed characters are ones that don’t let go of my attention. It can be historical fiction, literary fiction, chicklit, a suspenseful thriller, or a commercial satire. As long as the words jump off the page, I’m hooked. And, I can reread every book in the Shopaholic series–it’s reading candy for my brain.
What is your ideal time and place to read?
Anytime, anywhere. So long as my kids are occupied and I’m not writing or working, I will be reading.
Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing?
Comedy has had its biggest influence on my writing. The writing of Mel Brooks and Woody Allen, and the jokes of Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, George Carlin, and Jackie Mason, all had the greatest impact on the formation of my voice. I’m a satirist at heart. I read all the time for enjoyment and to hone my craft. While I don’t write literary fiction, but reading books like Crime and Punishment, A Fine Balance, The Headmaster’s Wager, The Jungle, Z, The Aviator’s Wife, etc…make me a better writer.
How do you balance reading and writing in your life?
I have a young family and legal career, so I find reading time by stealing it, whether it be on a subway ride, when running on the elliptical machine, during dinner with my husband while he watches hockey–basically whenever I can. As for writing time outside of working hours, I do so when inspiration strikes me. My husband knows I will disappear and he respects that. I’m a fast writer, so luckily I can write a lot in a short period of time.
Choose your preferred book form: ebook, physical book, or audio book?
I support all book formats, so no matter what floats a person’s boat, I’m just happy they’re reading. I must admit, I’ve never tried an audio book on for size, so I can’t comment on them. Personally, I’m physical book gal. I have bad eyes and I love the tactile quality of holding a book–physically turning its pages–so ebooks are tough for me. I do have an ereader, which will be useful if I ever go on vacation to keep the weight on my luggage down.
Do you consciously plan your future reading–i.e., set book goals, keep a TBR list, participate in book challenges or book clubs? Why or why not?
I do keep a TBR list–it currently sits at 500 books. My personal book challenge for this year is to read 100 novels. I’m not much of a non-fiction reader, but if a few slip in, I will count them towards meeting my challenge. I participate in Catherine McKenzie’s One Book One Facebook book club when I can.
What are you reading now?
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Naomi Elana Zener is the author of both Deathbed Dimes and satire fiction, which is posted on her blog Satirical Mama. Her vociferous blogging has been read and appreciated by industry bigwigs such as Giller Prize winner Dr. Vincent Lam and New York Times best-selling author and journalist Paula Froelich. Naomi blogs for Huffington Post and her articles have been published by Kveller, Absrd Comedy, and Erica Ehm’s Yummy Mummy Club. She’s currently working on her sophomore novel. You can connect with her on her website, on Goodreads, or on Twitter @satiricalmama.