Writers Who Read: Laurie Boris

The Writers Who Read series continues this week with Laurie Boris. Welcome, Laurie!

Who are you?
Hi, everyone! Thank you for letting me visit. Twenty-five years ago, I wrote my first novel on a dare. Now I have six novels published and several more first drafts under the bed waiting for me to get around to revising them. I write in a variety of genres, from women’s fiction to contemporary to literary, and most have a twist of humor. My latest novel is A Sudden Gust of Gravity, a romantic suspense story about an aspiring magician who ends up in a world of trouble after taking a job as a charming street performer’s assistant. I’m also a freelance writer and copyeditor.

Which book or series was your gateway into the world of reading?
I was an early reader, and I know there were probably a ton before this, but the books I remember most vividly from my childhood are Curious George, Amelia Bedelia, Harriet the Spy, and anything by Beverly Cleary.

Nowadays, what makes you crack open a book instead of pressing play on your favorite Netflix show?
I’m hoping for an intriguing story that grabs my attention. I do have my Netflix favorites, but unless I’m sick, or fried from a long day of work, I’d prefer to read.

Which authors are auto-buys for you? Why?
I can’t resist Janet Evanovich for her humor and fun characters, and TC Boyle and Joyce Carol Oates for their brilliant writing.

What is your book kryptonite–those unique settings, tropes, or character types that make you unable to resist reading? 
Kryptonite, I like that! I love reading about broken or quirky characters seeking redemption. “Nerdy” guys who get the girl (or the guy, depending). Sibling rivalries are another favorite. And I’m a total sucker for stories about single dads with young children. That just melts my heart.

What is your ideal time and place to read?
Reading is one of my favorite ways to unwind at the end of the day. Curling up in bed with a book is sadly no longer an option, because it bothers my neck and I’ve already contributed enough to my chiropractor’s kids’ college fund. So now I read in my glide rocker, in a cozy corner of my writing room. The chair was a housewarming gift from my grandmother, and sitting there always makes me think of her.

Are you a re-reader? Why or why not?
I love re-reading my favorites, especially after a few years, because sometimes I can find new things in the story that didn’t connect with me before. Or connect in a different way.

Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing? 
I was fourteen when I stumbled across my mother’s copy of Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York by Gail Parent. It was the first book that made me want to be a writer. I learned that novels could be accessible—funny and conversational and intimate, and not just the “stuffy” things I read for school. John Irving’s The World According to Garp was the first book that made me say, “I wish I’d written this.”

What makes a book a satisfying read for you?
I love a good romance, but if it’s too easy, I lose interest. The story needs to introduce compelling characters, an intriguing situation, and keep raising the stakes. I don’t necessarily need larger-than-life heroes or every little storyline wrapped up in a bow, but I like some good emotional turmoil, a fight for redemption, and a satisfying-yet-hopeful ending.

What are you reading right now?
I’m taking part in a year-long challenge by Indies Unlimited (I’m a contributing author to the blog) to read a book by an indie author each month. Right now I’m reading The Reveal, Mike Markel’s latest Seagate and Miner mystery. The main characters, Detectives Karen Seagate and Ryan Miner, have compelling back stories, and I’m really enjoying Markel’s straightforward style.

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Laurie Boris has been writing fiction for over twenty-five years and is the award-winning author of six novels. When not playing with the universe of imaginary people in her head, she’s a freelance copyeditor and enjoys baseball, reading, and avoiding housework. You can learn more about her at http://laurieboris.com, Facebook, Twitter, or her Amazon author page.