Guest Blogger: Diane Chamberlain & Giveaway

Yesterday, I reviewed a very good book called THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain. I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing story about friendship, motherhood, and secrets, and I admit that I couldn't put this book down.

I am extremely excited that Ms. Chamberlain has taken time from her busy writing schedule to write a guest post about all the different ways she "reads" books!

The Schizophrenic Life of a Techno Reader

A year ago, I asked my Facebook friends if they preferred print books or e-books. I received about a hundred responses, and a good 95% of those people preferred print. I recently asked the same question and received about two hundred responses, and this time it was 50/50. Wow, what a change in just one year! I used to worry that the advent of e-readers would take a toll on an author’s income because we make a bit less money on e-books than we do on our print books, but if most readers are anything like me, I have nothing to worry about. Take for example, a book I read not too long ago, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. I purchased it months earlier from one of my favorite independent bookstores but never got around to reading it. When I’m making dinner or driving, I like to listen to a book, and since Sarah’s Key was next on my list to read, I downloaded it to my iPod. So I then owned two copies of the book. But I can’t listen to an audio book in bed because I fall asleep with the iPod running. Since I’ve become an e-book reader, I prefer reading on my iPad in bed, so I downloaded Sarah’s Key to my iPad. While I love having the actual book on my bookshelf, I will probably never crack it open.

Here’s where the true insanity comes in. While making dinner, I get to a certain point in the book I’m reading. Then when I go to bed, I have to somehow find that same point in my e-book. (There are no page numbers in either the e-book or the audio version, so it’s a matter of trial and error). Fortunately, the e-book has a search feature, so if I can remember a unique word from the last chapter I listened to on the iPod, I can usually find it in the e-book. When making dinner the following night, it’s a bit more of a challenge to find my new place on the iPod. I am learning patience. I am also keeping the writers I’m reading in business.

So how about you? What’s your preference? Print, E-book or Audio? Or like me, a little bit of all three? 

*****
Diane Chamberlain is the bestselling author of 18 novels. Her books, frequently set in the southeastern United States, are complex stories about love, compassion and forgiveness with a touch of mystery and suspense.

Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, and attended Glassboro State University. She also lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. Diane received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker and a psychotherapist in private practice, working primarily with adolescents.

Diane’s background in psychology and her work in hospitals have given her a keen interest in understanding the way people tick, as well as the background necessary to create real, living, breathing characters.

More than a decade ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which changed the way she works: she sometimes types using voice-recognition software. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she is able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy work and travel schedule.

Diane has three married stepdaughters, three grandchildren and two shelties. She lives with photographer John Pagliuca in North Carolina where she's at work on her next novel.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before May 18th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only. Good luck!