Welcome to the February issue of the Editing Tips newsletter. I’m SO GLAD you’re here.

Not all of us enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Or reading romance.

Or writing in the genre.

However, what we love often plays a big role in what we write.

I love encouraging my fellow writers. That’s why I write this newsletter and posts in my Editing Tips Facebook group—as well as other things.

Years ago, I recorded a series of devotionals based on the gospel of John for HopeStreamRadio. I am currently posting the transcripts to Substack and may, one day, self-publish them.

Additionally, I’m posting chapters from a YA novel I’m writing. This is another book I may self-publish at some point.

Several years ago, I cowrote Paralympian Deb Willows’s first memoir, Living Beyond My Circumstances. We are currently working on a follow-up, tentatively titled Keep Looking Up. While I don’t read a lot of memoir, I am honoured to work on Deb’s books with her. She and her family members are among my personal heroes.

What we love also impacts what we read, often to an even greater extent.

What am I currently reading?

The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A Franklin

This Christian fantasy is the second in what I believe is a duology. I loved the first book, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine. So, when Camille arrived in my inbox, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

I’m also reading several cozy mysteries, including the unique Murder Among the Stacks. This book by prolific author Rosie A. Point includes puzzles for readers to solve that will help them figure out whodunit. (Links to PDFs are included for those who purchase the ebook or audiobook.)

A third genre I enjoy is “clean and wholesome” romcoms. I read everything Emma St. Clair writes. Currently, I’m reading The Wild Card, the second last installment in her Sheet Cake series. The characters in St. Clair’s books are “real people” I’d love to meet.

And of course…

I read nonfiction.

Right now I’m reading several, including The Plan by Kendra Adachi, host of The Lazy Genius podcast; The Intuitive Author by Tiffany Yates Martin; and Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado.

It isn’t only a matter of genres. Who we are, what we’re interested in, our goals and aspirations, etc. These and other factors often determine what we read. They can also inspire what we write and what elements we include in our writing.

Do you love books? How about a story set in a bookshop?

Do you dream of traveling the world? Setting your story in an exotic locale can go a long way to establishing the mood of your story.

Have you faced, or are you facing, significant hurdles? What you’ve learned may very well be exactly what readers need to hear. It’s unlikely you love life’s obstacles, but it gives them meaning as you help others who are facing similar situations.

I’d love to know what you love to read and how the things you love effect the books you choose and what you decide to write.

What other factors determine what you write?