What makes the book nerd tick?

I love books. I'll bet you love books, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. Join the club. It's a good sort of infection.

When people ask me what my "hobbies" are I am always a bit puzzled. Hobbies? I don't have time for hobbies. I have two kids. I teach classes, write novels, write blogs, cook and clean. I theoretically publish said novels. I grow some essential food and herbs because you can't buy much that's good locally. Then I chase said kids around and break up fights. I occasionally talk to my husband... You get the picture. I don't have time for hobbies.

But there are books.

What would I do without books? I'd probably go nuts. Seriously. Books are the solace in all of this chaos, particularly books that I can listen to while doing three other things on that list.

I was one of those people who moaned and groaned five years ago when ebooks started to become a thing. I was sure I'd miss the smell of books, the feel of books, the satisfying display of a wall full of books.

But the tradeoff is huge. With ebooks I can cook and garden while my tablet reads books to me.  So, I still love books, e- or otherwise, and the way I get to the words doesn't matter as much as I thought it would. Time to read is the crucial factor.

So, I decided to write about books on my site. I thought book reviews might be a good way to get the ball rolling. But then I started thinking. I not only don't stick to one genre enough in my reading, I don't even read only the newest books. I read all kinds of things - fantasy, science fiction, adventure, a bit of romance at times, really good memoirs, literary fiction that packs a punch. I'm not nerdy enough in any one genre to effectively write the most up-to-date book reviews. I'm just an all-around book nerd and a writing nerd to boot.

So, here's what I've decided. I'm going to write about the love of stories, the making of stories and the best lists of books for various purposes. Here's what you'll find on this blog in the near future:

• Sweet tidbits about story craft and writing, especially for fantasy, science fiction and historical fiction
• Lists of great books for specific topics, tastes and purposes,
• Helpful tips for anyone who writes on style, voice, world building and characters,
• Ramblings about the love of gripping stories,
• And tasty morsels about my books, settings and characters

I also want to discuss and share with others who love a good yarn. This isn't just a place for me to mouth off. This is a place to share ideas. So, I also want to ask you questions and share your perspective. 

This time I want to shake up the idea of genres a bit. As I said, I have never been able to stick to a genre, either in reading or writing. And yet I'm an intensely picky reader. I'm not a literary omnivore. I have found that what I like crosses genres though. I wish there were a genre shelf for it. It might make it easier to find but there isn't. I currently have the Amazon recommendations system completely confused.

I'll try to make it clear.

I love story, serious plot, realistic tension. I love characters who feel like old friends, who I can gladly join for a meal, a run, a ride... I like an emotional wallop. I like to immerse myself in a story, live in it, believe in it. I like to read without seeing the puppet strings. And that's hard when you're a writer. It is hard not to see how the other writer "did it". But that is what I crave. I like distinct and intimate voices. I like to be inside the character's head. I love first person writing, when it's done well.

How'd I do? Does it still sound like I'm a literary omnivore? Can you do better?

What, aside from genre, makes you rave about a book or story?