Interview with Reader Len L

Len Lambert has always loved writing and reading. She reads and loves all kinds of genre but focuses more on stories with a family element in them. She also likes auto-biographies and reads self-help books where she believes anyone can learn a lot from.

Len has a bachelor’s degree in office administration and worked for almost 20 years in the corporate world. Last year, however, she became a full-time mother and decided to fulfill her long-time dream to be a writer. She now writes in her spare time. Her short story, Discovering the Gift, will be included in the Tiny Dancer anthology.

Deirdra: What are your favorite kind of books to read and why?

Len: I read all kinds of books. I love rom-com/chicklit, family drama, science fiction, YA and Middle Grade books. I like to try different genres although I lean more on stories with a family element in them. I like reading something that I can relate to. When I read a rom-com or chicklit and I can identify with the character, I can laugh at my own mistakes and see the humour in it. I learn not to take myself too seriously. Then I also love family drama, MG and YA because I can see the reality of life in them, too. There are parts that resonate with me and that make me think. Each book has a message in it and I think it’s up to the reader to find that message.

Deirdra: How many books on average would you say you read a year?

Len: It varies. I think if I find a book each time that is really very interesting. You know the kind where you don’t want to even get up to go to the loo for a break! Haha! I think I will be able to finish one each day but I don’t always find that kind of book. I can finish reading two books in a good week.

Deirdra: What is the most recent book you read? Can you tell us a little about it?

Len: I’ve recently finished Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. I have read four other books of Jodi Picoult. I must say, this, so far, is the best. Very beautifully written. So poetic from beginning to end. With the most impressive details, obviously a well-researched work. I’ve posted a review on my blog, here’s the link: http://carpediem202.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-recommendation-handle-with-care-by.html

Deirdra: Who are your top five favorite authors?

Len: Only five? Can I mention more than five? Margaret Atwood, Jodi Picoult, Sophie Kinsella, Diane Chamberlain, Stephen King, Paulo Coelho, JK Rowling, Rosamund Lupton. I think I can go on and on. Sorry, that's more than five.

Deirdra: How do you feel about e-books?

Len: If I had a Kindle, I’d certainly go for e-books! It’s definitely going to be the in-thing. But I must admit, I still love print copies. I love looking at the colourful cover, I love the smell of the pages and the worn out edges that you see after reading the whole thing.

Deirdra: If you could give a message to authors what would it be?

Len: I’d like them to know that they are an inspiration to an aspiring writer like me...and that when a writer gets published or something good happens to them, other writers rejoice, too. I do.

Books entertain, inform and educate. They also help, develop and improve people's imagination and creativeness, most especially children. For that, I'd like to thank them.

Deirdra: Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Len: I’ve been writing since I was in high school. I wrote a story about twins falling in love with the same man and my first avid reader was my sister. She waited for each chapter to finish. That was a comic book and I used unused and old notebooks from school to write the story. I don’t remember if I was able to finish it or not. I’ve recently finished a magical story about a boy in a wheelchair but I’ve now completely abandoned it because I couldn’t improve the plot. My current WIP is a family drama. So, yes, I am writing. One of my essays has been submitted to a book project called Fascinating Females. I’m hoping it gets published by end of 2011.

Deirdra: What other talents and hobbies do you have?

Len: I paint and draw. I wouldn’t call it talent, though, haha! I just like doing it. I used to paint using oil but now I just do sketches. I draw anything - trees, boats, flowers, people.

Deirdra: Where is your favorite place to read?

Len: I like to read before bedtime but I really enjoy reading when I’m outside by a dike or sea, on a bench under a tree. I love feeling the wind against my skin while reading, it’s so relaxing.

Deirdra: Do you have a favorite reading snack?

Len: Cheesecake and coffee and more coffee :)

Deirdra: What books have made you cry?

Len: Jodi Picoult’s Handle with Care and Rosamund Lupton’s Sister are both heartbreaking.

Deirdra: What books have made you laugh?

Len: Sophie Kinsella’s books have made me laugh! I can remember laughing so hard that my eyes welled up when I was reading The Undomestic Goddess and Remember Me?

Deirdra: What kind of books are you looking to read next? What is on your reading list?

Len: There’s so many, Deirdra. Most of them are recommended by friends but because I get books faster than I can read them, they pile up! I am currently reading When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman.

Deirdra: Is there any other message you would like to give the literary community?

Len: I find the literary community so supportive and so caring. We believe in each other and we let each other know that. My writer friend, Theresa Milstein, wrote a wonderful post about this on India Drummond’s blog, here’s the link: http://www.indiadrummond.com/2011/04/21/q-is-for-a-quality-community/. I think that she’s said every word that’s in my heart. So, to the blogging/literary community, thank you. I heart you all!

My blog link: http://carpediem202.blogspot.com/

Thank you for having me on your blog, Deirdra!