I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?
Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?
If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?
This is a timely question, actually... as an author as well as a reader, I've been concerned by the downswing in the economy. Still, I really believe that *most* of us, while having to tighten belts a bit, still have a little extra for the things we love most. For you, it may be bath salts, or cappuccino, or designer hand bags (which I just don't understand -- I didn't get the gene that cares about shoes or purses). For me, it's books.
I don't buy every book I read or I'd go broke. I do buy books I know I'll reread (I'm a BIG rereader), books from authors I want to support, and books for gifts (this Christmas, I don't know that I'll give much except books as gifts. Read this blog post, and you'll see one reason why).
Most recently, I purchased "The Hiding Place" by Karen Harper (because she mentions LASR and because she is a talented and gracious author) and "Rescued by the Magic of Christmas" by Melissa McClone because I love her heartwarming stories, and because she, too, is a talented and gracious author.
I don't buy hardbacks, because I can't swing it... but I can shell out $6- $14 for a paperback at least once or twice a month.
What about you? What books will you buy as opposed to borrowing? What is it that causes YOU to shell out your hard-earned dollars?
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I wrote 64 words on my NaNo book yesterday. I can give you a litany of excuses, but I won't. I haven't given up... I'm still plugging away, but I'm not entirely certain I'll make it this year!
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The Ultimate Color Test |
 When you are at peace, you are: Giving and unselfish When you are moved to act, you are: Unorthodox and idealistic When you are inspired, you are: Flexible and experimental When your life is perfectly balanced, you are: Connected to nature and the world Your life's purpose is: To reach enlightenment |
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10 comments:
I buy books for a number of reasons. Often I want to support an author I know and respect. Then there are the must-haves, like Stephen King and Diana Gabaldon. If I have to go without something else to get one of their books, I'll gladly do it.
I'm fortunate in that everyone that knows me knows I love getting books as gifts. Holidays are heaven for me, with packages of books from many directions. Thank goodness!
I have to admit my appetite for reading outdistances my budget for books but I'm not opposed to rereading, and do that often.
Oh...we live in the middle of nowhere so the library isn't really a resource.
Sending good thoughts your way; hoping today's NaNo count is through the roof!! :)
Like you, I buy books to support authors.. And usually, only paperbacks. Unless, I spot a hardback I MUST have. My mother did a wonderful thing when I was a little girl. When we went to a store, she never bought me toys. But, if I wanted a book, most of the time she bought it. Slick. :)
Oh, I LOVE The Hiding Place! To give books for gifts is my way of saying, "I love you." Here's my answer: http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/
I actually rescue most of my books from the local recycling center. I hate to see them there. But I do buy paperbacks. Haven't bought a hard cover in ages.
Hope you have a productive writing day. Glad you're hanging in there!
Hope you enjoy the book once you have a free moment to read ;) Thanks.
And any amount of words are great. They count toward the end result that's all that matters. Good luck with your writing today!
Hope you enjoy the book once you have a free moment to read ;) Thanks.
And any amount of words are great. They count toward the end result that's all that matters. Good luck with your writing today!
I buy books to support my favorite authors, plus our library system is small and they frequently don't have what I want to read.
If we did not buy books the authors would starve!
*grin*
Must buy!
Books are my vices. I'll buy a book quicker than I'll buy clothes or even food.
I buy books to support my friends and then there are my must-buys which in most cases are hard-covers. I'm more like to buy loads of paperbacks, otherwise, I'll get books from the library.
As long as you're writing, you're headed towards your goal. I know you can do it.
The Ultimate Color Test
When you are at peace, you are:
Deeply stable
When you are moved to act, you are:
Giving and warm
When you are inspired, you are:
Spontaneous and adventurous
When your life is perfectly balanced, you are:
Philosophical and expressive
Your life's purpose is:
To live a passionate life
When you are at peace, you are:
Giving and unselfish
When you are moved to act, you are:
Giving and warm
When you are inspired, you are:
Creative and productive
When your life is perfectly balanced, you are:
Connected to nature and the world
Your life's purpose is:
To live a passionate life
On buying books: some authors are auto-buys, or if I'm buying to study a segment of the market and I know I'll be making notes in the book (I know, blasphemy), then I'll buy.
Usually, I start at the library, and if I like the author, I buy their next book. Or if I can't wait for my turn at the library...then I'll just buy.
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