I wanted to share with you some of the amazing authors, bloggers, agents, and avid readers who have become the most important people in my writing journey. When I wrote my first manuscript in 2017, I wanted someone to read it. Someone to tell me what to fix, what not too, and if I was good enough to move to the next stage. Connie was that first person for me.
Starting a career as a woman of a certain age, can be a bit overwhelming, but along the way I have meet amazing people who I can call my friends because each of them had a hand in my journey. I respected their opinions when they found me lacking, listened when they had something to add or teach, and this is my thank you to each and every one of them. Starting with the first person to ever read my stories. She fell in love with my characters and watched my talents grow. I am fortunate to know Connie Porter Saunders personally. We regularly cross each other’s paths in person, and on social media. Connie is a retired librarian who never stopped supporting authors and engaging readers just because she retired. In fact she is an active member of more social media groups and launch teams than anyone I know. An active blogger and book reviewer she is also an active member of her church, and a doting grandmother. I know personally she is busier now than all the years she was employed at our local library.
Interview with Connie Porter Saunders
Did you always have such a strong love for reading?
Yes, I can barely remember not reading. When I started learning my letters, I would try to read what was being shown on our black & white television and I remember reading the back of the cereal box while eating my breakfast. Dick, Jane and Spot were some of the first stories that I read but I soon found out there were so many books out there! I read what our school library had to offer and I remember the thrill of finding more books on the bookmobile. The day that Fleming County finally had its own library was one of the best days ever! Reading has been such a big part of my life and it has given me a tremendous amount of joy.
If you had a preferred genre to read over and over, what would it be?
I have always loved mystery and suspense and I give credit to Carolyn Keene, the author of the Nancy Drew books. When I was employed at the library I had access to the new books as they came in and the one time of year that I pulled rank was in April because this was the month that a new mystery by Mary Higgins Clark was published—I always tried to read those books first. I am also a big fan of historical fiction and I have been reading a lot of this genre lately. Christian non-fiction is another favorite and there have been some wonderful books published in the last year.
What makes you decide if a book is worthy of review?
A well-known author is always a draw and the genre plays a big part also. But I will gladly read a book by an unknown author if the synopsis sounds good or if it is getting a lot of pre-publication hype. I choose to read Christian fiction or “clean fiction” because I firmly believe that what my eyes see creates an imprint on my mind and in my heart. A good author can suggest romance without explicit sexuality and they can project feelings and emotions without using crude language and I definitely avoid both. Child abuse and graphic violence are also taboo subjects.
If you are like me, you probably have many favorite authors that you read often, but who are a few you find yourself seeking out?
Oh, there are so many! I always try to read each of Ann H. Gabhart’s books because she is a Kentucky author, she was kind enough to come to my aid and make two appearances at Fleming County Public Library, and she writes amazing stories! Jaime Jo Wright, Nancy Mehl, Dani Pettrey, Carolyn Miller, Connilyn Cossette, Wanda E. Brunstetter, Amy Clipston, Katherine Fuller…I know that I will leave someone out. And I have a special affection for Tina Russo Radcliffe, who writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. We became “acquainted” through the Seekerville blog and she befriended this newly retired librarian. It turns out that she and I both were library catalogers at one time but she is now writing the wonderful books that I so enjoy reading!
What made you want to be a book reviewer?
When I was at the library I had a chance to suggest books and authors to our patrons and I like to think that I am still promoting them with my reviews. My love for reading plays a big part but I now realize just how hard authors work. Hours spent telling their story, hours spent editing their story and even more hours getting their book published. They can use all of the support that we reviewers can offer them!
When not reading, reviewing, or blogging, how to you like spending your free time?
I love to be outside and ‘digging in the dirt’ so a lot of my time is spent in my yard and garden. Nothing better than picking and eating a ripe tomato that you’ve grown yourself! I also enjoy being with my 5 year old granddaughter. I was almost 63 before I became a grandmother so I have a special appreciation of being a “mamaw”. I am also trying to learn this blogging business and how to create memes and graphics to add interest to my reviews. “Never too old to learn!”
Connie is a wonderful woman who has brought the love of books to everyone she encounters. Her professional experience and love for authors and the hard work they do started as an amazing act of respect but has now grown and stretched across the country. She once posted, the greatest way to thank an author for a great book, write a review. I couldn’t agree more. Follow Connie on social media and on her blog at, https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com.