Reading Everything an Author Has Written
It’s usually called “being a completist.” It’s the idea that you either collect and/or read everything a particular author has put out. Or that if you read one book in a series, then you want to read the entire series.
My sons tend to be completists. I wrote an article for LitReactor about reading with my sons, how we taught them to be better readers, and then the things they started to enjoy. Check that out here.
Years ago, I joined in as a fan with Richard Chizmar from Cemetery Dance on his #StephenKingRevisited effort. I caught up to the present a little while ago which is no small feat with King pushing 70 or so books and counting. I moved on to #BrianKeeneRevisited, and right about now, I’m finishing up my reread of Clickers 2 and will be dropping back to read Fairy Tale by Stephen King after that.
It's been a weird year. I started the year with a heart attack and have been playing catchup ever since. I am back on track with my “revisited” reading again for the moment. I’m also knocking out a few writing and editing projects leading into September.
I think there is a lot to learn in reading everything an author wrote from the beginning to the present in their writing career. You pick up on certain patterns and growth. You also see a lot about style and the art of storytelling. Inevitably, you’ll find some hidden treasures you missed along the way. I recommend only doing this with authors you really like because it is quite a commitment.
Here are some things you might be interested in:
Shades #BrianKeeneRevisited
by Jay Wilburn
Keene has always spoken highly of Cooper, giving the impression that he believed Cooper to be a far better author than many people realize …
Author’s Note: This story is a mess. Trying to put together a 1950’s style monster story that’s over the top and hyper-reality. I used the names of my father and his brother for these characters. I like the mimicry of the monsters turning into a real dialogue that communicates ideas to an alien species. I think it makes for an interesting adventure story.
“Ice Goblins from the Thrill Bopp Comet”
by Jay Wilburn
Jerry Early focused his telescope toward the sky.
“Why is it called Thrill Bop?” his brother Douglas asked …
Jay Wilburn on Frank Edler
During my livestreams, people will ask me questions in the chat. In this short clip, I discuss my thoughts on author Frank Edler. Check it out.
10 Christmases in Sleepy Hollow
Ten Christmases in Sleepy Hollow is a short novella (18000 words) told in ten parts, each with a different explanation for the seemingly violent disappearance of Ichabod a couple months earlier. Chapters range from funny, to supernatural, to super violent, to super splattery.
It’s only 50 cents! Grab it here.
Thanks, Everybody
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