Last week I was in one of my all-time favorite bookstores in Kelowna. Mosaic Books have such a great vibe and I particularly love their table upon table of bargain books. Yet, of course, the book I found was not in the bargain section!

Here it is: The Best of Writers & Company, by Eleanor Wachtel. The book features interviews with “15 of the world’s greatest authors.”

These writers include:

• Jonathan Franzen
• Aleksandar Hemon
• Doris Lessing
• Hilary Mantel
• Orhan Pamuk
• Toni Morrison
• Alice Munro
• Edwidge Danticat
• Anne Carson
• J. M. Coetzee
• W. G. Sebald
• Seamus Heaney
• Mavis Gallant
• Yiyun Li
• Zadie Smith

I am so excited to dive into this book. Reading is one of my favorite things to do – especially in summer.

I am also reading:

• 33 Artists in 3 Acts by Sara Thornton
• A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
• Promote your Book by Patricia Fry (my second time reading it)

You’ll notice in my choices of books that I love peering into the creative practices and lives of other artists and authors.

In the Wachtel book, readers learn about the writer behind some truly interesting publications. In Thornton’s book, we are invited into artists’ studios and artistic productions.

I find this so inspiring.

Sometimes creative folks (like myself) can feel a sense of isolation when working primarily alone. That is one reason I love reading about other creatives. It’s like having a writing group available 24/7 – or an artistic critique group. OR a collective of thought leaders handy for inspiration.

What books are you reading this summer? Comment below and share why you like (or dislike) your book or books of choice.

Thanks for reading!

– Alexis Marie

If you would like to know about my publishing journey – and ways to help you as you seek to get your book out into the world – check out my last post called, “Ten-Part Publishing GUIDE Intro.”

AND, visit me on Instagram where I share more about what I’m reading. Find other readers and books by searching #shelfie

My forthcoming memoir, Expecting Sunshine, will be released April 18, 2017 by She Writes Press. Click here to read about the book and documentary film.