Which one? Paperback or eBook? by Jan Scarbrough

Ghost Mountain Ranch Series

“Hello. I’m a romance writer. Yes, I have published books. You can find them at Amazon. They are cheaper as ebooks.”

When I tell people, I write romance novels and hand them my card, hoping they will buy a copy of one of my ebooks, I often get the standard “Oh, I don’t read ebooks. I love to feel a real book in my hands.”

How do you come down on this topic? Do you prefer real paperback or hardback books, or can you make do with a digital novel on your tablet or cell phone?

An article written five years ago shows scientists were becoming concerned about the switch to digital. “Research suggests that recall of plot after using an e-reader is poorer than with traditional books." See the article Readers absorb less on Kindles than on paper, study finds in The Guardian.

My bookshelves 

For myself, I have shelves of paperbacks and hardbacks. Mrs. Neff, my ninth-grade teacher, told us we should own books. And of course, my father collected books. My mother read library books all the time.

Over the years, I’ve culled my books, giving them to a charity book sale. But I still have hundreds. I also have hundreds of ebook downloads from Amazon. It's so easy to "Buy with 1-Click."" When I wait at a doctor’s office or when I take my lunch hour at work, it is very convenient to open the Kindle app on my iPhone and start reading. It's easier than carrying a bulky paperback.

Paperback version

However, I like to use paperback when I’m doing research and underlining and taking notes. Yet, I find it’s easier to read an ebook on my iPad in bed. No trouble holding the book and turning pages.

So, I come down on both sides of the fence. Not totally for, but certainly not against. What do you think about ebooks? Do you prefer the feel of paper or are you digital all the way?

Ghost Mountain Ranch Series on Kindle

Ghost Mountain Ranch Series in Paperback

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LAST CHANCE BEACH is the island paradise where Dreams go to live again and Wishes may come true. It's Summer's End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.

There's plenty of time left to find summer fun and summer love, new romances and second chances, hot alpha males and heartwarming heroes, love at first sight and romantic delight, enemies to lovers and opposites attract.

Throw a log on the beach bonfire tonight and celebrate LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End, a special romance collection of 14 all-new short stories from bestselling and award-winning authors. These summer stories—created especially for this collection—will thrill the hopeful romantic in you. Some are sweet: some are sizzling! Some are humorous; some are serious. All the stories will make you sigh!

LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End will make you want to book a vacation to the island of legend and love, the place where soul mates find each other and love at first sight happens all the time!

Can Money Buy Happiness? by Nancy Fraser #RomanceGems

Can money buy happiness?

One of the most often debated proverbs/statements. Originally coined back in 1750 by Rousseau, his original quote or some variation has lived on for over two-hundred years.

So, can money buy happiness? Yes! Damned straight!

I've had money, I've been without money. I can tell you first-hand, having is definitely better than not. I'm not talking about just enough money to eek out the necessities (although that's nice). I'm talking about discretionary income that can be spent in any way the person sees fit.

Some (lucky) people will never know the fear of standing in line at the grocery store and crossing your fingers after sliding your credit or debit card into the terminal slot. I've been there. Even though I don't have that worry any more, I still sometimes find myself holding my breath until the "approved" message comes through. I guess old habits die hard.

Here's a few personal things that eat up my discretionary funds but give me unlimited happiness:

• Being able to give a weekly offering at church. I don't support the mega-church philosophy. As the granddaughter of a Methodist minister from the south, I understand the importance of a community-based place of worship and know that my church is in for the right reasons rather than for money.
• Being able to donate money to worthy causes throughout the year rather than just at Christmas. I've never understood why it's so important to be a generous person only during the holidays. If anything, it's easier on the pocketbook to donate at time when you're not buying presents for friends and family.
• Being able to give my sons and their families money when they need it, rather than loan it to them. I've never understood the sense of a loan when they'll get whatever is left when I'm gone anyway.
• Being able to take all five of my grandchildren on grand adventures.

And then, of course, there are the things that give me quiet joy:

• Being able to purchase or download any book I want, when I want it.
• Being able to finance the monetary side of my writing (e.g., promo, website, travel, computer upgrades).
• Being able to get that frothy, foo-foo coffee, if I'm so inclined (although I prefer a plain, light roast with double cream).
• Being able to go out to eat with a friend and pick up the tab. Not because I want to be a big-shot, but because I enjoy their company and would never consider asking for payback. I simply don't understand the concept of "you got this one, I'll pay next time". However, I also would never knowingly make the other person uncomfortable.
• Being able to attend concerts, even when the tickets are more than my monthly condo association payment.

The comparison to "buying happiness" and "you can't buy your health" always confuses me too. Why can't you have both? If I'm feeling good, I'm happy. So, if I can afford to eat better and more expensive foods, attend a gym and even partake in some personal training, and purchase herbal medications or vitamins that contribute to my overall wellness ... isn't that "buying good health happiness"?

So where did all this introspection come from? I was at a book-signing for local authors the other day and a "browser" asked rather sarcastically, "What do you authors do with all your money?" We laughed, and laughed. And laughed. See? Even her snarky comment bought me some happiness!

It did get me thinking though about what's important and how I do spend those few extra dollars. It made me realize that happiness, like health, can be bought. We just have to know the difference between buying our happiness and actually owning it!

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Speaking of happiness ... you should check out our Monthly Giveaway tab for instruction on entering this month's contest!

Beach reads! Another wonderful, and inexpensive, form of happiness!

Until next month, stay happy!

Nancy