the Amazon Kindle

Yesterday at noon, I finished my next book and shot it off to my editor. (Yes!!!!!) As if in reward, FedEx delivered my latest toy ... er ... writer's research tool — the Amazon Kindle.

About six weeks ago, after hearing and reading lots of good feedback about the Kindle book reader, I watched the short video on Amazon's site, and I was finally convinced that the Kindle would be an excellent addition to my library. So I placed my order. Amazon has been running way behind on filling orders almost since the beginning (November 2007, I think). Supposedly that situation is already changing, but I had to wait five and a half weeks to receive mine. In the meantime, I joined a Yahoo Group of over 1000 members so that I could be learning tips from other users.

I have never been particularly interested in ebook readers. When I owned a Pocket PC, I read a little on it, but only in a pinch. It was nice to have the Bible on it, I admit. However, the ebook reader has come a long way over the years, and the idea that I could have a lot of books in one 10 oz machine that doesn't give me eye strain was too good to pass up. One thing I heard several times about the Kindle was that users are reading more books than before. I have fallen so far behind in reading over the last few years, so this was very encouraging to me. I want and need to read more. Research books, reference books, books on the craft of writing fiction, other writers' novels — they all are important in my life, both for pleasure and for work.

After plugging the Kindle in and letting it charge yesterday afternoon, I downloaded a number of books, some at very marked down prices. Much less than they would cost me in traditional book form. I have been meaning to read all of Jane Austen's books this year. It has been way, way too long since I actually read an Austen novel. Complete Illustrated Novels by Jane Austen for the Kindle cost me $4.79. You can't beat that except in a used bookstore.

The biggest danger I can see with the Kindle is the ease of ordering. I will have to watch my spending, and not buy a lot of new books before I've read what I have on the Kindle already.

I took the Kindle to bed with me last night and began reading 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life by Don Piper. It's been recommended to me a number of times. I found the Kindle easy to read as I lay in bed. I rested it on the book pillow I use and read for a long time before turning out the light.

The picture with this blog shows the size. The novel is a standard trade paperback. They're very comparable in size, as you can see.

I'll post about the Kindle again after it has had a longer test run.

-rlh-

Comments

[Rebekah]

Hi! I love your books and cant wait for your upcoming ones! You are absolutely amazing! I just found your blog this second and am thrilled to find you in the blogging world! :) And I am just ecstatic that you advertised the Expelled Documentary! I did on my blog too! Keep up the good work! Love, Rebekah

[Jennifer Hudson Taylor]

Robin,

I just saw your post on Zondervan's blog regarding your return to historicals. I've read a few of your contemporaries and I really enjoyed them, but I tend to read more historicals. Is this something new that Zondervan is trying? I didn't think they published a lot of historicals so I'm excited to discover that this tide may be changing. I'm looking forward to reading some of these new books.

Blessings,

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Hi, Rebekah. Glad you found my blog and also that you enjoy my books.

Jennifer, Zondervan has done historicals in the past but not a lot of them in comparison to their contemporary list. It was a joint decision that I would write historicals for a while, so I'm hoping readers will buy the books so I can keep doing more.

Robin

[Katy McKenna]

Hi, Robin! Rachelle Gardner blogged about the Kindle today, too! You two have got me very interested.....

[Leanna Ellis]

Hi, Robin! Congrats on finishing your book. Interesting on the Kindle. I've been eyeing it. Seems easier than carrying around a bunch of books. Looking forward to hearing how you continue to like it.

Blessings,

Leanna

[Brenda Coulter]

I hate reading in bed because I can never get the light to fall just so across the pages. Also, I keep dropping my books, especially the hardcovers. I'm sure the Kindle was made for klutzes like me. But how long is yours holding its charge, and how long does it take to recharge?

[Robin Lee Hatcher]

Brenda, it does a complete charge from a fully drained battery in two hours. I have no idea what most people are getting, battery wise. I've read for several hours without it showing any drain on the power at all. I haven't tested to see how long it can go without a charge. Guess I should.

Robin

[Brenda Coulter]

Thanks, Robin. I might have to get one of those....