I have many favorite authors, but my favorite author discovered on Smashwords is Elizabeth Hunter. She does an amazing job writing characters that are interesting and realistic. You know it's a good character when you wish you could meet them in real life. Another author I love is Nancy Gideon. She also writes characters that are memorable and exciting to read.

I enjoy using Goodreads as a resource for finding new books. Joining a group discussion is a great way to learn about new authors. Many groups even have threads that promote free or low cost books.

I don't remember the first story, but I do remember sitting in the back row of my 6th grade class bored out of my mind. I was near the bookshelf and ended up pulling a science fiction book off the shelf to read while the teacher was teaching. I was hooked! That was when I first started to love reading. And it was the first of many, many teachers who had to say, "Put that book away and pay attention!"