Book Recommendations from Midwest Writers Workshop 2016

I attended the fabulous Midwest Writers Workshop a week and a half ago, and I'm still coming down from that particular high you get from being around hundreds of like-minded people.

In addition to some great revision advice, I also came away with a to-read list as long as my arm! There were tons of extremely talented authors there, and once I have an interesting conversation or interaction with someone, I always want to check out their books. Here are some of the MWW16 books I can't wait to read:

Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker

After attending one of Natalie's technique sessions, I can't wait to get my hands on this one! She was so hilarious and entertaining that if her writing includes even a fraction of that, it's going to be a great read.

It's a Wonderful Death by Sarah J. Schmitt

This one has actually been on my to-read list since it came out, but hanging out with Sarah at the workshop reminded me to bump it up. What-happens-after-death stories are always interesting (fellow Thinker to Inker Stacy has a great one!), and this looks like a corker.

Luck, Love & Lemon Pie by Amy E. Reichert

I read Amy's debut, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, after last year's workshop. From what I hear, this follow-up is just as frothy and fun!

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Julie was another faculty member who charmed me to the point where I immediately wanted to go buy one of her books. So I did—and I've already finished it. (Spoiler alert—it's amazing and I couldn't put it down!)

Seven Sides to Every Story (tentative title) by Dee Romito, Jen Malone, Rachele Alpine, Ronnie Arno, Alison Cherry, Stephanie Faris, and Gail Nall

I'm going to have to wait a while for this one, because it's not releasing until Summer 2017 (hence the lack of finalized cover and title), but the idea is so cool that I had to mention it. Seven MG authors are  collaborating on this book, each writing a different character's perspective. The characters' lives intertwine Love Actually style as they go through a single night. Doesn't that sound awesome? I got to talk to Dee and Jen about how the writing process went with seven authors involved—let me just say that these ladies are organized.

What about you—do you find yourself adding books to your reading list when you meet the authors?