I know there are a lot of authors/writers posting on Journalscape.

I used to help host a book forum on the old Delphi before it went to the web (it was a text based service and was a lot of fun when you used one of the robot programs available). I still post there, and recently brought up the subject of must-read authors. My criterion is that I buy these authors immediately in hardcover.

These are the guys and gals I don't think twice about picking up a hardcover book:

1. Stephen King
2. Jonathan Kellerman
3. Harlan Coben
4. Jeffrey Deaver
5. Michael Connelly
6. Elizabeth Peters
7. Dean Koontz
8. Lawrence Block
9. Carolyn Hart
10. Jill Churchill

I could probably go on and on. For example I have recently started buying Robert Crais' books as soon as they come out. And I buy James Lee Burke almost always, likewise with the Harry Potter books. I have all of Laura Lippman's stuff in paperback, but will add her to the hardcover list with her next release. Diane Mott Davidson, author of a series of Culinary mysteries, dropped OFF the list, but may get back on it if she has another strong effort like DOUBLE SHOT. I also usually buy Philip Margolin, Steve Martini, Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman and Stephen White.

If Keith Snyder was still writing his Jason Keltner series, I'd be buying it hot off the presses. Likewise with Michael A. Kahn and Bill Pomidor. If Isaac Asimov was still alive, he'd be on the list, as would Heinlein. Orson Scott Card is as close to a must-buy in SF as there is for me. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan universe stuff was instant buy for me, but his latest stuff I haven't gotten into yet. In horror fiction, I'd have to say that Richard Laymon is high on the list. Most of his stuff only comes out in paperback, but I buy it when I see it. I find Edward Lee's and Jack Ketchum's books interesting, even when I don't "like" them too much. Preston and Child's series featuring Agent Pendergast is a lot of fun, too. Crosses the lines between horror and crime fiction.

I read anything Bill Bryson publishes. Other than his stuff, I don't read a ton of non-fiction unless it's related to my profession.

I love to write, and usually catch some motivation from these books. Trouble is, I seem to lose interest in my own writing. I guess I want someone else to tell me how it comes out.