Sometimes, when things get stressful, I freeze.

I'm not talking the fight-or-flight response, I'm talking just an overall freeze on all productivity.

Since I used momentum in a previous post, let's call this a state of inertia.

I'm sure that there is a very good psychological reason why I freeze when life gets stressful. Why I respond to having too much to do by doing nothing. Or by focusing my energy on something absolutely non-essential like reorganizing my pantry.

I got my edited manuscript back last week, and haven't done more than glanced at it.

I have a critique partner helping me with The Bodyguard, but haven't sent out anything in several days.

I have story ideas bursting in my head, but have done nothing to capture them on paper.

I've hardly touched my computer this past week. 

And I know why. It's approaching the end of August, and I haven't secured a full time job for this year. Or even a part time one. Not a steady Monday-Friday sort of job. I'll be able to pay all of my bills working as a short term substitute, and it's kind of nice to have that sort of flexibility, but it is stressful wondering when I might get pulled in for the next interview, or how many days of work I might get in September (since not that many teachers miss work the first month of the school year).

And I'm stressed about getting The Talented out in October. And all of that stress is spilling over into my other writing pursuits.

And I know that all of this will change once September rolls around. If I get a job, it will change immediately as I throw myself into preparing for my job, pulling together lesson plans, and decorating my classroom. If I don't get a job, this state of inertia will end when I accept that fact and transition into substitute mode.

It will change when I start working on The Talented again.

It will change when I can summon enough of my energy into changing that inertia into momentum, rather than using it to re-read books.

But for right now, I'm frozen, and I don't know if I have the energy to unthaw. 

Today's Top Ten Tuesday, courtesy of The Broke and The Bookish, is about what books I would recommend to readers who had never read a certain genre, or about a certain topic. 

I chose fantasy and speculative fiction because it's often scoffed at, and because I love it.

For everyone: 

1. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- Regardless of what sort of books you normally choose, I believe that everyone should read this series at least once. Not only has it sold more books than any other book or series since the Bible, but it is fantastic in so many ways. There are so many good feels here.

For fantasy skeptics:

2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis- Not only are these great books for adults and children alike, but they are a quick read. If you think that reading speculative fiction and children's (or perhaps middle grade) fiction is beneath you, pick up The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Between the writing, the plot, and (if you're looking for a justification for reading a book like this) the allegory, I dare you to walk away from this thinking it was a waste of time.

For real fans of fantasy:

3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien- I would love to recommend The Lord of the Rings as well, but despite my deep love for Tolkien, LOTR has some slow parts. The Hobbit, however, has a pace much better suited for the modern reader, and since this is really the springboard for fantasy works, it is an eventual must for every fantasy writer.

4. Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan- This is one of my favorite series. My sister argues with me about it, but I still think reading this series, or even just the first couple books, gives readers a really good look at fantasy and all of its wonder. It has high fantasy elements, but doesn't stick to elves and dwarves and dragons.

5. The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist- Another great fantasy book. Feist has great rules about magic, a lot of hidden mysteries, and a style that keeps you reading late into the night.

6. Dragonlance series by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman- Most specifically, the autumn, winter, and spring trilogy. I first read this series when I was 11 or 12 (although they were written for adults) and they influenced me for years. Still do. If you are looking for a great fantasy series with all of the beloved elements of high fantasy (elves, dwarves, dragons, sorcery), this is the place to get it.

For young readers:

7. Sweep series by Cate Tiernan- This is a young adult fantasy or paranormal series about a teenage girl who discovers she is descended from witches and has powerful magic. I haven't read it for years, but my memory is that it is one of those YA books that really makes you connect with the main character. And who doesn't secretly wish to one day find that you have hidden powers?

8. Peeps by Scott Westerfeld- Westerfeld is a popular YA author, and I like a lot of his work, but for this list I picked Peeps because a. it is a stand alone novel and I haven't offered that yet, and b. it combines so many cool elements of science fiction (actual science--biology) and fantasy (vampires) in completely new ways

For those considering science fiction:

9. In Her Name series by Michael Hicks- For any fantasy reader who wants to dabble into the world of sci-fi, this series is for you. There are spaceships and wars, but most of the first book takes place in a low-tech world where the primary weapons are swords and daggers. In my mind, it is a great mix of fantasy and sci-fi.

10. Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard- I avoided this books for years. First it was too "science fiction-y" and then...I don't know. I didn't want to? But when I did--bam! It's a fantastic book. I would almost go so far to say that Battlefield Earth is The Hobbit of science fiction. If you consider yourself a serious sci-fi fan, you can't leave this book unread.

What fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi books would you recommend?