Into the Fire

I don’t know why, but over the last year I have seen too many novels reveal way too much on the back cover. I simply want to be teased or enticed by the information, not have the entire plot and characters explained to me. Just a taste of what I can expect is enough for me.

For me, the whole novel experience is exploration and discovery. I guess it’s the only area where I’m truly adventurous–willing to go into it with very little knowledge of what I’m getting into. If the back cover tells me too much of what I can expect, chances are I put the book back on the shelf and look for another one.

A lot of writers on the different blogs have discussed giving their readers due credit, to consider them intelligent enough to figure out subtleties, symbolism, plot twists, etc. If that’s the case, how ’bout not telling them the whole story on the back cover? I know the general consensus of today’s readers is that we have no time to really read, we want a quick takeoff, and I guess that means an early arrival regarding the end of the book with everything all tied up neat and tidy. I don’t think that’s quite accurate for all of us. Real readers like to savor a book, long or short. They want a complete experience, regardless of the time it takes to read the book. If all I need to know about the story is on the back cover, why bother with the book?

Anyone else with me on this?

Lord, I need all that you have for me. I need to know what to write, how to write, when to write, all that you would have me write. Help me to complete everything you ask me to do. Help me to be vigilant in all endeavors, and please let my efforts be pleasing to you in all things. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.