Into the Fire

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

Not so picky . . .

 

I didn’t think I was a picky reader. I mean I know what I like, and I won’t veer too far away from my genres. Very occasionally I read a novel that goes back in history but only so far back. I’ve been known to take a rare venture into sci-fi but am uber-selective when I do. The definite and unconditional (thus far) no’s are fantasy and certain speculative categories, bonnet books, prairie romances, the supposedly now passé chick lits, and most general market fare.

 

I give latitude to authors and don’t require they lure me or dazzle me with their first sentences, paragraphs, or even first chapters. Of course I have certain expectations like any reader, but I’m not demanding even though I value my time and would rather not spend it reading a book I don’t like—which I have done to fulfill reviewing obligations.

 

When I review novels I don’t like, I’m honest and specific with my opinions but careful to mention there will undoubtedly be those who will enjoy the books. I don’t attack or critique, but I give the reasons for my displeasure.

 

I’m more forgiving with first novels, knowing my own was an editor’s nightmare and in much need of improvement.

 

But I am very particular about characters. And I suppose my attitude concerning them could be called picky. Variety is not a problem. But if I don’t like the protagonist, chances are I won’t like the novel. Several authors attempt the difficult task of starting with an unlikable character in a prominent role. I need to sense something redeemable in them or I might just root for their demise. Seriously.

 

I confess I began this writing journey much less demanding than I am now. While I’m not so picky, I’m more selective and less easy to impress than in the beginning. What kind of reader—or writer—are you?

 

 

Lord, you’re the one who matters most. Thank you for the privilege of putting words on a page. May it be pleasing to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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6 responses to “Not so picky . . .”

  1. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    I readily admit I’m a picky reader. I read a lot (137 books last year) and from many genres, but most books I would never pick up again. I typically won’t read speculative or Amish (although I will read Dale Cramer’s new book as I love his writing style).
    Like you, Nicole, I don’t need that great first page. I’ll give the author time to develop their characters and story. But unlike you, I don’t need a likeable protagonist–as long as I see that character change throughout the book.
    The books I fall in love with typically have poetic or musical prose. Books I read for escape are generally male-written suspense/mystery/thriller novels. For the most part, (IMHO) men seem to write more complexity into their stories. I love complex.
    Bad dialogue is an instant turn-off, as are stereotyped or perfect Christian characters. I don’t care for formulaic plots or simple love stories. I need something that’s going to surprise me & make me think.
    So, yeah, I’m picky, but it’s worth it to read through a lot of so-so books to find that true gem.

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  2. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I might not have been perfectly clear about unlikable characters, Brenda. There has to be a hint of a redeemable quality in them in order for me to invest in caring about them. I don’t like formulaic stories, predictable, perfect characters, or bad dialogue either.
    I thought you’d claim to be a picky reader, but really when you cite your reasons, they don’t sound “picky” to me at all. So maybe I’ve become “pickier” than I thought. I think I have.

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  3. dayle Avatar
    dayle

    I’m extremely picky. Which explains my own thick skin. How can I expect everyone to like my work when I hardly like anything (relatively speaking of course)
    Dean Koontz always says that the main character doesn’t have to be perfect or great but he better **** sure be likeable.

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  4. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    That’s why it meant so much to me that you didn’t hate The Famous One, Dayle. 😉
    “Not perfect or great” is exactly right. And I love “rogues”. What I can’t tolerate are the following characteristics: whiny, self-absorbed, rigid, condescending. And even if a protagonist is all of those, if there is any inkling that he/she is redeemable and even semi-likable, I’ll go with it if the story’s good and that character does a turn-around.

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  5. dayle Avatar
    dayle

    It’s a good point, Nicole. Being picky and labeling a novel bad are not necessarily mutually inclusive.
    I have a soft spot in my heart for authors since I know the struggles they face in crafting a novel.
    We’re all so different. My personal tastes should not be applied to all of humanity. If that were the case, the movie Titanic wouldn’t have made a nickel.
    I won’t name them but I’ve read some pretty lousy novels lately. I’m really not sure how they get published and others don’t. With that said, I could be wrong. My opinion does not facilitate fact.

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  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    When I find a novel I think is truly “bad”, I’m always surprised to find those that love it and ignore those things that send me over the edge in both the writing and the story itself. You’re right, Dayle, our opinions are just that. We can scratch our heads and wonder how they made it into book form, but more power to those who jump through all the hoops and make it. The proof isn’t always in the sales, but sometimes sales are telltale.

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