Into the Fire

5 responses to “The second time around . . .”

1. 

   BK Jackson

   April 12, 2012

   I don’t presently have dedication to any particular authors. The closest I can come would be James Scott Bell, because unlike all the other books I read, he has a passion for place, and it always shows in his writing. I like that.
   I would read more books by Nancy E. Turner, but she hasn’t released any recently that I know of.
   But since I only have time to read 12-15 novels a year, they usually end up as a splattering of selections all over the map–not conducive to having a favorite.
   But to give a general answer, I will go back and pick up the next book of an author who’s first book was so good I didn’t want to put it down. If it transforms itself from “sigh…I bought this book now I’m going to read it if it kills me,” to “Woohoo! I wonder what else he wrote?” then it’s a winner.
   That usually means having strong, memorable characters and a plot that reaches beyond the selfish goals of the main players with a message that extends to the greater region/state/country/world. I like to read about characters who are trying to make a difference. Not just work through their “personal issue of the moment.”

   LikeLike

   Reply
2. 

   Brenda Anderson

   April 12, 2012

   Nicole – those are probably my top two reasons for returning to an author. I’d add story as the third leg, but prose might be my top consideration.
   Right now I’m reading Charles Martin’s latest, Thunder and Rain. Oh my, the man can turn a phrase! His characters can be so-so; often the tone of his male protagonist ends up sounding just like the protag in his previous novel even though they may be very different on the surface. His stories are always good, some better than others. What keeps me coming back is his prose.
   A writer might tell a great story, and (s)he may have multi-faceted characters, but if their prose sounds juvenile I likely won’t try another book by them.
   Of course, the best books are those that are the complete package: prose, character, and story.
   (Katie Ganshert had a similar blog post a few days ago: http://katieganshert.com/writing/story-character-prose-setting/)

   LikeLike

   Reply
3. 

   Nicole

   April 12, 2012

   Thanks for sharing what draws you to your next novel by the same author. Prose, characters, and a story that reaches beyond the singular resolution of an individual character . . . so interesting, Brendas.
   James Scott Bell’s Try Dying trilogy was masterful, my favorite of his novels, although I really liked one of his very old ones the title of which escapes me at the moment.
   I’m just going to have to get into a Charles Martin novel. I don’t know why I haven’t gotten to him yet.

   LikeLike

   Reply
4. 

   BK Jackson

   April 12, 2012

   Forgot about Charles Martin. Have read a couple of his and enjoyed them, though I did experience the “sameness” of the protags Brenda mentioned above.
   Actually, for me, Martin has the distinction of being the one author I can think of in recent times who wrote such a compelling secondary character I can still bring him to mind. Don’t ask me which book it was (The Dead Don’t Dance?), but that kilt wearing, movie watching odd-ball was one of the most distinct characterizations I’ve read. I have often wondered if Bryce would ever get a novel of his own (or maybe he has and I don’t know about it).

   LikeLike

   Reply
5. 

   Nicole

   April 12, 2012

   High praise coming from you, Brenda.

   LikeLike

   Reply