Into the Fire

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

What’s that one thing?

August 30, 2015

There are multiple things we like or dislike about the books we read. We have our favorite characters, settings, voices, action, thrills, you-name-it. So my Monday morning question to you is this: What is your favorite thing about the novel you're reading right now or if you're not reading one now, what about the one you just read?

For me right now I'm enjoying the voice of Carrie Stuart Parks in her first novel A Cry from the Dust recommended to me by Brenda Anderson.

Father, the gifting and talent in your people blesses others. Thank you for your generosity to us. May we always bless you with how we try to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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9 responses to “What’s that one thing?”

Carrie Stuart Parks

August 31, 2015

Thank you for your prayer. Blessings.
-Carrie

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Brenda Jackson

August 31, 2015

The one big thing I liked about the last novel I read–in fact what I look for in nearly all the novels I read, is a BIG story. This is where my tastes do not appear to mesh with the majority of readers or maybe it’s a matter of splitting hairs and how people view big story.
I want a story that is broad and sweeping (not Michener-esque but big). Yes, you have to hone in on a few key characters and there obviously has to be a protag, but I want a story that has big impact not just on the protag but on a large swathe of people. Whether that’s a political battle, a culture clash, a change in way of life, etc. I need the stakes to be BIG, which typically means there is a lot of action.
I think that’s one of the reasons I struggle so much with my writing. While I want there to be close interpersonal relationships resolved (will Jack and Jill get together? Will father and son be reunited?) I need it to be among the backdrop for much larger stakes. Not just limited to that particular relationship. I find that intimidating trying to pull it off as a writer, but I’ll never give up on it, because I have several story ideas that would work out beautifully once I figure out how to pull it all together.

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Nicole Petrino-Salter

August 31, 2015

Carrie, I’m enjoying your work.
Brenda, I love a good long story with lots of characters and details and, as you said, a big picture. They’re a rare breed in publishing these days and especially from CBA publishers.
As you know, Vince Flynn accomplished these things in novels that weren’t long, but he nailed contemporary politics and the threats in our own and rogue governments while creating composites of his insider knowledge of real people and circumstances. Brad Thor does the same thing.
I still enjoy a sweeping love story but haven’t read one – except for Bridge to Haven (Francine Rivers) – in recent times. Tried to write one with The Famous One.

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Brenda S Anderson

August 31, 2015

Good question, Nicole. Right now I’m reading Superior Secrets by Tom Hilpert, and I’m really enjoying it so picking out a best thing is difficult.
I guess I’ll go with setting as it takes place in my favorite place in the world, the North Shore of Minnesota (along Lake Superior).
The book is a mystery/suspense with a Lutheran pastor as protagonist. While the story is definitely written with a Christian emphasis, it’s not at all filled with Christianese, and it’s not even targeted at the Christian market. I hadn’t heard of him before a friend recommended his books, and the author has well over a thousand reviews on Amazon; one book alone has 800. How had I not heard of him before? The author I’ve read who’s most similar is William Kent Krueger.

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Nicole Petrino-Salter

August 31, 2015

I will agree when setting permeates a novel and it’s a favorite place, it makes an impact. Who publishes his work?

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Brenda S Anderson

August 31, 2015

It’s self-pubbed. Honestly one of the best indie-pubbed series I’ve read. I devoured the first two books in the series last week, and now I’m onto the third. They’re just different (and refreshing!) from anything I’ve found in the CBA.

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BK Jackson

August 31, 2015

Thanks for the info, Brenda. I’ll write that down as an author to check out.

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Debra

August 31, 2015

I just finished The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron. The writing is great, specifically the voice.

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Nicole Petrino-Salter

August 31, 2015

Some author’s voices are just so unique and special. I’m thinking of Sibella Giorello’s tonight. Love it.

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