Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

recent posts

about

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

What do you want?

                    Stickman_question_mark_thinking_pc_1680

Depending on the genre, what do you want from your fiction? And is there anything that will salvage the story that doesn't meet your normal standard for the genre? 

We've talked here about the "definitions" of different genres. For example, many novels today describe their stories as "thrillers" when they're clearly not a genuine thriller. They're usually suspense novels. 

You know I define my "romance" novels as "love stories" because generally I don't adhere to the formula for the romance genre. 

So what to do you want or expect from the genres you read? 

 

Father, thank you for all the different things you inspire and the gifts you give to people. We are so grateful to you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Posted in

4 responses to “What do you want?”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    My favorite genre is western, but since that’s not always an option, I read thriller/suspense/mystery. My tastes are counter to the majority of the reading population in that I don’t want to read romance because for me personally, I often find them very limited in scope. I don’t mind if romance is a SMALL thread in a much bigger story, but I don’t want it to be THE story.
    Westerns: Stories when the world was relatively new, there was actual open space & opportunity to build dreams, & people had to interact with the natural environment. The best westerns are about ideals and ethics & how those are brought to bear to help others. In my favorite novel, that was displayed in the relationship between 2 best friends & the lengths one went to to save the life and reputation of the other (and yes, the author’s books were rife with a romance element, but at least in this book the woman was likeable). The independence of the characters is paramount. I would say I’m looking for books whose characters represent nation-building—westerns represent shaping an entire country.
    Thriller/Suspense/Mstery: A good one has most of those same elements. It is focused on bettering the regional/national situation somehow & generally on making lives better. They are usually low romance but often times lack connection to the natural world.
    I’m sure there are other aspects I’m not thinking of & can’t articulate but that’s the bare bones.

    Like

    Reply
  2. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    And interesting bare bones! Thoughtful response, Brenda.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    I want “wow” writing. The setting and characters are described with the perfect amount of detail in a way that is special, somehow unique. You do this so well, Nicole.
    It’s nice when something happens that’s unexpected but that makes sense.
    If a story doesn’t “shape up” in a hurry, I won’t bother finishing it. My criteria for “hurry” is a little longer if it’s an author I’ve previously read and enjoyed.

    Like

    Reply
  4. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    You are so encouraging, Deb. Truly, deeply appreciate you. Thank you.
    Good point about the “unexpected that makes sense”. Yeah.
    I’m to that point now where I better find something to keep me turning the pages or it’s bye-bye.
    That “wow” writing always makes it a special and lingering experience.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Debra Cancel reply