Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God
So. What do you really want from that new novel you're about to read? Think about it and get back to me.
Father, you've given us authors and writers, books and stories, for your pleasure and for ours. May those of us who write do as you ask. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
I want
. “wow” writing. Not “trying to hard”, no cliches, definitely no repeated phrases.
. main characters that aren’t annoying. If a character is annoying, there should be an understandable reason. Patrick Bowers’ step daughter could be annoying, but she was a kid, didn’t know her dad until later, mom died, etc.
. characters that are portrayed in a way I want to read. I know that sometimes people have habits such as always saying “um” or using a word incorrectly or using a word too often. I know that’s realistic, but it’s not enjoyable to read.
. a surprise. I love it when there’s something I didn’t see coming, but it makes perfect sense.
. I read and enjoy a variety of genres. I would like to see more “fun” books that are not silly or someone trying too hard to be funny. When I’m enduring personal suffering I really can’t handle reading a story about tragedy. I’ve noticed that many great authors write the saddest stuff. I’m thinking of Charles Martin right now. “The Convenient Groom” by Denise Hunter was not at all realistic but it wasn’t intended to be. It was so engaging though! “Savannah from Savannah” by Denise Hildreth was another one that I thought was pure fun. “Once Upon a Prince” by Rachel Hauck was another one I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried other books by these authors looking for the same thing and was disappointed.
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Good description of Charles Martin: beautiful prose but always that melancholy tone or feel to them. Emotional. I kind of prepare myself for his before I start reading.
Fun. It’s hard for some of us to do “fun”. Usually, there are some fun scenes but overall not so much. I think the last Becky Wade novel was kind of fun even though it dealt with a serious problem (opioid addiction by the heroine).
I love surprises too just as you described. (It’s even more fun as a writer when they surprise me as I write them.)
And, yeah, wow writing is such a treat to read. I think that’s what we serious readers appreciate the most. I give more leeway writing-wise to my thriller reads. For them, I want a sharp hero/heroine and a dynamic plot with obvious knowledge of the skills/weapons and the ability to describe them effectively. What I will say about the protagonist(s) is, for me, they must have a side that presents the possibility of emotional vulnerability – even if it’s just in brief doses. I don’t want to read about a robotic or psychopathic character.
Thanks, Deb. I’ve missed you. 😉
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Oh yes, I’m with you on thriller stories. The excitement is what keeps me reading rather than a beautiful, unique way of telling a story.
And I suspected that it can’t be easy to do “fun”!
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Check your emails 🙂
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Thank you – I’m on it!
I think for some authors they actually do “fun” better than anything else. I’m not one of them. Too serious in my soul.
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Into the Fire 
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