Remember, the question is optional!!!
January 6 question - Being a writer, when you're reading someone else's work, what stops you from finishing a book/throws you out of the story/frustrates you the most about other people's books?
The awesome co-hosts for the January 6 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren , J Lenni Dorner, Gwen Gardner Sandra Cox, and Louise - Fundy Blue!
As a librarian I put down a lot of books. Yes, you read that right! I'd like to answer today's question in reverse. Here are some reasons a book ends up in my "unputdownable" category.
It hooks you immediately. The plot thickens. Best sellers don't mess around with 365 pages before the first plot point. The characters can stand alone. Each word, sentence, and paragraph moves the story forward. On the nose dialect doesn't exist. Each chapter contains three main bombshells: goal, conflict, disaster.
Over Christmas break I discovered a bestseller that did not disappoint! Meet THE INHERITANCE GAMES by Jennifer Lynn Barnes...
What are you reading this month? I will try to visit blogs this evening or by this weekend. What are your goals? Happy New Year!
Hi Jennifer, Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI love the reason a book ends up in your unputdownable category. Now to get those points in my own book :)
Same!!
DeleteAs a librarian, you know exactly what doesn't work!
ReplyDeleteNow, to work on my own stuff!
DeleteAnd a lot of not best sellers have those qualities, too.
ReplyDeleteYou're right!
DeleteGood to hear your perspective. I think it's a good one to have.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteLoved hearing a librarian's view on this topic! A book must draw in a reader from the first page. So, so true.
ReplyDeleteEspecially a young mind that wanders (squirrel!) And I'm not talking about me!
DeleteI love your "unputdownable" list! A book definitely has to hook you right away.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a great hook right now!
DeleteI love how you break down the "bombshell." It makes perfect sense to me. Thank you for the great book tip too! I'm currently reading Ember in the Ashes and I can't put it down!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation! I'm always looking for the next great book to read.
DeleteI love when I find those books that just won't be put down!
ReplyDeleteMe too. I'm always searching.
DeleteJust as we can learn from what doesn't work, we can definitely learn from what does.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteGREAT answer! I love how you phrased this. And the three items that every chapter needs -- brilliant.
ReplyDeleteNow to apply them to my own writing!
DeleteI hadn't heard "disaster" before as a required element for each chapter! I love it!
ReplyDeleteHee hee! I do love it when my characters get into trouble!
DeleteI love the way you answered this question, very positive and to the point. And thanks for the heads up on this book.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Day, Jennifer! I hope that you and your loved ones are doing well. Stay safe and healthy!
ReplyDelete