Why do we read what we read? What are the elements of a good story?
The latter part of last year when I bought my Nook and had
the option to download lots of free stories, I found an author that hooked me
and made me want to read her book. It wasn’t because she had created an error
free book, or that her character arcs were well drawn. There were mistakes and
she admitted that she wrote the first book on a dare. But she had compelling
characters (even though their emotions got tiresome in their lack of realistic
emotional growth).
All the vampire series on TV and in the theaters were hot,
but I was not particularly drawn to them. I was more fascinated by the shape-shifting
werewolves. That’s how I came upon this book and read it as a lark—because it
was free.
So what drew me in and kept me reading? That is a question I
have been asking myself.
I’m reading a series now that is heavily weighted with
military information—men’s love—including guns, planes, ships, military
equipment of all kinds. But I’m not reading for that (my eyes glaze over while
skimming those parts). The characters are not that well drawn, especially the
women—male author. But that is not keeping me from reading. So why am I reading
this series? I was into the author’s conspiracy, UFOs/alien, secret government
theories. Hot!
I also branched out into reading many romance authors this
year—unlike the ones I read years ago that were too predictable and
unsatisfying in the long haul for me. Since I have romance in my first novel
(waiting for publication, tapping fingers, waiting. . .) and includes past-life
time slips, I thought I’d better read some authors that are writing the same
genre to see what they are writing and what categories they are being put into.
I happened onto an English author that has some past life drop-in, time travel,
romantic suspense—right down my alley. And, very well written. Ahhh.
I love the way she handles her characters—well drawn and
compelling. The romance is lovely and just that—romance—not hot sex (not that
that’s a bad thing—rewind to werewolf series above). These were love stories.
Present day and a past life in England .
As never before, it is easier and cheaper to access books. People
are reading more, whether well written or not. (I’m not touting poorly written
books because if the writing interferes with the story flow, I’m out of there.
I don’t want my fictive ‘dream’ to be interrupted.)
So what drew me in and kept me reading these three very
different genres, author styles and emphasis? While some of the writing was poorly edited, some characters not well drawn still I read and enjoyed them.
I think I read for different reasons at different times.
Sometimes I want to sink into a tear jerking romance that involves my emotions
and my heart. Sometimes I’m in a more paranoid phase and want to read about
conspiracies and sci-fi possibilities. At other times, a good romp with the
creatures of imagination is in store. Throw in some non-fiction (inspirational, instructional or biographical) and I’m good.
But, I am trying to pinpoint why readers read what they read. So I'm asking for your feedback, what
is at the heart of a good book for you—what do you read and why?
Do you think the easy access to books is making readers read
books they never would have read before?
