The reality of being an author is no matter how well-written your books are, certain people will never read them because they don't fit their personal preferences. Here's an example: I remember starting a book that had everything a good book is supposed to have: solid writing, likable … [Read more...] about What Killed It For Me #8: Personal Preferences
Search Results for: what killed it for me
What Killed It For Me, #7: Issues with Sequels
Today's pet peeve --to do with sequels--is more subjective and looks at why I may finish the first book but not read any of the rest. As a reader, I have strong opinions about what works and what doesn't. You may agree, you may want to stab me with your voodoo pins. Either way, here are the … [Read more...] about What Killed It For Me, #7: Issues with Sequels
What Killed it For Me #6: Action Too Early
We've likely all encountered stories that open with an explosion, plague, car chase, alien abduction, fist fight, or other volatile scene involving a main character that we know virtually nothing about. And for certain genres (thrillers, action, etc.), this can work. But most of the time, this kind … [Read more...] about What Killed it For Me #6: Action Too Early
What Killed it For Me #5: Weak Writing
Today I want to talk about one of the most common reasons I stop reading: weak writing. I’ve been putting this one off because 1) it’s highly subjective, and 2) it’s not a simple fix. By definition, weak writing is prose that weakens the story or narrative—annoying things that jump out at me and … [Read more...] about What Killed it For Me #5: Weak Writing
What Killed It For Me #4: Cliché Characters
It's hard to come up with characters who are believable yet don't sound like every other character out there. It's especially easy to fall into this trap with certain archetypes, like witty sidekicks or wise old mentors. Unfortunately, a recent book that I started had a whole cast of clichés: the … [Read more...] about What Killed It For Me #4: Cliché Characters
What Killed It For Me #3: Too Much Going On
The latest book I gave up on was a fantasy that was very promising, but also very confusing. Set in a make-believe world, it was based on a unique and fantastical element, containing an involved political hierarchy, a main character who didn't know who he was or where he'd come from, and two … [Read more...] about What Killed It For Me #3: Too Much Going On
What Killed it for Me #2: Characters Who Aren’t Endearing
To better understand why readers stop reading, I'd like to talk about characters who don't win us over. I was browsing the library shelves and came across a book I’d never read by one of my favorite authors when I was a teen. It was a companion novel to a series I’d devoured—the paperbacks are … [Read more...] about What Killed it for Me #2: Characters Who Aren’t Endearing
Books I Didn’t Finish, AKA, What Killed it For Me
I like keeping lists: Books To Read, Books I've Finished, Books I Want to Buy, and possibly the most informative one: Books I Didn't Finish. As a reader, it happens quite frequently that I'll start a book, and for whatever reason, my attention wanes and I end up putting it down … [Read more...] about Books I Didn’t Finish, AKA, What Killed it For Me
What Can the Best Metaphors in Literature Teach Us About Writing?
A big hello and welcome to Savannah Cardova from Reedsy today. She's got some terrific advice (and resources) on Metaphors, so read on! Life is a highway. Love is a battlefield. All the world’s a stage. Hope is the thing with feathers. If you’re familiar with these expressions, you already … [Read more...] about What Can the Best Metaphors in Literature Teach Us About Writing?
Want Memorable Characters? Focus on the Little Things
I love building characters. In fact, “building” is apt, because for me, they come a piece at a time. A brick or two might lock into place as I wrestle with that hateful night demon, Insomnia. Another may manifest with morning coffee or as I scarf down a non-food pyramid approved lunch. But … [Read more...] about Want Memorable Characters? Focus on the Little Things
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: Accidentally Killing Someone
Sourced from The Emotional Wound Thesaurus EXAMPLESDriving a car in which a passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist is killedUnknowingly serving food to someone who’s highly allergic to itA child consuming a fatal dose of medication while in one’s careA child drowning in one’s pool or tubKilling … [Read more...] about The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: Accidentally Killing Someone
What American Horror Story Taught Me About Anti-Heroes
Every time I search Netflix, Hulu, or primetime TV for a new show to watch, I'm convinced that anti-heroes are taking over the world. Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, the Sopranos, Nurse Jackie, Dexter—all popular shows with a less-than-traditional protagonist. The anti-hero seems to be here to stay, … [Read more...] about What American Horror Story Taught Me About Anti-Heroes