Post by Sayari's other half on Jan 3, 2012 8:52:07 GMT -5
Reading a good book is a whole lot like watching a movie. The only difference is that everything runs on your own imagination.
I get frustrated when aspiring authors talk about how many pages they were able to finish recently. Don't tell me your word count: I really couldn't care less about it. Tell me how your characters developed. Tell me about your latest setting for your book. Tell me about all the new things you discovered when you were researching things you weren't familiar with.
I confess that as an aspiring author myself, I haven't gotten anywhere. Completion and a thorough and convincing plot IS important. BUT the most important thing for me is the emotion.
If I pick up a book, I want to love it. I want to be able to relate to the characters. Their names, feelings, manner of thought and communication, and experiences should be as familiar to me as my own. I want to be emotionally attached to this story as completely as if it were my own. I'm probably never going to experience something as exciting as what this story has to offer so I want it to help me live what I cannot. Take me there!
Rick Riordan's most recent blog post reinforces my thoughts: "They want to care about the characters, to imagine themselves in the setting, and most of all they want something to happen."
Opening a book should start a movie that I am extremely reluctant to pause. I don't have to see every single thing the character does, or imagine all the sounds. I probably won't at all the first time I read it. The first time I read for plot. All the rest I read for pleasure. Cater for all those times.
It's also very important that you follow through with traits you have given to a character. I cannot tell my reader that my main character is mature, and then have that very same character do irresponsible and reckless things. For example, a mature character would know why it is important for one's parents to know where one is at (basically) all times. This same character would not then go everywhere and anywhere without informing his/her guardian. Be consistent!
Also take reality into consideration. I've noticed so many characters who can see underwater lately. Am I the only person who hasn't developed this ability? Did every young child spend hours opening their eyes in the pool? Where was I when we were having this convention? Keep in mind that not every person has a certain ability, so it's okay if your character doesn't have it. Often this ability is key in the plot, but make sure that, at least in your mind, your character has a history that can back it up.
If you've actually taken the time to read all of this, I commend you. Perhaps I shall continue to rant constructively soon.
I get frustrated when aspiring authors talk about how many pages they were able to finish recently. Don't tell me your word count: I really couldn't care less about it. Tell me how your characters developed. Tell me about your latest setting for your book. Tell me about all the new things you discovered when you were researching things you weren't familiar with.
I confess that as an aspiring author myself, I haven't gotten anywhere. Completion and a thorough and convincing plot IS important. BUT the most important thing for me is the emotion.
If I pick up a book, I want to love it. I want to be able to relate to the characters. Their names, feelings, manner of thought and communication, and experiences should be as familiar to me as my own. I want to be emotionally attached to this story as completely as if it were my own. I'm probably never going to experience something as exciting as what this story has to offer so I want it to help me live what I cannot. Take me there!
Rick Riordan's most recent blog post reinforces my thoughts: "They want to care about the characters, to imagine themselves in the setting, and most of all they want something to happen."
Opening a book should start a movie that I am extremely reluctant to pause. I don't have to see every single thing the character does, or imagine all the sounds. I probably won't at all the first time I read it. The first time I read for plot. All the rest I read for pleasure. Cater for all those times.
It's also very important that you follow through with traits you have given to a character. I cannot tell my reader that my main character is mature, and then have that very same character do irresponsible and reckless things. For example, a mature character would know why it is important for one's parents to know where one is at (basically) all times. This same character would not then go everywhere and anywhere without informing his/her guardian. Be consistent!
Also take reality into consideration. I've noticed so many characters who can see underwater lately. Am I the only person who hasn't developed this ability? Did every young child spend hours opening their eyes in the pool? Where was I when we were having this convention? Keep in mind that not every person has a certain ability, so it's okay if your character doesn't have it. Often this ability is key in the plot, but make sure that, at least in your mind, your character has a history that can back it up.
If you've actually taken the time to read all of this, I commend you. Perhaps I shall continue to rant constructively soon.