Preferences. We all have them. Dislikes. Yeah, we definitely have those too. Have you ever liked a novel and couldn’t explain why? Or at least your explanation felt inadequate to you? What exactly is it that makes a story stand out to you?
For me it varies according to the book and author. I love novels for all kinds of reasons, but I’ve found I dislike them for two reasons in particular. One: I don’t jive with the characters. They annoy me, they repulse me, they seem shallow, ridiculous, or whiny. And/or I don’t like the writing either in voice or style. Usually I try to avoid plots that don’t appeal to me, but if I make a mistake by choosing a book with a storyline I don’t like, the other two reasons seem to be amplified.
In contrast I love characters who demand I get involved in their lives. Whether in their weakness and humanity or their strong and courageous hero-complexes, get me invested in their plights. All kinds of personalities draw me. It’s not about quirkiness, macho-ism, femininity, boldness, or a fearful demeanor. It’s about who they are in the pages of the story. That indefinable something that makes me care about them.
I’m intrigued by writing: voice, style, format. I loved Chris Fabry’s Dogwood because his writing shone in its unique brilliance. There was one stereotypical villain, and I didn’t particularly care for the ending, but I loved this book. The devotion and strength of one character touched my heart while the writing felt somehow exquisite.
Lisa Samson chose the format of a memoir to illustrate The Passion of Mary-Margaret. The voice for Mary-Margaret kept perfectly attuned to the woman telling her life story. The story moved me in its originality and depth: brazen, tender, a love story of supernatural and oh so human proportions. A truly profound and brilliant novel.
You all know how much I respect Robert Liparulo as a person, as a writer, as a friend. His voice is unique, natural, always believable. His pacing is superb. His imagination is amazing and his delivery solid, heart pounding.
Tosca Lee expresses this intellectual overtone which somehow manages to not insult those of us who are less inclined to do such detailed research and delve so deeply into reasons. Her voice captures both wit and wisdom and challenges readers.
Brandilyn Collins uses a style which courses through the pages. Drives the story like a Corvette. Always solves the tiniest plot points with unique stories and some unusual or strange, careful, and bold characters.
Harry M. Kraus, MD, manages to capture the nuances of human nature and the honesty and subtlety of romance when he includes it in his stories.
Kristen Heitzmann gets romance. She writes compelling stories, often with suspenseful plots, but when male and female desires collide, she gets it.
Travis Thrasher scores big on portraying the fallen spirit of mankind. He understands depravity and is willing to look hard at it and sometimes draw conclusions. He takes unlimited chances in his work, and I love that he does. He’s a bold writer, and I respect his work.
. . . to name a few reasons for likin’ it when it comes to writing. And you?
Father, you have gifted so many. It’s honorable when people use their gifts to reflect you. It’s a privilege to be used for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.