This week's question is:
“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“
For me, the overall skill level of the author is what makes me want to keep reading a book beyond the first few pages. If I'm seeing that he/she has a good grip on how to write the story in a conversational voice, especially if the style isn't too "purple", or flowery, then I'm inclined to really give that story a chance, provided I'm already interested in the book's premise.
Of course, it doesn't hurt if the author has created a really great hook to reel me in. I love to see a character totally unknown to me doing or saying something that makes me want to find out why they are doing the unusual, or interesting thing they are doing. But, mostly, I look for writing that is polished and exhibits great skill to get me thinking that a book has potential to hold my interest beyond the first scene.
Of course, it doesn't hurt if the author has created a really great hook to reel me in. I love to see a character totally unknown to me doing or saying something that makes me want to find out why they are doing the unusual, or interesting thing they are doing. But, mostly, I look for writing that is polished and exhibits great skill to get me thinking that a book has potential to hold my interest beyond the first scene.
That was a great question!
Hi Cathy! Yay for another fan of paranormal fiction! It's my very favorite genre:) Based on your TBR pile, it looks like we have similar taste in books so I'm glad to have found your blog though the hop! I'm a new follower and I hope you have a great weekend:)
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy. I found you on the Hop. I love paranormal books as well and very glad to have found a new blog to follow.
ReplyDeleteThese book blogger hop questions just get better and better. This one looks easy but I think it’s a trick question. We all know it’s the same answer – the writing – but we all have different perspectives of what good writing is.
ReplyDeleteHop on over to my blog at http://www.howardsherman.net and read my three-prong answer as I explain why I’ll decide to pick up a book or put it down in under sixty seconds.
Happy July 4th Weekend!
Howard Sherman, Implementor
http://www.howardsherman.net
@Deb: Thanks for the giveaway info. I'm in!
ReplyDelete@Jenny: I'm glad I found another person who shares the same interest in books! Thanks for being a new follower. I'll be hopping over to your blog, as well.
@Gwenny: Thanks for taking the time to read my blog post! It's nice to meet you. Thanks for following!
@Howard: I think it is a trick question, too. Everybody has different opinions on what good writing is, so I had to explain a bit of what I think makes writing good, for me, at least. Still, I love this question. Thanks for stopping by! Happy 4th to you, too!
Hi, am your new seventh (lucky seven!)follower. I like quality writing, and sincerity. The sincerity is something entirely subjective and carries across all art forms. I agree that a conversational voice is much better than expository writing. Come on by.<a href="http://fangswandsandfairydust.com”)> Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust</a>
ReplyDelete@fangswandsfairy
steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
@Steph: Wow! Thanks for following. I am lucky for sure. And thanks for stopping by. I'll go visit your blog next.
ReplyDeleteHey
ReplyDeleteHopping by! I tend to put a book down if the writing is too flowery. I just started a book this morning with a hilarious opening that hooked me straight away!
http://lily-bookhaven.blogspot.com/2011/06/giveaway-100-followers.html
(Check out my Giveaway if you get a chance!)
Hopping through. New follower! I am pretty generous with books, but I can't stand overly flower writing. I don't want the prose to get in the way of the plot.
ReplyDeleteMy Hop
@ Lucy: Thanks for stopping by! I'll go check out your giveaway.
ReplyDelete@ Alison: Thanks for following! It seems a lot of readers don't like overly flowery writing, me included. Like you said, it really does take away from the plot. It can get distracting if overdone.
@ Emma: Thanks for following! I follow your blog now, too.
ReplyDeleteStopping by via Crazy-For-Book's Blog Hop. I'm following your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a giveaway on my blog this weekend so please stop by!
Holjo @ Pedantic Phooka
www.pedanticphooka.com
Thanks, Pedantic, for the info on your giveaway!
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