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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2016 15:14:04 GMT -5
As an aspiring author, I need to know this. I am about to write what will hopefully be my first serious book that I do NOT give up on.
If you have any tips or comments, please post them.
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Post by Frozen on Oct 20, 2016 15:58:07 GMT -5
Character development, perfect length - not too short, not too long, well thought out plot and events, fitting tone for the story, stuff like that.
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Post by ℜust ℜed ℜose on Oct 20, 2016 16:21:42 GMT -5
I, personally, have a few things that I look for.
1) If the book has a map, it has a slightly higher chance (I have found) to be a more engaging read. Just my experience. It means (to me, at least) that the author really thought about setting, and has a perfect vision of it in their head.
2) I always read the last page of the book first. Spoilers or not, I do that for two reasons; a. If I die before I finish the book, at least I know how it ends, and b. If I can guess the book's plot just by reading the last page, it's gonna be a boring and fairly typical read.
Helpful tips, though? I always look for word choice. When the author uses big words, I think they're trying too hard. If they use basic, boring words, though, I assume that they're basic and boring themselves.
And repeated metaphors, too. I always look for that, even when I can't help myself. Little hidden details always make a story so much better.
Finally, not too many points of view. I hate that. I find myself skipping over certain parts because what's happening with some characters is just so BORING.
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Post by Sorrelcloud on Oct 20, 2016 16:30:46 GMT -5
I first read the back and title. If it still has my interest I'll start reading. If I get past the first chapter I usually finish the book. Tbh I've only dropped two books after starting to read this year. One had a mis-leading title and back, while the other was in a font I dislike.
tl:dr the back summary and less so the title and images are the deciding factor for me.(Also if you pick an odd font I wont read it.)
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Oct 20, 2016 16:32:32 GMT -5
CHARACTERS: I think one of the most vital parts of any book (especially these days) is strong, relatable characters with evident growth. When Bob makes a decision, I want to be able to think, "Oh, I get that way of thinking." Or at least, "I can see why he reacted like that." Relatable doesn't necessarily mean that he/she needs to be exactly like me, or share personality traits. The term (in writing connotation) refers to the ability to recognize the character as a fellow human. They need to feel like real people I might meet on the street. That's why mary-sues, outlandish characters, etc tend not to be very popular with readers, sometimes subconsciously. S/he feels too foreign. Backup your characters' personality and mindset with their past. History is vital to all characters. If you want them to be impulsive, great! What made them develop that trait? Perhaps they grew up in a sheltered environment where acting on whims didn't result in impactful consequences. Maybe your character will be sullen and stoic. Be able to explain why they are that way. Ask yourself if the decision your character made fits with what we know of them and their history. Would a guy who's never had attachment issues in the past suddenly decide to cut loose his girlfriend to "free her" from him? Probably not. He'd probably be hopeful that things would work out. Characters making decisions contrary to their established perspective is how you get odd OOCness.
tl;dr: Character needs to be relatable (realism), noticeable growth, and reasonable conclusions.
PLOT: Coincidences should get characters INTO trouble, not out of it. It's okay to have points in the plot where everything is peaceful. It better creates a sense of tension-- go for a big climax, not little ones every other page. It doesn't need to be a constant bombardment of problems to still be an engaging story. Write it, even if it's "cliche." You'll find your own twist on it along the way. Most great books follow well-used platforms. The characters and the plot should equally drive each other. It's not one or the other. Just like in the real world, our decisions will affect our course in life, but so life will also force us to make choices. Well-love tropes don't automatically make your book better. Execution is key. If you don't understand a subject, or don't at least have a working knowledge of it, it's probably best to stay away from the topic altogether. Or put a lot of time into researching it. Readers will be able to tell most of the time when you're BSing. Understand the different moods of a scene, and which forms of narrative best fit the tone you'd like to pair it with. For instance, if a character is experiencing awe at their fairyland surroundings, lots of setting description would be appropriate. In a tight, tense moment between two characters, focusing on their expressions and body language will accentuate the suspense. Not all description is equal. Description isn't always needed, either. Give every character, good or bad, redeeming qualities and vices. Try to make at least one of the character's struggles easily relatable (i.e. selfishness, lack of confidence, etc. are widely experienced). There is no quota for what length makes a satisfying book. Do not add filler in order to beef up a novel. Do not take stuff out just to make it shorter. Let your story be as long as is necessary for the full effect.
However, my greatest advice to you is to WRITE AN OUTLINE.
Hope this helped~
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2016 17:48:51 GMT -5
my name, the author's name coincidentally to be my name, anything that has my name in it
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