I’ve read a lot of books. A lot. Some I finish; some I don’t
get past the first few pages. The big question is why. As a reader I wonder
this, but even more as a writer. The last thing I want to think is that someone
picked up one of my books and didn’t finish it. The horror!!!
For me it’s the hook, or hooks. A good hook in the beginning
can carry me a long way. In I AM NUMBER FOUR, that amazing beginning carried me
through to almost the end. It would have carried me to the very end if my
adorable younger sister didn’t tell me that my favorite character wasn’t going
to make it.
Hooks given along the way help; secret little drops of loveliness
that keep you aching for more. The TWILIGHT books, any of them, are a good example
of this. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And when I was done I immediately
started all over again in case I missed something.
That’s what I want; my readers flipping the pages so fast
they miss things, and then they go back and read it again.
I wouldn't like that either, if someone started my book and didn't finish it. Erg! I ditto your sentiment about wanting readers to flip pages fast...also to stay up WAY past their bedtimes because they can't find a stopping place. Great goals, yep!
ReplyDeleteSome books are a little slower to grab you in, so I always give it a chance. Maybe it's from all the literary stuff I've read over the years.
ReplyDeleteI really tried to get into Twilight. I know the hook was pretty powerful, especially for females. But the writing itself just wasn't very good, and it made it difficult to read. Sometimes, being a writer makes it tough to be a fair reader.