I finish every book I start, whether I give it a thumbs up or down. At times, the reading becomes a test of endurance. But, as a writer, I’ve been inspired by the best, in my estimation, and heeded lessons on what to avoid by the worst. I’ve listed a few things I’ve learned, thus far, as a writer and a reader. Of course, all my reflections are subjective and based on my observations and opinions. The topic exploration is divided into three parts, so please stay tuned for the other two before year-end 2023! Happy Writing!
Description: If descriptive passages don’t advance the plot, inform the reader of some character’s underlying trait, or elicit a memorable moment, why waste the words? As a reader, I’m not interested in the exact dimensions of a room or the layout of an entire house, unless it truly fits into the plot, and I return to it visually for added meaning. I’ve read books that catch up on backstory as if the author is reminiscing, not the character in the story. And, when it happens at an inopportune time, I’m left hoping the incongruous passage will soon end, which is not germane to a satisfying read. Of course, many times description matches the event of the moment. A book recommended to me included lengthy detail of mundane actions which I initially thought were trying to set the story’s tone or theme. A simple action evoking a theme? Now that’s a stretch. In this instance, several paragraphs described filling a coal stove. For me, a few sentences devoted to the coal, for whatever reason, would’ve sufficed. I’m being picky. But I knew there was something off regarding my further enjoyment of the story. By the end, I disliked the main character and the choices she made. In defense of the book, there were some haunting moments in the descriptions that revealed aspects of the character. So, it wasn’t the worst book I’d read to the final word. Even so, I prefer a page turner. If the story stalls out, it’s difficult to regroup my thoughts. And what keeps me turning the page? Illustrious description, imaginative dialogue, and characters with depth.