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Readers, a tremendous source of valuable info
#1 - 11th Jan 2008 07:50:00
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There are a number of aspiring writers at this BB who would benefit from the wisdom of the readers offering some insight into what makes a good fantasy read - or indeed any read - tick for them.
I am constantly asked for advice for new writers and the main piece of advice I find myself spouting is the same one Sara Douglass gave to me many, many years back when I was first tiptoeing around the idea of writing a book.
I didn't really grasp her advice then but I do now and all of you who are working on novels have the opportunity here to tap into a wealth of knowledge and reading experiences which I didn't even just four years ago when bulletin boards at author sites were hardly known.
So think about a book you have loved, truly enjoyed. Offer the reason why - think about it because it can be an enormous help to the writers here.
Put into words what it was about that book or series which made it so outstanding for you personally.
Share your knowledge and all that reading experience....
I am constantly asked for advice for new writers and the main piece of advice I find myself spouting is the same one Sara Douglass gave to me many, many years back when I was first tiptoeing around the idea of writing a book.
I didn't really grasp her advice then but I do now and all of you who are working on novels have the opportunity here to tap into a wealth of knowledge and reading experiences which I didn't even just four years ago when bulletin boards at author sites were hardly known.
So think about a book you have loved, truly enjoyed. Offer the reason why - think about it because it can be an enormous help to the writers here.
Put into words what it was about that book or series which made it so outstanding for you personally.
Share your knowledge and all that reading experience....
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After much thought (well a little bit anyway) I thought I would give my two cents worth. although given that they are my thoughts you will probably want change.
Although I try to read a wide range of books and styles the ones that I find myself most drawn to, and which I will reread, are those where the world seems real in it's own right and not just a place for the story to happen. Does that make sense?
I like tales where the characters interact with the world in which they live and are affected by it in meaningful ways, just as our lives are affected by events which take place all over our world. I like the world to have a sense of history and purpose. In effect a major character in it's own right not just a place the heroes travel through without impacting upon them in any way.
And I really dislike worlds which are not consistent. If it takes the villain five days to ride from A to B on the fastest horse in the land, it should take the hero at least five days to ride from B to A - not just one afternoon on a lame donkey.
I warned you you would probably want change from the two cents. Edited by: Big Hills at: 2/4/03 12:36:56 pm
Although I try to read a wide range of books and styles the ones that I find myself most drawn to, and which I will reread, are those where the world seems real in it's own right and not just a place for the story to happen. Does that make sense?
I like tales where the characters interact with the world in which they live and are affected by it in meaningful ways, just as our lives are affected by events which take place all over our world. I like the world to have a sense of history and purpose. In effect a major character in it's own right not just a place the heroes travel through without impacting upon them in any way.
And I really dislike worlds which are not consistent. If it takes the villain five days to ride from A to B on the fastest horse in the land, it should take the hero at least five days to ride from B to A - not just one afternoon on a lame donkey.
I warned you you would probably want change from the two cents. Edited by: Big Hills at: 2/4/03 12:36:56 pm
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okay at the moment (1.45am) i cant single out a fav book there are too many...
but here are some things i love in a good book:
humour during a battle scene, when our hero is facing death or uncertin odds...and someone says something funny etc, must be the laughing in the face of danger....i luv it..
the hero's power, especially magic... or swordsmanship or what ever our hero's good at....i mean thats why we love our hero..
oh and a happy ending, our hero's got to end up happy, if i read a book with a miserable ending
i throw the damn thing and curse like a fishermans wife...
okay thats all i can think of at this ungodly hour
but here are some things i love in a good book:
humour during a battle scene, when our hero is facing death or uncertin odds...and someone says something funny etc, must be the laughing in the face of danger....i luv it..
the hero's power, especially magic... or swordsmanship or what ever our hero's good at....i mean thats why we love our hero..
oh and a happy ending, our hero's got to end up happy, if i read a book with a miserable ending
i throw the damn thing and curse like a fishermans wife...okay thats all i can think of at this ungodly hour
#5 - 16th Jan 2003 00:01:00
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#7 - 22nd Jan 2003 17:01:00
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I like books where there are more than one main character. Where there are quite a few stong built up characters, each with a background. Whether that means them to be strong from the perspective of them being ridiculously powerful magical beings, or a powerful warrior stance, or indeed mentally: it does not matter. Having these respectful characters within a storyline, all of which a reader feels for - and then waiting and wishing for them to cross paths can be very exciting. Good thoughtful dialogue between the mentally powerful characters is always a must for me personally.
Also, I think that as long as the writer creates a real sense of challenge for the character/s then things will still work.
For me all an author needs to do is serve up all these things along with a unique storyline, perhaps a new magic system or excellent battle sequences then I am happy.
What I really love about fantasy are the limitless boundaries!!
If I was to mention a fantastic book that incorporates all of those traisst that I personally look for in a book, I would give a heartfelt mention to Philip Pullmans "Dark Materials Triology".
Edited by: Dystran Hart at: 1/22/03 5:07:50 am
Also, I think that as long as the writer creates a real sense of challenge for the character/s then things will still work.
For me all an author needs to do is serve up all these things along with a unique storyline, perhaps a new magic system or excellent battle sequences then I am happy.
What I really love about fantasy are the limitless boundaries!!
If I was to mention a fantastic book that incorporates all of those traisst that I personally look for in a book, I would give a heartfelt mention to Philip Pullmans "Dark Materials Triology".
Edited by: Dystran Hart at: 1/22/03 5:07:50 am
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After giving this some consideration and then considering all the books I have read.
My pet peeve and the thing that is most likly to turn me off a novel is if it is to twee and predictible. ie the hero happens to need a magic sword to continue his quest and oh look behind this rock is said magical sword.
Or if it is obvious for the past 50 pages that something is going to happen.
things happening for the sake of progressing the story that arnt necissarily the way a character has behaved up to that point.
the other thing is just becasue a book is a good source of revenue have some consideration of your readers and dont keep floging a dead horse. If a strong story continues over four or five books then fantastic go for it but if book 5 is just padding for the next one forget it. I really liked Jordans wheel of time series when I read the first one by the time the 6th one came out nothing much had happened for three books and he's now up to book nine and i wont read anymore.
My pet peeve and the thing that is most likly to turn me off a novel is if it is to twee and predictible. ie the hero happens to need a magic sword to continue his quest and oh look behind this rock is said magical sword.
Or if it is obvious for the past 50 pages that something is going to happen.
things happening for the sake of progressing the story that arnt necissarily the way a character has behaved up to that point.
the other thing is just becasue a book is a good source of revenue have some consideration of your readers and dont keep floging a dead horse. If a strong story continues over four or five books then fantastic go for it but if book 5 is just padding for the next one forget it. I really liked Jordans wheel of time series when I read the first one by the time the 6th one came out nothing much had happened for three books and he's now up to book nine and i wont read anymore.
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Good point re Jorden-esk serieses, Ambrai. Which brings me neatly to my question...
So, would a planed 9 book series (definitely finishing at nine and set out as a trilogy of trilogies) turn readers off?? Each 'trilogy' focusing on a different story with mainly different characters, but overall part of a greater story.
So, would a planed 9 book series (definitely finishing at nine and set out as a trilogy of trilogies) turn readers off?? Each 'trilogy' focusing on a different story with mainly different characters, but overall part of a greater story.
#10 - 23rd Jan 2003 23:09:00
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I think I mentioned this before somewhere - not sure.
Personally, I do not like to read further than a triology. But then again I do like to read long epics. But again I hate waiting for books to be published hehe. I am a nightmare reader!
I cannot read George R R Martin, as it is far too long for me to wait until all the books have been published. But I may be able to read Stephen Erikson as I understand those books give some kind of closure. ie you can read book 1 and book 3 without reading book 2. Or likewise can read book 2 and 4 without 1 and 3 ehhe. Now I feel dizzy.
One author I am reading has written a triology which really gets to grips with the location and descriptive issues. Then he follows on with stand alone novels! which are based after the time of the original triology. Underlying these stand alone novels however is a storyline that continues and will give that little bit extra for those dedicated readers that have committed to all the books. Anyway, this publishing plan is perfect for me personally.
Personally, I do not like to read further than a triology. But then again I do like to read long epics. But again I hate waiting for books to be published hehe. I am a nightmare reader!
I cannot read George R R Martin, as it is far too long for me to wait until all the books have been published. But I may be able to read Stephen Erikson as I understand those books give some kind of closure. ie you can read book 1 and book 3 without reading book 2. Or likewise can read book 2 and 4 without 1 and 3 ehhe. Now I feel dizzy.
One author I am reading has written a triology which really gets to grips with the location and descriptive issues. Then he follows on with stand alone novels! which are based after the time of the original triology. Underlying these stand alone novels however is a storyline that continues and will give that little bit extra for those dedicated readers that have committed to all the books. Anyway, this publishing plan is perfect for me personally.
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Alright... I am no fantasy expert.. but here goes 
">
I like the fact that everytime I pick up a fantasty book I am in for a totally different adventure..... Robin Hobb draws me slowly into her world and I just look around, take my time feel everything (sight, touch, smell, emotions) and am in no hurry to get anywhere....
Then Fiona grabs me by the hand, gives me that amazing smile, a warning wink and whips me into a fantastic world! Allows me to use my brain, never bores me and colours a wonderful magical place full of extraordinary people! GGK, only one and a bit book so far - but masterful writing.. classic enjoyment of a brilliant read.... Kurchell's Dart -delicous fun!!! and now - not even sure if There Be Dragons is considered Fantasy - but what an emotional read!!
My point (and yes sleepy people, there is one) what I love is the individual styles... have Heriones or bimbos, have wizards or dragons.. but, please do your own thing.. be true to you and your dreams..... to be perfectly honest, I would hate to think people encorporate anything in a story because 69% of people like that! Of course, I am a sucker for erotic scenes - well, what is a fantasy without a fantasy
"> I like the fact that everytime I pick up a fantasty book I am in for a totally different adventure..... Robin Hobb draws me slowly into her world and I just look around, take my time feel everything (sight, touch, smell, emotions) and am in no hurry to get anywhere....
Then Fiona grabs me by the hand, gives me that amazing smile, a warning wink and whips me into a fantastic world! Allows me to use my brain, never bores me and colours a wonderful magical place full of extraordinary people! GGK, only one and a bit book so far - but masterful writing.. classic enjoyment of a brilliant read.... Kurchell's Dart -delicous fun!!! and now - not even sure if There Be Dragons is considered Fantasy - but what an emotional read!!
My point (and yes sleepy people, there is one) what I love is the individual styles... have Heriones or bimbos, have wizards or dragons.. but, please do your own thing.. be true to you and your dreams..... to be perfectly honest, I would hate to think people encorporate anything in a story because 69% of people like that! Of course, I am a sucker for erotic scenes - well, what is a fantasy without a fantasy
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Well, something that I really like in a fantasy novel is shades of grey. Not just fantastic perfect good guys, and essence-of-evil bad guys. I like good guys with flaws, and bad guys who are perhaps not as bad as they appear.
I know that this turns the conventions of the fantasy genre on their head! Which is probably why I don't read that much fantasy these days.
Oh and hello
"> I'm back from summer holidays
I know that this turns the conventions of the fantasy genre on their head! Which is probably why I don't read that much fantasy these days.
Oh and hello
"> I'm back from summer holidays
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I enjoy tales that give you a fresh view of life, a different angle on things and make you ponder ... well, life.
One twist I really liked was the "endowments" from David Farland's RuneLords; where the nobles are gifted with abilities of their subjects.. for example, a 'dedicate' may give up their sight to enhance the vision of the lord. Naturally these are often taken by force, but sometimes also given willingly.. past that angle it is at heart old human nature at its best and worst, but with a healthy dose of escapism
I found it interesting at any rate, if only it had not been so long since the last book I might remember it better...
I would also like to read a story of a soon to be hero finding a sword behind a magic rock. Naturally he would choose the sword, though perhaps the rock - being magic - might be of more deserving.
Oh that reminds me, humour. A healthy dose of humour is always a welcome touch
[ "Newbie Alert"? ack. And I was told this was a friendly place.. oh the betrayal! ]
One twist I really liked was the "endowments" from David Farland's RuneLords; where the nobles are gifted with abilities of their subjects.. for example, a 'dedicate' may give up their sight to enhance the vision of the lord. Naturally these are often taken by force, but sometimes also given willingly.. past that angle it is at heart old human nature at its best and worst, but with a healthy dose of escapism
I found it interesting at any rate, if only it had not been so long since the last book I might remember it better...
I would also like to read a story of a soon to be hero finding a sword behind a magic rock. Naturally he would choose the sword, though perhaps the rock - being magic - might be of more deserving.
Oh that reminds me, humour. A healthy dose of humour is always a welcome touch
[ "Newbie Alert"? ack. And I was told this was a friendly place.. oh the betrayal! ]
#15 - 30th Jan 2003 22:46:00
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#16 - 31st Jan 2003 17:40:00
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#17 - 31st Jan 2003 22:08:00
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DN:
Now, down to Fiona's question: what impresses me most in a novel is when the author writes it in such a way that every single item introduced has a reason to be there. A very good example of that is Wizard's First Rule from Terry Goodkind, one of the books that have left its impression on my mind of what good writing should look like.
I could go on and on with many other books, but basically, between what I just said and lively characters, that's what keeps me reading..."> Edited by: Manon Mooseketeer at: 1/31/03 10:14:39 pm
Now, down to Fiona's question: what impresses me most in a novel is when the author writes it in such a way that every single item introduced has a reason to be there. A very good example of that is Wizard's First Rule from Terry Goodkind, one of the books that have left its impression on my mind of what good writing should look like.
I could go on and on with many other books, but basically, between what I just said and lively characters, that's what keeps me reading...
"> Edited by: Manon Mooseketeer at: 1/31/03 10:14:39 pm
">
#20 - 13th Feb 2003 19:21:00
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Ok, I love books that make me feel like im there, so that I can feel the wind and rain, smell the food cooking, see the people and hear the noise in the market place.
I fall deeply into books and find it hard to surface, a good book for me is one i hate to leave, Terry Goodkind, Wizard first rule was like that for me, I didnt want to leave,and i felt strongly bout the characters, it was like they we my friends, and when they felt pain so did I.
I always have a hard time letting go.
and my friends start to worry when i talk about my characters like they are alive
I fall deeply into books and find it hard to surface, a good book for me is one i hate to leave, Terry Goodkind, Wizard first rule was like that for me, I didnt want to leave,and i felt strongly bout the characters, it was like they we my friends, and when they felt pain so did I.
I always have a hard time letting go.
and my friends start to worry when i talk about my characters like they are alive
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