“Wait! Wait! She did what?” I’m yelling out loud to the absent, well-known author of the book I’m reading. The farther I read in the book, the more annoyed I become. The protagonist’s choices are stupid, her personality annoys me and the plot seems totally far-fetched. So why am I continuing to read?
When I was younger, my rule was that if I began a book, I ought to finish it. As I got busier, and my time more valuable, I modified the rule: I had to read 100 pages before I gave up; then 50. Then I edged down to 35, 25, and 10. Now if a book doesn’t grab me in the first few pages, it’s toast.
What can an author do to keep me reading? Easy.
-Give me great characters. Make me sympathize with their goals and worry about the obstacles they face. Think Laura Lippman or Michael Connelly.
-Compelling plot. It doesn’t have to be fast, or convoluted, but it should be fresh. Ruth Rendell, Elmore Leonard and Robert Crais are all master plotters.
-Seductive setting. Make me feel like I’m walking around in the setting. I don’t mean only geographical places, but situations that come alive. Take me somewhere I haven’t been, or show me an aspect of a familiar place that I don’t know. I’ve never been to Beijing, but Lisa Brachmann put me there in ROCK, PAPER, TIGER.
-Believable dialog. Dialogue that brings characters to life. Denise Mina’s dialogue is incomparable.
-Rich and evocative language. Maybe even a little philosophical musing thrown in. Think Craig Johnson or Meg Abbott
I may keep reading because a book was highly recommended by a trusted source, or the author is one I have read and enjoyed in the past, even if it doesn’t grab me right away.
But back to the question. Suppose all or most of what usually keeps me reading is missing? What is the writer’s ace in the hole?
-Surprise. In the book I described at the beginning, just as I would decide to put the book down, the author would grab me with an unexpected twist—something someone said, or saw, or did that made me wonder how the author was going to resolve it. She was a master of “the grabber,” slipping it into just the right places. Even after I knew, halfway through the book, exactly what was going on, I kept being lured in, wondering how it would come together in the end.
Whether it’s a thriller, with a life-threatening event every few pages; or a cozy, with subtler hints that things aren’t what they seem; or a PI or police novel, with a protagonist who digs for startling fact, surprise keeps this reader turning pages when all else fails.
Terry Shames lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, two terriers and a cat who barely tolerates the dogs and is on the board of NorCal Sisters in Crime. Her first book, A KILLING AT COTTON HILL (Seventh Street Books) comes out in July, 2013. It is set in small-town Texas and features former Police Chief Samuel Craddock. Visit Terry’s website www.terryshames.com
14 comments
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October 8, 2012 at 9:41 am
Carolyn J. Rose
If the action is episodic, I’ll put the book down. But if the author keeps raising the stakes and I can buy that, then I’m turning pages until the end.– unless the characters are too stupid to live.
October 8, 2012 at 10:26 am
laurelrainsnow
I do favor a book with characters and settings that draw me in. Show me the world around the characters, and through dialogue, grab my attention, and those facets of the book will keep me reading. A great plot doesn’t hurt, but sometimes, a character-driven novel is my favorite thing.
With a mystery, the plot is definitely important, and I like those that surprise me with unexpected twists and turns.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Terry.
October 8, 2012 at 11:10 am
Terry Shames
Carolyn, the “too stupid to live” comment made me laugh. I think raising the stakes is the key. Laurel, I love character-driven novels, too. I find that sometimes even though I know the character is well-drawn, he or she just doesn’t draw me in–and that’s where individual preference rears its head.
October 8, 2012 at 11:59 am
cminichino
Nice summary, Terry. I’ve also abandoned the “must finish” rule of my youth!
I’ll drop a book after a page if I sense that the writing is amateurish, repetitive, awkward, or just plain silly.
October 8, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Dana Fredsti
I used to feel the same way about never giving up on a book… now if one irritates or bores me without any hope of redemption, I’ll put it down. I may try and pick it up later just to see if perhaps I was just in “a mood” when I read it before… but if it still doesn’t grab me, it’s gone . Life’s too short and there are far too many good books out there.
October 8, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Malena E.
Great post, Terry. I still give the book 50 pages to catch me, although it used to be 100. Lately it’s been dialog that makes it or breaks it for me. If the characters are not sounding real and true to themselves I just won’t continue.
October 8, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Betty Dravis
Wow, Terry, This is one of the best-written blogs I’ve read. You certainly know your authors and what they deliver. Lofty goals, indeed. I think I’m strong in opening but weak in scenery, but it’s hard to judge oneself.
Very informative reading. Thanks so much and thank Maggie for bringing you to us.
Best of luck with your own books; since you read such great writers yours should be fine.
Hugs – Betty Dravis
October 8, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Maddy
I fluctuate between the ‘finish it’ or someone will tell you that the novel was brilliant by the time you reached page 303 and the alternative – life’s too short, but like you I’m looking those same qualities.
October 8, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Bette Golden Lamb
Great blog, Terry! I have to admit that I go more than 10 pages before I decide to give up on a book. Usually it’s 25 for me. I like to think that surprise you diescribe so well, will happen.
Love your pictture.
Can’t wait to read your book!!!!.
October 8, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Cindy Sample
Hi Terry. Great post and a nice summary of all the points that make for a terrific read. My favorite books are the ones that draw me in so completely I never even think about editing their work. Realistic and witty dialogue plus strong characters are important for me. I’m willing to slog through 50 pages. After that, it’s tossed to the floor where my cat is likely to snatch it up. We have a different concept of what comprises a tasty book!
October 8, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Terry Shames
Wow, great comments. I was off having my hair whipped into shape, so am just getting back to some replies.
Maddy, I loved your comment. Seems like there’s always someone to tell you that if you had just stuck it out, you’d be really glad you did.
Dana, I agree, sometimes I find I’m just not in the mood for a book, then pick it up later and really enjoy it.
Betty, thanks for the kudos. If you haven’t tried the authors I mentioned, they are well worth the read.
Cindy, it’s always wonderful when you pick up a book and know you are in good hands because you don’t feel like you have to edit!
October 8, 2012 at 11:36 pm
Vinnie Hansen
Good reminders to all of us writers!
October 9, 2012 at 3:10 am
Lisa Brackmann
Thanks so much for the plug, Terry! Really glad that you enjoyed the book.
I too used to Finish. Every. Book. I’ve also come to the “life’s too short and there are too many good books out there” conclusion. In addition to the element of surprise, another thing that will keep me reading is particularly good/interesting prose. It may leave me with a sense of “is that all there is?” when I get to the end, but at least it got me there.
October 9, 2012 at 11:13 am
Diana Chambers
Really good piece, Terry. I guess we’re all like that woman, walking with our noses in a book:-) I do still really like to finish as I have often been surprised later on.