Friday, April 25, 2014

April 25th, 2014

April's Round Robin

"You loved the blurb. First page sounded interesting. You bought the book. What makes you throw the book you're reading against the wall, stomp on it and go find another?"

I drop the book at the point the book disintegrates into an ‘every other book’ tale.

When I wrote for a print publisher I saw a distinct ‘drop’ in the writing after the first three chapters in some established authors' books.  Bear with me while I substitute 'hook' for first page.

The first three chapters were the hook that sold the book to the editor and made good reading.

After that there was this ‘oh lets get it done’ story that disappointed.

When the story begins to ‘sag’ it no longer holds me as a reader. 

When it’s the same story line as every other book the author has written, I give up on it.

My best revenge:  I put it down and tell myself 'I won’t try that author again'.

Luckily for me that there are some really good, prolific authors out there who do not disappoint.

As always Robin thanks for letting me have my say.

Now folks get a move on to Connie’s blog to read her take on the subject.


17 comments:

  1. I know I spend a lot of time on the first three chapters, but mostly because I'm constantly rereading them to make sure they integrate with the following chapters. Still, I have run into what you describe and feel the same.

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  2. Hi Geeta, very true. When I was writing my 'trial' books for the New Writers' Scheme of the Romantic Novelists' Association, this was pointed out to me. Hope I've got it sorted, but that's up to the readers to say. Anne Stenhouse

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  3. I've learned to hook the read with the first chapter, but I don't really work on the first 3 anymore than the rest of the book. I want every page to resonate with at least one reader, and to have her feel like she can't turn the pages fast enough! (every writer's Holy Grail, right?)

    But I've also noticed some books that grab you then take you nowhere. Makes you wonder what the author/editor were thinking. And when those books are uber-famous, making the author so rich she never has to work another day in her life, I think, "Life is so unfair!"

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  4. I'm with Fiona. Too many books, so little time, and if the first chapter doesn't resonate with me, I'm done. Maybe in my younger years, I would have carried on, but not now. I've started some real stinkers lately, but could be they are part of the new Independently published group who think editing isn't a necessity. To bad they don't realize how much they could learn from the process. Good post. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Right Rhobin and it leave the reader with a down feeling.

    Geeta

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  6. Fiona the goals you mention are the ones every writer should have.
    I hurt too when the 'rich and famous' trade on their laurels and get so wrapped up in the stuff that surrounds their station that they don't give readers what they want anymore in the writing area.

    Geeta

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  8. That's why pulling from say halfway through the book will help you make a decision, but I know exactly what you mean. :) We see that a lot with our submissions as well.

    I have a much longer list of what drives me nuts and will prompt me to hit the delete button. The best review is just to never read another book by that author again. :)

    Marci
    http://marcibaun.com/

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  9. Ginger sometimes its the first page or two that makes me let go. I got into this business to write and I hope if I'm ever up in that section of the 'best seller' list, I will still put my writing first. It's when other things become more important and the writing is something that just 'has to be done' the difference shows.
    I think it is why you got into this business that makes the difference in the end.
    Thanks for the input.

    Geeta

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  10. Yes Marci. That is in my opinion too the 'best' way to deal with this problem.

    Geeta

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  11. There are so many good books out there waiting to be read that I've decided I'm not going to "stick it out" any more with a poorly-written one.

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  12. I think you're right in many cases about the first three chapters. It's what you submit to contests,agents and editors. Authors polish and edit and re-polish it so many times, but then don't out the same effort into the rest of the book. As for the same story line - it depends on the author. If they can give it a different twist I have no problem with it.

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  13. So true, Geeta. In the "old days," before e-publishing, it was almost a given that the first three chapters be worked, reworked, and polished until sparkling. I, too, have read my share of hooks that disappoint after chapter three. And the old same-old is always a reason to lose interest. Best wishes on keeping your work fresh and making sure the reader stays on the hook until the end.

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  14. Geeta, well said. That is why the dreaded 'synopsis' and chapter outlines are so important before typing that first word.

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  15. Yes Heidiwriter but having bought the book you're stuck with it. Wish there was a refund possible as with any other product you're not satisfied with.

    Geeta

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  16. Kathy it's more interesting to write something different than 'same old same old'.
    Plus with romance the plot line/skeleton is basically the same so the incidents connecting plot points have to be fleshed out with creativity for each book.
    With mysteries its easier to have a different story.
    Thanks for the input.

    Geeta

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  17. Connie, you've hit the nail on the head.
    That synopsis can be a saving grace if one maps it out properly and makes sure there is no sagging double chin, chest or middle!

    Geeta

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