What glues you to a story start to finish? That’s a great question, Rhobin.
I’m presently
judging a book contest of published publics in two categories; contemporary and
mainstream. I have to score each book according to a standardized score sheet.
It covers hooks, plot, characters, conflict and endings plus a few other
things. Some of them have really grabbed me. First they have a great hook. Then
they reveal just enough information about the characters and/or plot to keep me
reading to find out a little more. They skillfully develop their characters so
I want to know what happens to them and they hook me at the end of each chapter
so I decide to read just a few more pages. The plot intensifies, the stakes are
raised and the narrative and dialogue progress the story. There are twists and
turns that keep me guessing – and reading right to the end.
I’d like to think my stories meet all those pints. I aim for it.
As for what hooks I
use to capture my readers – usually I try for a hook at the beginning that will
grab the reader and make them want to read a few more pages. I also try to have
a hook at the end of each chapter so the reader will turn a few more pages.
I can hardly wait
to see what the others in the group have to say. Join me. Here’s a list of the
authors to check. Ginger Simpson http://mizging@blogspot.com
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/
Margaret Fieland http://www.margaretfieland.com/blog1/
Helena Fairfax http://helenafairfax.com/
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Connie Vines http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Rachael Kosnski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Victoria Chatham http://victoriachatham.webs.com/
Lynn Crain http://www.awriterinvienna.blogspot.com
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com/
I've read some of your work, and it does all of what you hope. I don't envy your judging, I judge in another type of event, and often it can be so subjective. But that's how readers are, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rhobin. I appreciate that. I don't think it matte4rs what we judge it's always interesting and you're so right. It's subjective, just like our readers.
DeleteI judge every year in a contest also. Some books I have to force myself to finish. Others, I feel so lucky that I get to read for free, because I'd absolutely pay for that privilege. Some of those I later buy for friends and relatives, who wonder how I knew they'd love that books so much.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you. Some of the ones are so hard to read and you really want to toss them. This contest I've been happily surprised. I've found some new authors who have really hooked me for the whole book.
DeleteI do think that some books are better at hooking but sometimes those hooks seem forced. I'm glad that you are judging. I also judge each year and find that it's challenging but so rewarding to give back.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa. t looks like most of us judge at least once during the year. It is challenging, but also a learning experience. I always learn something about my writing as I score theirs.
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