As part of my voluntary continuing education, I’m reading books by authors celebrated during the past century. Many of these authors won significant literary prizes. Most sold millions of copies of their books while they were still writing.
Yet, I only enjoy the work of some authors I’ve explored.
Perusing the shelves of my local used bookstore, I have read the back cover copy of an untold number of books. Usually, before making a purchase, I’ll open the volume of a selected author and see if the first few pages grab me.
When I think I’ll like a novel, only to find after reading a few chapters that I don’t enjoy the story, I’ll decide not to finish the book. Life is too short to force yourself to read a novel you don’t like. At least not once you’ve left high school and college. This ability to discard unloved stories is one privilege of being an adult.
On the flip side, I have discovered some authors I do like by reading novels I missed earlier. I’ve bought many an author’s backlist titles, often new in reprint, so at least heirs can enjoy the fruits of the labor of their famous ancestors.
Where do these observations leave you as a writer?
At one time or another during their careers, many writers receive rejections from editors who are honest enough to say something along the lines of, “This story didn’t resonate with me.” I’ve sent refusal letters with similar wording, admitting that this is a subjective opinion. I realize these rejections are aggravating, even if the author can appreciate candor.
And yet, some of these authors go on to win literary prizes and earn the adoration of legions of readers. Good for them! My taste isn’t everyone’s. I’ve known that for a long time.
Just as I am not every author’s reader, every editor may not be your reader. When negative responses to your work discourage you, continue to grow as a writer. Be encouraged by those who offer encouragement, and listen to them. Respect those who aren’t your readers. With this path, writers are sure to discover the readers who are theirs.
Story Structure Part #1 – Be Wise When Crafting Your Fictional Foundation
My work appeals to EVERYONE,
the birds and beasties, too!
It’s chock-full of raucous fun,
a universal point of view,
and a hint of heartstring pathos
running just below,
emerging when you don’t suppose
it’s got a place to go.
And everything’s an easy read,
no challenges to rock the mind,
no dictionary one will need,
ten-dollar words to find,
because I have achieved my goal,
to write McNuggets for the soul.
I greatly appreciate the wisdom of this post. As my husband often says, “Some like vanilla, and some like chocolate.” :). And, I might add, some like neither, but a different flavor altogether. Let’s rejoice in our God-given uniqueness as writers and keep growing while we search for the audience that resonates with our work. I have a hunch, however, that, in reality, that audience will find us as we stay true to our individual calling. Thanks and blessings to you, Tamela! 🙂
Lots of encouragement and wise words. Thanks, Tamela!
Thanks for the great reminder, Tamela! Blessings to you.
It’s nice to know I don’t have to finish reading a book that hasn’t grasped my attention. There aren’t too many that I’ve tossed aside, but I’m always grateful I’m not in school anymore and don’t have to read it as an assignment. I’ve received critiques that let me know suspense wasn’t their genre. I read their comments and weighed their value. Not everyone likes the same type of books, and that’s okay. I love a gripping, suspenseful novel.
I appreciate Loretta’s insight that resonated with Tamela’s encouragement, “Life is too short to force yourself to read a novel you don’t like.” Thank you.
I appreciate the “permission” not to finish every novel I begin! And to accept that not everyone will think my writing is amazing–but then we aren’t after every reader!
To those of us who are yet unpublished, this sort of encouragement never grows old.
Unlike you, Tamela, when I pick up a book and start reading, I have to finish the story even if it didn’t grab me at first. The only time I threw a book out was when I bought one that sounded like it would be a good read and found it had language in it I would not read from anyone. The reason I finish a story once started is probably because of my days in school. But I’m grateful for that because in finishing the not so well started story I was pleasantly surprised later on in the tale.
It’s true that you can’t please every reader. For example, I’ve had one of my books receive five stars from almost every reader since it was published. Then recently, along came a new reader who gave me a three-star review and (in so many words) said she was disappointed and only found one tiny scene of suspense to it at all. I went back to read all the other reviews on the same book to see if there was any indication of that from anyone else. Figuratively, I scratched my head when I found that all other loved the story with it’s suspense, mystery, and romance. Oh well. LOL Go figure.
Thank you for verifying the fact that not every reader is going to love your work. Authors, take enjoyment in those who do, and don’t let those who don’t get you down. From my first days as a writer, I was given a good piece of advice, which I keep passing on to others. Grow a thick skin and keep writing. 🙂
What an encouraging reminder to read as I sit down to polish my pitch on the day before the WCCW conference in Roseville. I know it’s true that what I write won’t resonate with everyone, but there’s always that lurking fear that it won’t resonate with anyone that can be brought on by just one, “Meh.”
Thank you for sharing your illustration about perusing bookshelves for the books hidden there for you. I’m so grateful that the writers who have best fed my soul didn’t give up, for how much poorer I would be if they had!
I needed to read this today. Thank you so much for writing/posting it : )
Thank you for the reminder, Tamela! I asked three beta readers to critique my last novel. One said she loved it so much she had to force herself to put it down to go to bed the night she started reading it. Another said, “Don’t change a word!” But another said she stopped reading after the first or second chapter (exercising that prerogative you mentioned!) because it didn’t have enough action to draw her in. I identify with Sharon’s head-scratching!
I think if a book does not grab our attention, it’s a good time to analyze, “Why?”
What was missing for me as a reader?
What can be changed to make it more enjoyable?