Allison Symes's Blog - Posts Tagged "am-reading"
Giving Up on a Story?
With my writing hat on, I must admit I’ve only ever abandoned two stories in my time and for the same reason.
I managed to box myself in a corner and that was because I didn’t know my characters well enough. I avoid that mistake now by using a simple template that ensures I do know my creations well enough to write their stories up.
Have I given up on books by others though?
Occasionally yes but I am glad to say it is a rare event.
And it is for the same reason - their characters have not gripped me enough to make me want to continue to read their stories. There has been a lack of the “got to find out what happens here” in the novel or short story collection.
Now this is useful. It tells me what to avoid!
You improve your writing skills by reading well. You learn from what others do. You look over well loved books and tales to figure out what it was about them that worked for you and then try to replicate that with your own creations.
But it can work the other way round. You can learn what not to do!
But I am glad I only rarely give up on a book.
Life is too short to waste time on a book that doesn’t grip you. I always think it a shame when you come across a book like that.
I managed to box myself in a corner and that was because I didn’t know my characters well enough. I avoid that mistake now by using a simple template that ensures I do know my creations well enough to write their stories up.
Have I given up on books by others though?
Occasionally yes but I am glad to say it is a rare event.
And it is for the same reason - their characters have not gripped me enough to make me want to continue to read their stories. There has been a lack of the “got to find out what happens here” in the novel or short story collection.
Now this is useful. It tells me what to avoid!
You improve your writing skills by reading well. You learn from what others do. You look over well loved books and tales to figure out what it was about them that worked for you and then try to replicate that with your own creations.
But it can work the other way round. You can learn what not to do!
But I am glad I only rarely give up on a book.
Life is too short to waste time on a book that doesn’t grip you. I always think it a shame when you come across a book like that.
What Makes a Good Story Ending For You?
Story endings don’t have to be happy ones. For some tales, a happy ending would be inappropriate. But what would you class as a “good” story ending?
For me the ending has to be appropriate for the kind of tale being told and for the character.
It was clear in A Christmas Carol, for instance, that Scrooge would have to change. It was a question there of how it would be done. Had Scrooge not changed, there would have been no point in the visitations of the ghosts and there would have been no story.
So I am looking for change to have happened by the end of the story. Being a fairly positive person, I like these changes to be as upbeat as possible. Failing that, I’ll be happy with a kind of “yes, that’s appropriate for this character”.
What you don’t want is a feeling of disappointment that the story hasn’t been closed off properly. There should be no loose ends.
The character should have learned something and moved on from the starting point of the story. If that learning something and moving on is something I can identify with, then that makes it an even better ending for me.
For me the ending has to be appropriate for the kind of tale being told and for the character.
It was clear in A Christmas Carol, for instance, that Scrooge would have to change. It was a question there of how it would be done. Had Scrooge not changed, there would have been no point in the visitations of the ghosts and there would have been no story.
So I am looking for change to have happened by the end of the story. Being a fairly positive person, I like these changes to be as upbeat as possible. Failing that, I’ll be happy with a kind of “yes, that’s appropriate for this character”.
What you don’t want is a feeling of disappointment that the story hasn’t been closed off properly. There should be no loose ends.
The character should have learned something and moved on from the starting point of the story. If that learning something and moving on is something I can identify with, then that makes it an even better ending for me.
Balancing Fiction and Non-Fiction
I like to read a mixture of fiction and non-fiction though I suspect my reading “see-saw” is tilted more to the fiction side of things.
I am reading more non-fiction than I ever have and hope to keep doing this, especially as I am now writing more non-fiction than before too.
My non-fiction reading side is tilted towards history where I’ve always had an interest and I’ve loved many of the Ben Macintyre books.
I love the development where non-fiction is using some of the techinques used in fiction writing to grab the reader.
Gone are the days are boring old big reference books. In are non-fiction books which have speed and pace and make you wonder what will happen next.
I hope that development encourages more people to read more non-fiction. I know it has worked for me!
I am reading more non-fiction than I ever have and hope to keep doing this, especially as I am now writing more non-fiction than before too.
My non-fiction reading side is tilted towards history where I’ve always had an interest and I’ve loved many of the Ben Macintyre books.
I love the development where non-fiction is using some of the techinques used in fiction writing to grab the reader.
Gone are the days are boring old big reference books. In are non-fiction books which have speed and pace and make you wonder what will happen next.
I hope that development encourages more people to read more non-fiction. I know it has worked for me!
What Do You Want to See in Your Favourite Books?
What I want to see in my favourite books are characters I can root for. Even when they’re villainous, I want to understand what drives them to be the way they are.
Nobody says you have to like characters but you do need to be able to see where they’re coming from.
Stories can reflect on us. Unrealistic characters will not draw people in to read their stories. Yet a character you can understand, no matter how bizarre they and/or their setting might be, will draw people in to find out more.
I like crisp dialogue which gives me enough information to work some things out for myself. I like enough description so I can picture the scene but I don’t want too much of that. Again, I want there to be some gaps I can fill in for myself.
Above all, I want the “have got to keep reading to find out what happens next” to be there throughout the whole book or story. No dull bits. Life is too short for that.
And at the end of the story or book, I want to feel like I’ve been taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions but for that to be a journey I would happily take again because I loved the story and book.
Nobody says you have to like characters but you do need to be able to see where they’re coming from.
Stories can reflect on us. Unrealistic characters will not draw people in to read their stories. Yet a character you can understand, no matter how bizarre they and/or their setting might be, will draw people in to find out more.
I like crisp dialogue which gives me enough information to work some things out for myself. I like enough description so I can picture the scene but I don’t want too much of that. Again, I want there to be some gaps I can fill in for myself.
Above all, I want the “have got to keep reading to find out what happens next” to be there throughout the whole book or story. No dull bits. Life is too short for that.
And at the end of the story or book, I want to feel like I’ve been taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions but for that to be a journey I would happily take again because I loved the story and book.
Book Rooms
I am currently at the Swanwick Writers' Summer School and one of its many joys is its legendary Book Room.
As well as having my flash collections in there, it will be a delight to see books by friends in there. I expect to make purchases!
If you could have your own book room, other than the books themselves, what would you like to see in it?
I would like a huge comfy armchair with the big back and huge arms. It would be one of those you can sink into and it would have side pockets filled with the next books to be read. The cushioning would be in red velvet.
There would be two side rooms - a loo and, separately, a kitchen. Depending on time of year, I would want a regular supply of soft drinks, tea, or hot chocolate.
Only disturbances allowed would be for emergencies. It would be understood I would be a minimum of three hours in the book room at any one time. I would also still find a way of getting my writing done! Naturally the housework fairy would take care of the chores.
Sounds great to me! So what would you have in your book room?
As well as having my flash collections in there, it will be a delight to see books by friends in there. I expect to make purchases!
If you could have your own book room, other than the books themselves, what would you like to see in it?
I would like a huge comfy armchair with the big back and huge arms. It would be one of those you can sink into and it would have side pockets filled with the next books to be read. The cushioning would be in red velvet.
There would be two side rooms - a loo and, separately, a kitchen. Depending on time of year, I would want a regular supply of soft drinks, tea, or hot chocolate.
Only disturbances allowed would be for emergencies. It would be understood I would be a minimum of three hours in the book room at any one time. I would also still find a way of getting my writing done! Naturally the housework fairy would take care of the chores.
Sounds great to me! So what would you have in your book room?
Dialogue in Books
I love dialogue in books as long as that conversation is moving the story on in some way.
I need the characters to show me something either about themselves or the unfolding plot (and it is often both at the same time) for their conversation to grip me and keep me reading.
It is something I have to watch with my own writing as I love setting up my characters for a good “chin wag” but it must always be relevant to the story. So if it isn’t, out it comes.
What I don’t like is where characters can sometimes tell each other stuff they clearly must know. I don’t buy the “character needs reminding” business here.
It is usually done because the writer needs to get information across to a reader, they know they mustn’t “tell” the reader and are conscious they need to “show” the information.
I totally sympathise and it was something I did when I was starting out but with time and practice, you learn to be more confident in allowing your readers to work things out for themselves.
Flash fiction writing with its limited word count really encourages that. So it is a question of putting in the right clues in the right way so readers do something to work with so they can figure things out for themselves.'
I’ve learned over time to put in an odd line or two where I reveal something to a reader rather than have a pointless conversation between characters telling each other what they must already know.
It takes less time and word count and you don’t switch your readers off with a conversation they will quickly sense is more to help the author out rather than to help the story along.
But when dialogue does what it is meant to do - move the story along, keep up pace etc., - then it is amongst my favourite parts of a book.
I want to eavesdrop what the characters are saying because I know I am going to find out useful, interesting things. And often in dialogue the tension rachets up as well, which I also like.
I need the characters to show me something either about themselves or the unfolding plot (and it is often both at the same time) for their conversation to grip me and keep me reading.
It is something I have to watch with my own writing as I love setting up my characters for a good “chin wag” but it must always be relevant to the story. So if it isn’t, out it comes.
What I don’t like is where characters can sometimes tell each other stuff they clearly must know. I don’t buy the “character needs reminding” business here.
It is usually done because the writer needs to get information across to a reader, they know they mustn’t “tell” the reader and are conscious they need to “show” the information.
I totally sympathise and it was something I did when I was starting out but with time and practice, you learn to be more confident in allowing your readers to work things out for themselves.
Flash fiction writing with its limited word count really encourages that. So it is a question of putting in the right clues in the right way so readers do something to work with so they can figure things out for themselves.'
I’ve learned over time to put in an odd line or two where I reveal something to a reader rather than have a pointless conversation between characters telling each other what they must already know.
It takes less time and word count and you don’t switch your readers off with a conversation they will quickly sense is more to help the author out rather than to help the story along.
But when dialogue does what it is meant to do - move the story along, keep up pace etc., - then it is amongst my favourite parts of a book.
I want to eavesdrop what the characters are saying because I know I am going to find out useful, interesting things. And often in dialogue the tension rachets up as well, which I also like.
How To Books
Do you like how to books? I love the creative writing ones and have found them useful. My overall favourite is On Writing by Stephen King though I also love How Not to Write A Novel which is funny as well.
What I’m looking for in books like these is information written in a down to earth style. I don’t want jargon or complicated theories.
A “kind of” how to book is The Seven Basic Plots which is a huge book but you learn so much from the way the author outlines these plots and you can see for yourself how so many films and books have used these time and again. (With good cause - a great story on a theme which is timeless is always going to work).
I’ve also found things like Scrivener for Dummies useful. A good how to book always has a decent cross-referenced index. I appreciate the art of the indexer far more now. I have read a few non-fiction books without such a thing and you do feel the lack.
And every writer needs a source of advice and practical tips to help them along their writing way. I know I’ve appreciated the useful tips and hints I’ve picked up by reading a good quality how to book.
What I’m looking for in books like these is information written in a down to earth style. I don’t want jargon or complicated theories.
A “kind of” how to book is The Seven Basic Plots which is a huge book but you learn so much from the way the author outlines these plots and you can see for yourself how so many films and books have used these time and again. (With good cause - a great story on a theme which is timeless is always going to work).
I’ve also found things like Scrivener for Dummies useful. A good how to book always has a decent cross-referenced index. I appreciate the art of the indexer far more now. I have read a few non-fiction books without such a thing and you do feel the lack.
And every writer needs a source of advice and practical tips to help them along their writing way. I know I’ve appreciated the useful tips and hints I’ve picked up by reading a good quality how to book.
Anthologies
Now I must put my hand up here and confess to being biased.
I’ve had stories published in a number of anthologies over many years (mainly CafeLit and Bridge House Publishing).
As well as the joy of being published, I love reading the other stories and discovering what my fellow writers have come out with for their contributions to the books.
As a reader, I love reading anthologies in between reading novels. Often an anthology will help me decide which novel is going to come off my To Be Read list next.
A short story in an anthology might put me in the mood for a good crime novel or a fantasy one etc.
I also like mixing up the kinds of things I read so I like to have anthologies in between the novels and novellas.
In celebrating the written word, I definitely want to include the short stories as well as the longer works.
I’ve had stories published in a number of anthologies over many years (mainly CafeLit and Bridge House Publishing).
As well as the joy of being published, I love reading the other stories and discovering what my fellow writers have come out with for their contributions to the books.
As a reader, I love reading anthologies in between reading novels. Often an anthology will help me decide which novel is going to come off my To Be Read list next.
A short story in an anthology might put me in the mood for a good crime novel or a fantasy one etc.
I also like mixing up the kinds of things I read so I like to have anthologies in between the novels and novellas.
In celebrating the written word, I definitely want to include the short stories as well as the longer works.
What Makes a Good Ending in a Book For You?
I know - so much depends on the book you’re reading, right?
What matters for me is that the ending is appropriate to the characters and story. I do like happy endings but also appreciate that does not suit every tale told).
Sometimes it is apt for a character to reach a point of understanding where you can sense if they carry on with what they have come to understand, they will eventually get their happy ending but for now this is the point where they’re at. And that is a worthwhile journey in and of itself.
Fairytales are often not the happy ever after fest they can sometimes seem to be. The original versions of The Snow Queen and The Little Mermaid have violence in them. Certainly Disney could not have filmed the latter as Hans Christen Andersen wrote it.
Yet the stories as originally written show well thought out characters, the situations they’re in are reasonable for the world in which they live, and the ending for The Little Mermaid is poignant to say the least.
It was my wake-up call to the fact not all stories necessarily end happily as we would understand the term, though I like to think the mermaid at last found some peace in her life.
So what I really want then is a “good” ending which wraps the story up well. Perhaps it is up to us as readers to recognise “happy” doesn’t always equate to “good” here.
What matters for me is that the ending is appropriate to the characters and story. I do like happy endings but also appreciate that does not suit every tale told).
Sometimes it is apt for a character to reach a point of understanding where you can sense if they carry on with what they have come to understand, they will eventually get their happy ending but for now this is the point where they’re at. And that is a worthwhile journey in and of itself.
Fairytales are often not the happy ever after fest they can sometimes seem to be. The original versions of The Snow Queen and The Little Mermaid have violence in them. Certainly Disney could not have filmed the latter as Hans Christen Andersen wrote it.
Yet the stories as originally written show well thought out characters, the situations they’re in are reasonable for the world in which they live, and the ending for The Little Mermaid is poignant to say the least.
It was my wake-up call to the fact not all stories necessarily end happily as we would understand the term, though I like to think the mermaid at last found some peace in her life.
So what I really want then is a “good” ending which wraps the story up well. Perhaps it is up to us as readers to recognise “happy” doesn’t always equate to “good” here.
Books On Your Wish List
Do you have a Book Wish List? I have two a year - one for the period leading up to my birthday and the other leading up to Christmas. Family and friends of book lovers should appreciate us really. We are so easy to buy for. Just follow our list(s)!
I try to get a list together for Christmas in November. That’s early enough.
I’ve got some thoughts already for books I’d like to be on that list - not that I am surprised by this. I tend to make a mental note throughout the year of “possibles”! (I also refuse to believe I’m the only one who does that). And I like an annual, yes even at my age. (The Friendship Book before you ask).
Ebooks I tend to buy as I want them (and I do use this format for trying out authors new to me). Audio books are something I tend to give as presents to others.
But however you like your books, I hope you have plenty of them on your Wish List. And, best of all, books are so easy to wrap. Okay, you can’t hide what they are (not unless you really go overboard with the wrapping) but seeing a book-shaped present under the Christmas tree is always a great joy for me and has been for more years than I care to recall.
Now, hands up time. I buy books for others. Who has a quick peek before wrapping said gifts up, ensuring that the recipient would never guess of course?
Yes, me too, and it usually leads me to adding another book or several to my own Wish List!
I try to get a list together for Christmas in November. That’s early enough.
I’ve got some thoughts already for books I’d like to be on that list - not that I am surprised by this. I tend to make a mental note throughout the year of “possibles”! (I also refuse to believe I’m the only one who does that). And I like an annual, yes even at my age. (The Friendship Book before you ask).
Ebooks I tend to buy as I want them (and I do use this format for trying out authors new to me). Audio books are something I tend to give as presents to others.
But however you like your books, I hope you have plenty of them on your Wish List. And, best of all, books are so easy to wrap. Okay, you can’t hide what they are (not unless you really go overboard with the wrapping) but seeing a book-shaped present under the Christmas tree is always a great joy for me and has been for more years than I care to recall.
Now, hands up time. I buy books for others. Who has a quick peek before wrapping said gifts up, ensuring that the recipient would never guess of course?
Yes, me too, and it usually leads me to adding another book or several to my own Wish List!
