Rebecca Graf's Blog
March 21, 2023
Not Finishing A Book
I used to be of the mindset that I had to push through and finish any book, no matter how bad I thought it was. I did find some books that were actually better when I was done than when I started it. I was glad I had soldiered on, but as I get older, I'm finding that I just don't have the energy.
Recently, I started reading a book and found myself stumbling in my reading just in the first six pages. The number of run on sentences was extreme as well as lack of punctuation where it was needed. Over and over, I found myself having to read paragraphs two or three times to understand what the author was trying to say. The worst part was that this was published by one of the big publishing houses. Never finished the book. Was too disgusted.
With the ability for easy publication in today's world, there are many books that are being marketed that just aren't that good. I'm not saying that the story isn't quite good or not up my alley. I'm saying that they were poorly edited. Bad sentence structure, poor character development, boring start to the book. It makes you want to stop right there and forget the story.
I'm getting too old to push through a book that lacks the ability to grab me in the beginning. What are your thoughts on not finishing a book? Do you think as a reader I should give it a bad review though I didn't finish it?
Recently, I started reading a book and found myself stumbling in my reading just in the first six pages. The number of run on sentences was extreme as well as lack of punctuation where it was needed. Over and over, I found myself having to read paragraphs two or three times to understand what the author was trying to say. The worst part was that this was published by one of the big publishing houses. Never finished the book. Was too disgusted.
With the ability for easy publication in today's world, there are many books that are being marketed that just aren't that good. I'm not saying that the story isn't quite good or not up my alley. I'm saying that they were poorly edited. Bad sentence structure, poor character development, boring start to the book. It makes you want to stop right there and forget the story.
I'm getting too old to push through a book that lacks the ability to grab me in the beginning. What are your thoughts on not finishing a book? Do you think as a reader I should give it a bad review though I didn't finish it?
October 16, 2022
The Fun of Reading Challenges
I love a fun challenge. It has to be fun or I will be too discouraged to finish it. If it involves reading, then I'm all over it.
Have you ever participated in a reading challenge? They can be found all over the Internet in so many different forms.
Goodreads even has its own each year. You can choose the number of books to read and record them as you go throughout the new year. I like to see if I can read more year after year.
The standard reading challenge is the number of books you read in a specific time period. Then there are the unique challenges that get you to really expand your reading horizons by exploring new genres, new authors, new styles. These challenges might ask you to read a Canadian author, a book published in 1945, or a book with a yellow cover. It is a literary scavenger hunt that can be a load of fun. I've found new books to enjoy from these reading challenges.
Reading challenges are fun especially when you have others join you. Create your own or find some online. Check out https://www.girlxoxo.com/the-2022-mas... to see a list of reading challenges that you can do any year, any time of year.
Have you ever participated in a reading challenge? They can be found all over the Internet in so many different forms.
Goodreads even has its own each year. You can choose the number of books to read and record them as you go throughout the new year. I like to see if I can read more year after year.
The standard reading challenge is the number of books you read in a specific time period. Then there are the unique challenges that get you to really expand your reading horizons by exploring new genres, new authors, new styles. These challenges might ask you to read a Canadian author, a book published in 1945, or a book with a yellow cover. It is a literary scavenger hunt that can be a load of fun. I've found new books to enjoy from these reading challenges.
Reading challenges are fun especially when you have others join you. Create your own or find some online. Check out https://www.girlxoxo.com/the-2022-mas... to see a list of reading challenges that you can do any year, any time of year.
August 28, 2022
Why Don't You Write Reviews?
There are millions of readers in this world. They read a variety of genres and have a lot of influence on each other. You would think that would mean millions upon millions of reviews, right? Far from it.
Most readers never write a review. They read one book and just move on to another one. No reviews are left for other readers to find.
Did I just describe you? Are you one of the readers who devours books but never share your views with others? Then I need to talk to you.
Book reviews do a number of things. They aren't just present to fill space. They serve a purpose.
First off, it tells others your opinions of the book. Did you like the book? The review answers that and more. It also describes the writing style, the character development, and the pace of the plot. A review is a critique of the writing and how a reader, you, received it.
It also communicates with the author. If I read a book and could not follow the plot, my review tells the author of the problem so they can either fix in that book or improve their writing methods in the next one. If the author gets enough of the reviews that say the same thing, they should pay attention. That also includes the positive aspects of their writing.
When I'm about to buy a book, I check out the reviews. That helps me decide if I should buy it. If I read the review of someone I know has similar reading taste to me, I'll be more inclined to listen to their opinion. It is those trusted opinions that are so powerful.
What is stopping you from writing reviews? Is it time? Yes, a review takes time, but you can write a quick review of 300 words in just a few minutes. Sounds like a lot of words, but it really isn't. If you can take a week to read a novel, you can take less than thirty minutes to write a review that will help others.
It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be as in-depth as some reviewers do. Put down your thoughts. Give your opinion. Warn of any spoiler alerts.
Write reviews on any site you buy books. They can be written here or on your own site. There are so many ways to write reviews.
Again, why aren't you writing reviews? Why aren't you sharing your opinions on books so others can enjoy reading as much as you.
Most readers never write a review. They read one book and just move on to another one. No reviews are left for other readers to find.
Did I just describe you? Are you one of the readers who devours books but never share your views with others? Then I need to talk to you.
Book reviews do a number of things. They aren't just present to fill space. They serve a purpose.
First off, it tells others your opinions of the book. Did you like the book? The review answers that and more. It also describes the writing style, the character development, and the pace of the plot. A review is a critique of the writing and how a reader, you, received it.
It also communicates with the author. If I read a book and could not follow the plot, my review tells the author of the problem so they can either fix in that book or improve their writing methods in the next one. If the author gets enough of the reviews that say the same thing, they should pay attention. That also includes the positive aspects of their writing.
When I'm about to buy a book, I check out the reviews. That helps me decide if I should buy it. If I read the review of someone I know has similar reading taste to me, I'll be more inclined to listen to their opinion. It is those trusted opinions that are so powerful.
What is stopping you from writing reviews? Is it time? Yes, a review takes time, but you can write a quick review of 300 words in just a few minutes. Sounds like a lot of words, but it really isn't. If you can take a week to read a novel, you can take less than thirty minutes to write a review that will help others.
It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be as in-depth as some reviewers do. Put down your thoughts. Give your opinion. Warn of any spoiler alerts.
Write reviews on any site you buy books. They can be written here or on your own site. There are so many ways to write reviews.
Again, why aren't you writing reviews? Why aren't you sharing your opinions on books so others can enjoy reading as much as you.
February 2, 2022
Mental Movies Equal Books
Every author has their own methods of writing a book. Some write out timelines. Others construct complete outlines. Some just start writing and see where the story goes. Then there are the ones who create a movie in their head before they write.
How does a particular scene play out? I like to play the scene in my head for days and create each piece of the scene. How does it start? Who is there? What is said? Where are they? I adjust the scene as I go to make it work.
By letting the movie grow in your mind, you can play with dialogue over and over before you put it to paper. You can create new characters or remove them as you need to. All this can be done while driving a car, waiting on the doctor, walking down the hall, or as you fall asleep at night. I've even worked on my stories while at boring functions. Keeps me entertained.
Every author has their way. Maybe this is one for you. Read more about it here - https://hobbylark.com/writing/Create-...
How does a particular scene play out? I like to play the scene in my head for days and create each piece of the scene. How does it start? Who is there? What is said? Where are they? I adjust the scene as I go to make it work.
By letting the movie grow in your mind, you can play with dialogue over and over before you put it to paper. You can create new characters or remove them as you need to. All this can be done while driving a car, waiting on the doctor, walking down the hall, or as you fall asleep at night. I've even worked on my stories while at boring functions. Keeps me entertained.
Every author has their way. Maybe this is one for you. Read more about it here - https://hobbylark.com/writing/Create-...
August 26, 2021
Story Behind the Story - Chicken Maggot
Kids say the darnest things. As adults, we think we have heard it all. Then a child opens his mouth and proves us entirely wrong. This is what happened that was the basis for my short story - The Chicken Maggot. You can find it here - https://writerrebeccagraf.com/writing....
Some great stories can come from real life events. My children always made me laugh. They say things that I never thought of. My adult mind is restricted based on what society has dictated. A child's mind is wide open. They don't have restrictions aside from what they are aware of. Every moment is a time of new discovery. Makes me laugh so much. They also help keep our egos in check as it did in this short story. My husband puffed himself up, and our daughter burst it hard. We laugh about this quite often.
I hope you have time to read this story and comment on similar situations you have had. Enjoy and laugh.
Some great stories can come from real life events. My children always made me laugh. They say things that I never thought of. My adult mind is restricted based on what society has dictated. A child's mind is wide open. They don't have restrictions aside from what they are aware of. Every moment is a time of new discovery. Makes me laugh so much. They also help keep our egos in check as it did in this short story. My husband puffed himself up, and our daughter burst it hard. We laugh about this quite often.
I hope you have time to read this story and comment on similar situations you have had. Enjoy and laugh.
May 29, 2021
Homers Historical Works
Homer's works are well-known. Even those who don't think they know of them really do. His historic stories have inspired writers, directors, and artists of all types. But are they real? Are Homer's epic stories of adventure and heroes about events that really happened?
Many academics thought it was possible, but most believed that the stories were just tales that were told and embellished around the campfire. But then a massive discovery was announced. The fabled story of Tory Homer gave us in The Iliad might be true. Troy had been found.
Once I read up on the discovery of Troy, I began to wonder if Homer was more historical than we had thought. This idea occurred to many other academics and historians. Yes, his stories of gods and goddesses were fiction, but that doesn't mean the actual locations and events were fiction. He could have taken a real event and created a wonderful fictional story around it.
As experts dug into Troy, they found evidence of a great battle and the defeat of the large city. The events Homer put in his story were based on real events. Does that mean we could look into his other famous work and find fact amongst the fiction?
Read Homer's works. Explore what could be fantastical story could be based on real events that the world is still discovering.
Read my article on this topic. https://hubpages.com/literature/Are-H...
Many academics thought it was possible, but most believed that the stories were just tales that were told and embellished around the campfire. But then a massive discovery was announced. The fabled story of Tory Homer gave us in The Iliad might be true. Troy had been found.
Once I read up on the discovery of Troy, I began to wonder if Homer was more historical than we had thought. This idea occurred to many other academics and historians. Yes, his stories of gods and goddesses were fiction, but that doesn't mean the actual locations and events were fiction. He could have taken a real event and created a wonderful fictional story around it.
As experts dug into Troy, they found evidence of a great battle and the defeat of the large city. The events Homer put in his story were based on real events. Does that mean we could look into his other famous work and find fact amongst the fiction?
Read Homer's works. Explore what could be fantastical story could be based on real events that the world is still discovering.
Read my article on this topic. https://hubpages.com/literature/Are-H...
May 21, 2021
Bookmark Fun
Since you are on this site, the odds are that you are a reader. If you read print books, you usually don't finish the book in one sitting without taking a break of some kind. What do you do when you take that break? Some of us lay the book spread open. Some stick a bookmark of some kind to mark our page. But what do we use as a marker?
There are formal bookmarks that you can buy to keep your reading location where you can find it again quickly. They come in a variety of styles to fit your own personality. I recently bought some for my daughter from Etsy that were handmade and ecofriendly. She loved them.
You can make your own. (my article on this -
https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/Have-Fu...) It can be something you put your time into or a strip of paper. I used a ribbon from a gift for many months as the perfect bookmark. I have used pictures, strips of paper, and even bills.
Take time to be deliberate in your bookmark. Get creative. Have fun with it. Share with us what things you have used as bookmarks.
There are formal bookmarks that you can buy to keep your reading location where you can find it again quickly. They come in a variety of styles to fit your own personality. I recently bought some for my daughter from Etsy that were handmade and ecofriendly. She loved them.
You can make your own. (my article on this -
https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/Have-Fu...) It can be something you put your time into or a strip of paper. I used a ribbon from a gift for many months as the perfect bookmark. I have used pictures, strips of paper, and even bills.
Take time to be deliberate in your bookmark. Get creative. Have fun with it. Share with us what things you have used as bookmarks.
Story Behind the Story - The Watermark
There is a story behind every story. Some are just inspired from seeing something, but others are from personal experience. I wrote a short story, The Watermark, that was inspired from a personal experience. You can read my story here - https://writerrebeccagraf.com/writing....
Our family had recently experienced a loss. A few family members were not handling their grief well. It came out when a glass had been set on an end table without a coaster. The one not handling the death well picked it up to find a watermark under it. Now the mark was from a glass set there many times over the year by the one who had died. It wasn't new. There was lots of screaming and hateful things said. Then incident got me to thinking about how it could have been handled better. How would I have handled it or how would I like to handle it? So I wrote the story.
It is a story of grief, of healing, of wisdom, of maturity, and something we all experience at one time or another. I hope you enjoy it.
Our family had recently experienced a loss. A few family members were not handling their grief well. It came out when a glass had been set on an end table without a coaster. The one not handling the death well picked it up to find a watermark under it. Now the mark was from a glass set there many times over the year by the one who had died. It wasn't new. There was lots of screaming and hateful things said. Then incident got me to thinking about how it could have been handled better. How would I have handled it or how would I like to handle it? So I wrote the story.
It is a story of grief, of healing, of wisdom, of maturity, and something we all experience at one time or another. I hope you enjoy it.
May 19, 2021
When An Author's Character Dies
An author has a vested interest in what they write. The story is a part of their heart and soul. That includes the characters. They are a part of the author and the death of one is extremely tragic.
I wrote a novel and had to kill a major character off. That one act touched me more than anything else I had ever written. I never thought that writing such a scene would draw such emotion from me. I actually tried to write the scene other ways to avoid killing him off. It didn't work. My fingers kept typing his death scene. It was going to happen no matter what. I gave up and let his death occur and cried like my best friend had passed suddenly. It ripped my heart out.
When you read a scene that is emotional, think of what the author went through when they wrote it. It might be more emotional than you think.
Read my article on this - https://medium.com/@rebeccagraf_63084...
I wrote a novel and had to kill a major character off. That one act touched me more than anything else I had ever written. I never thought that writing such a scene would draw such emotion from me. I actually tried to write the scene other ways to avoid killing him off. It didn't work. My fingers kept typing his death scene. It was going to happen no matter what. I gave up and let his death occur and cried like my best friend had passed suddenly. It ripped my heart out.
When you read a scene that is emotional, think of what the author went through when they wrote it. It might be more emotional than you think.
Read my article on this - https://medium.com/@rebeccagraf_63084...
May 15, 2021
Becoming a Writer
Being a writer is relatively easy. You don't have to purchase anything. There is no expense to start. There is no education needed beyond basic education required. Can you string together sentences? Then you can write and learn to improve the craft.
Now, while I say anybody can be a writer, not everyone has what it takes. Not everyone has the ability to create a story and put it into words. Just as anyone can cook a meal, but not everyone can create a gourmet meal. Good writing is not always achievable by all who attempt it.
What makes a good writer? We could come up with a very long list, but I think the first and most important aspect to a good writer is one who is willing to learn and humble enough to take constructive criticism.
I have worked with authors who have the misguided idea that their story is written once and nothing should be done to it. They admit to no self-edits or reviews of it after they wrote it. I tried to explain to them that even bestselling authors go through many rewrites of their work to achieve greatness. No one writes it in one draft and achieve perfection. It is possible. These misguided writers could have been good. Instead, they were determined to be horrible writers.
I'm not a great writer. I'm working on getting to that level, but it takes time, patience, and the desire to learn. Anyone can be a writer. Are you one you can be good?
Read more on my article on the 5 Laws to Becoming a Writer. https://hubpages.com/literature/5-Law...
Now, while I say anybody can be a writer, not everyone has what it takes. Not everyone has the ability to create a story and put it into words. Just as anyone can cook a meal, but not everyone can create a gourmet meal. Good writing is not always achievable by all who attempt it.
What makes a good writer? We could come up with a very long list, but I think the first and most important aspect to a good writer is one who is willing to learn and humble enough to take constructive criticism.
I have worked with authors who have the misguided idea that their story is written once and nothing should be done to it. They admit to no self-edits or reviews of it after they wrote it. I tried to explain to them that even bestselling authors go through many rewrites of their work to achieve greatness. No one writes it in one draft and achieve perfection. It is possible. These misguided writers could have been good. Instead, they were determined to be horrible writers.
I'm not a great writer. I'm working on getting to that level, but it takes time, patience, and the desire to learn. Anyone can be a writer. Are you one you can be good?
Read more on my article on the 5 Laws to Becoming a Writer. https://hubpages.com/literature/5-Law...
