Some Help For Aspiring Writers

Mornin, ladies. Listen, I'd like to veer off the identity track this week and ask for your help with something. 

I'm off to Philadelphia today to teach at a writer's conference. I'm doing the Advanced Fiction Clinic, which means I've read the students' work ahead of time and have an idea what they're needing. Several of them are writing for the New Adult and adult audience, and I think it might be really helpful to them to hear from readers who are intelligent and interested in good literaure that goes deep.

So -- if you're willing, would you post a comment, written as if you're talking to an aspiring author, telling her (they're all men):

    * What you do NOT like in a novel. What bugs you-- keeps you from finishing it -- prevents you from recommending it -- makes you feel like you could do a WHOLE lot better yourself.

    * What you LOVE in a piece of fiction. What makes you laugh, cry, wish you knew the characters, want to go out and change something.   

If you'll be as specific as you can, that would be so helpful. I intend to read your comments in class and/or pass them along to individuals Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thank you SO much.  I know this is going to rock.

Blessings,

Nancy Rue