Question Of The Day Showing 1-50 of 3,406

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

This thread will be for fun, silly, or maybe even a bit serious questions of the day. Can be over just about any topic and all views are welcome. Remember to be respectful and courteous in your responses though. As we all share different views on many things.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

So for our first question of the day. I'm curious to know, as a reader, how much realism do you expect in your stories? Meaning do you expect the hero and heroine to have more traits like an ordinary man or woman on the street? Do you expect your fight scenes to have a particular level of accuracy? Or better yet, do you expect pet owners or parents in the story to be just what they are? Actively taking Fido to the park or changing dirty diapers as the story goes along? Let me know what you think?

[Manuela]

Well for the realism in the books that we read *cough, cough* Dhfan, they are guys with fangs!!!
I like it when they do normal things like using the toilet or vomiting after a really bad fight, it makes them likable (more human). -Right now I am just thinking of Zsadist changing Nallas nappies and I'd love to witness that one ;)- sorry, different writer and series, lol.

In SKs books I was surprised that after quite a few books where the daimons were portraied as evil and soulsucking (which they are) that she turned around and showed where they were coming from. Indroduced us to apolite society and explained why some turned evil to survive (it can't be good to die at 27 the way they do). It used to be all black and white and now it is plenty shades of grey.
I like that the DHs are individuals and sometimes don't like each other either. Can't be all sunshine all the time and it makes them more realistic.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Haha, oh I get the fangs and all that Manuela. Although freakily enough I have seen a few actors, one in particular on a day time soap opera that has some pretty "fangy" incisors.

http://www.listal.com/viewimage/47485

But I was meaning in general really. As I keep coming across people in different groups that read PNR or even UF stories and they keep talking about how unrealistic a particular sequence or scene is in a book. And I'm just sitting there thinking A) it's fiction and B) why seek out realism at all in a very fantastical story period? Especially as reading is supposed to be relaxing and a fun escape. Why the need to read about characters dealing with bills they can't pay? Or someone getting beat up or something else.

All that stuff aside though. I do expect a certain level of realism in my heroines. I get the author can't pin down just so how all women are in one heroine. But at the same time, I also don't WANT to see a heroine being too far fetched. As in accepting any kind of treatment from a super domineering alpha male character. I can't stand that the heroine has no back bone to say get your hands off me. If he is trying to distract her with sex.

Or even worse when the author writes in the story that sex is a cure all for everything. Character is losing their mind, have sex. Character is feeling weak, have sex. Heroine or hero is asking too many questions, guess what? Have sex as a distraction. I don't know how most are living their lives but sex is not the answer to everything. Nor is it a band aid either.

[Manuela]

yeah, I noticed that some readers are weired that way. Reading fiction and expect realism, reading contemporary but not liking the language. I said that before but I have to say I like when characters are quite normal and hate it when all of a sudden they have gifts or knowledge to save the day. (Time Untime)
The sex thing is kindo cool but I haven't come across a male yet that does that. Usually they are too distracted with other shit to do so (even hubby doesn't get the hint that if he would do more sex he could get away with more shit than he actually is). How I envy those heroines that get laid like 4 or 5 times a day ROFL.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Ya, that is funny. I never usually gripe about most characters having particular powers to help out in a situation. Regardless if it was mentioned before hand or not. But it totally annoys me when the author does that and there isn't other great aspects to the story. Like the main character is suddenly a dynamo in a world that is beyond flat and one dimensional. Doesn't even support their abilities and they stand out too much. Even worse the bad guys don't evenly seem to match the main character any more and just have one to two powers to the many of the other side.

I guess it is a matter of perception really. But I've definitely seen some of that behavior in the current Singh book I'm reading a a couple of other works. It's really annoying. And nothing wrong with getting it on so often. Just when you do not much else in the book and it's not a erotica story or something. Then yawnfest.

[Manuela]

I read a book a few weeks ago (check in my booklist) about a "heroine" and I use this word loosely, as she was a whining spineless character and stumbled into situations more than deliberately going into them and didn't even solve the murder mystery but just got caught in the events. I so hated it and thought, go shoot yourself and I definitively won't read any of that author again.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Oh lord, I would have not finished that book at all. Totally sounds like a major too stupid to live character. And that is what makes me wonder what most authors are thinking when they write characters like that? I mean what people do they know, truly go around as aimless as they write most characters at time.

[Manuela]

I was tempted to put it aside but I worked myself through it in the hopes it would get better, ah well, wasn't my luck.

Unfortunately I have met some air heads in real life, and I assume that's what they were based on. They live, they breath, they get through life and I wonder how?!?

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Lol, dumb luck?

[Manuela]

Rofl

[Arianne]

My two cents worth
The reason that I love reading books from genres other than contemporary (i like historical romance, PNR, fantasy and YA) is because I love how authors are able to whisk me away from all the realities in my life. That for a brief moment while reading, I can forget about how crappy the traffic is or how utterly annoying my co-worker can be.
That said, realism in fantasy books, at least to me, means that readers can connect with the character on an emotional level. I get that how writers think they need to write about characters absolutely drop dead gorgeous and insanely rich. But what I can't forgive is writing TSL heroes/heroines who happens to be the savior of the world because sheer twist of fate.
This is the reason why I like tormented characters. Experiencing pain, loss and betrayal, I don't think it can get any real than that.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Good points, Arianne. I agree a good tormented character at times can't be any realer in most books. But I think too at times we as readers shouldn't over look the characters that may not be as badly tormented as others. As I think there is anguish too in the more humanesque characters at times. Kind of keeps it interesting and gives us balance though I think.

[Arianne]

Oh definitely. An example that comes in to mind: Deveaux twins. We all love Tabitha for her out of this world and spunky attitude. But of the twins, the character that I can relate to more is Amanda. She was very real to me - wanting normalcy in life, having insecurities about herself, experiencing heartaches from opportunistic men etc.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Mhmm. And in a way too I was thinking of the twins Zsadist and Phury. Many fans love Z's tormented past and edge. But I fell more for Phury because although his past wasn't all flashy and far out as Z's. He too had to deal with mental anguish from his family as seeing him as less than who he was. Also being a rather selfless character that was willing to go above and beyond and being such a stand up guy for so long. When he finally cracked under the pressure of the Bella stuff and his own issues. So yea he caved and became addicted to drugs for a time. But he paid his dues. Lost membership with the brothers, but got help and even wound up helping out his Shellan and her friends to rise above the circumstances they were kept in as well when he became the Primale.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Alrighty ladies, new question of the day. A bit of a two-parter at that. How often do you read outside of your favorite genres and typically what other genres lure you away the most?

For me, I would have to say when I used to be a member of a group on here that read all kinds of books from historical fiction, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, etc. I would pretty much read outside of my genre at least a couple of times a month. As there also used to be birthday reads that other people would recommend and sometimes it would be a short, light, funny contemporary story. Or sometimes it would be a really moody, emotional, tear-jerker Novel. And actually led me to breaking up the monotony of PNR and UF books.

I will say the genres that lures me away the most lately is erotica, m/m stories, most historical fiction over Egyptian history or to do with some of the older Kings and Queens of England, some Contemporary Romance, and even a few YA reads as well. Although not as many of those have intrigued me like they used to when I was in my teens. But every so often there is a few I just gotta try out.

So what about you guys?

[Shari-amor, Doll Cake]

Whelp I love UF, HORROR, Crime Thrillers, and Dark Erotica. My reading material is always a bit intense so the genres that drag me off by the hair the most are comedy/satire, historical fiction by Michelle Moran only (and only because I love her take on Egyptian history), any sort of mythology books especially greek and celtic, basically anything that'll get me out of the moody/dark mind frame. And its usually by accident that I pick up those books so its nothing really consistent.

[Jessica]

I am normally a UF or a PRN type girl but I have found that HR can pull me away from my usually stuff. Specially if it has a highlander in it....sigh...I am a sucker for a man in a kilt. :)

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Oh that is interesting you brought up Michelle Moran Shari. I just read my first book by her last year. LOVED IT!!! I have found that I loved Kate Quinn's take on old world Rome. Particularly in her Have you read anything from the Women's Murder Club, Shari? I think that is Crime Thiller series. Could be mistaken. I've yet to read any Dark Erotica yet, I don't think. Although I think most might consider that one a Dark Erotica. Although I consider it more of a paid for fantasy fulfillment sort of story.

That's funny you mention Highlanders Jessica. I may not can read the stories on them. But I admit some of those book covers are tasty for sure. ;)

[Shari-amor, Doll Cake]

I friggin LOVE Michelle Moran. My grandpa works for the light rail in the city and he always brings me the books that people leave on the train. Somebody left which is her first book. This was a few years ago and happened to be Egyptian week on the history channel. I wouldnt of read it if not for that, so glad I did. Have you read that one or ? The blurb for Daughters of Rome sounds like Nefertiti so if you havent read it, you might like it.

I havent read anything in the Women's murder club series tho, gotta look those up

[Shari-amor, Doll Cake]

I like highlanders! Well I like the highlanders that were in Karen Moning's Highlander series. The Mackeltar twins, Cian, and Adam. Yum!

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

I have Nefertiti on my list. I bypassed Cleopatra's daughter as I was over doing Cleopatra reads big time for a way there.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

New question for Monday. Tell me about your ideal hero/heroine in a story. How kick ass are they? Do they have a vulnerable side? Tats? Piercings? Wicked Sense of Humor? Tell me more. ;) (Side question, anybody think I should amend question of the day to question of the week to give more peeps a chance to answer or is changing it up day by day making it more interesting?)

[Aarati]

well as soon as my dear friend mentions a new author or a new book i jump into it. though its not very often that i read outside my fav genres but then again not too rare either.

[Robbie]

Shari-amor wrote: "I like highlanders! Well I like the highlanders that were in Karen Moning's Highlander series. The Mackeltar twins, Cian, and Adam. Yum!"

My best friend and I both read each other books and have very similar taste in reading. We use a "compared to the Highlander Series" scale to rate our books when we're recommending a book to each other. Truly, KKM's Highlander series is a standard to live up to.

[Robbie]

Now for the question. Ideal hero or heroine. Can I do both? Sure I can.

My ideal hero is has a heart of gold and a tortured past. Looks are only important in so much as he's hot, really big and hot. He has to be quirky, charming and dangerous.

My ideal heroine is harder to spell out. She THINKS! She doesn't ask for help from some man and then throw herself into danger anyway, based on some notion that he's only protecting her because she's a girl. Oh, I'm not against a feminist heroine per se, I just want one smart enough to choose her battles and turn those she's clearly unsuited for over to someone who is. She's sensible and uses what resources she has at her disposal. If strategy is her forte, that's what she does. If fighting is her style, ditto. If she has to show a bit too much leg to get ahead in the game, she'll do that too. She's just too smart to be so proud that she'd act foolishly trying to make some point. In other words, she's confident of her worth as a woman and a person, and doesn't have a thing to prove to anyone, least of all the hero. That's my ideal heroine.

Funny how I'm much more picky about my heroines than my heroes. I think it's because it's their skin I'm sort of sinking into when I read a romance, and I like for it to be at least like-able skin.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Well Said Robbie. :) I have to agree with you all the way on your ideals about a heroine. I want the heroine that isn't proving a point either. She is using her good sense and actual abilities to get the job done. Know she is capable of handling most things. But also willing to get the proper help from the hero if need be. And they can work as a team.

In turn too, I would love to see more heroes accepting the heroine's own strength. And not feel like she has to be protected all the time just because she is a woman. Yes, for the most part women are the fairer sex and most times the weaker one physically. But when the heroine has a kick ass plan, be man enough, hero, and go with it. Don't slack off and get uber macho, beat on your chest protecting her or even doing the whole distract her with sex thing. Nothing annoys me more than when that happens.

[Ceej]

Dhfan4life wrote: "This thread will be for fun, silly, or maybe even a bit serious questions of the day. Can be over just about any topic and all views are welcome. Remember to be respectful and courteous in your res..."

Dhfan4life wrote: "So for our first question of the day. I'm curious to know, as a reader, how much realism do you expect in your stories? Meaning do you expect the hero and heroine to have more traits like an ordina..."

If I wanted reality I would be reading non-fiction! Although I don't want dirty diapers to smell like roses I think one description would give the gist!

[Robbie]

Ah, but our heroine would be too smart to fall for a man like that ;)

But yeah, a man comfortable enough and secure enough to let a "girl" lead every now and again is sexy. But I don't blame the men when they get all Neanderthal really. "Protect female" is a biological instinct in some very good men out there. So I don't get to ticked off with them.

I recently read an interesting discussion about whether we give more leeway behavior wise to paranormal heroes because of how they are portrayed as rather animalistic with a big emphasis on instincts and predatory drives and that sort of thing. It sort of gives them an excuse to be so very primal and possessive. It also gives the heroines an excuse to put up with such behavior.

It gave me something to think about. I probably do let paranormal heroes get away with a lot of Neanderthal behavior and still find them sexy.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Maybe so maybe not. Have you read the Sister of the Otherworld series? The sisters are usually in the lead kicking the butt and their men back them up. And of course they do have protective instincts toward their respective ladies. But they don't really hamper her either.

Interesting discussion you read Robbie. And I would have to agree. I give some leeway to paranormal characters on some level. But to a certain extent, even I can't stand it after a while. A bit too caveman for me and I have to quit the series. Just not as fun.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Ceej wrote: "Dhfan4life wrote: "This thread will be for fun, silly, or maybe even a bit serious questions of the day. Can be over just about any topic and all views are welcome. Remember to be respectful and co..."

Exactly, my point. It's fiction and fun. No need to overly expect too much realism in fiction when there is going to be a certain surreal level of fantasy and rules the characters live by to get by in THEIR world. Just cause it looks like our's on some level, still doesn't mean it's ours.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

New question of the day- If you could rid the world of one sin which would it be and why?

[Arianne]

Sloth..because everything we do in life requires effort. laziness leads to poverty if we are too lazy work. laziness prevents the transformation of a bright idea into action. laziness can lead to indifference when people are just too lazy to care about the things that are going on.

[Robbie]

Could I say "original sin" and make us all immortal? Ok, it's a stretch, but it's a fun thought. ;)

[Shari-amor, Doll Cake]

Are we talking the cardinal sins or just any sin in general?

[Arianne]

Robbie wrote: "Could I say "original sin" and make us all immortal? Ok, it's a stretch, but it's a fun thought. ;)"

are we going to be immortal if we didn't inherit the original sin? oh and i don't know if i remember it correctly but isn't it that original sin is removed or pardoned when we get baptized?

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Shari-amor wrote: "Are we talking the cardinal sins or just any sin in general?"


I was shooting for typical 7 deadly sin variety, sin. But this original sinning stuff seems a bit interesting. I feel like I should know it. But I don't think I do. So laymen's terms ladies if ya don't mind. What is it? And does it involve Jesus?

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

I think I'll go with Envy as my sin to rid from the world. And why, tends to go without saying. As I personally think on some level that if that little green monster didn't exist for the majority of us. We could be able to be far happier for other's achievements,keep a healthy interest in our own goals and dreams without feeling the need to compare ourselves to someone else, and I think in general without envy we could actually strive to be more genuine in our interactions with friends and family in general. Cause that way you are about getting to know the person/people better and truly aspire to be interested. And not snubbing them cause they have more, or a better lot in life than you do in general.

[Shari-amor, Doll Cake]

I'll say Greed then. That whole insatiable desire to have more than what you need and doing anything to get it including lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, and killing. Greedy people tend to be extremely disloyal and selfish but I think its all the violence and betraying against another person that bothers me and half the time its over something small.

[Manuela]

glutony, wouldn't that solve the whole obesity thing?

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Interesting perspective Manuela. I think on some level it could but, there are still the emotional and stress eaters out there at times too. And they might fall through the cracks on that one. As they eat more to comfort than really pig out.

And sorry for not posting a new question of the day. I totally went to bed early and didn't get back on here. So new question of the day is about connecting with former classmates or co-workers through social media.

Would you or have you ever connected with any old classmates through any form of social media? And how did it go (who found who first?, great experience, not so great experience, or avoided it at all cost)?

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

I would have to say for myself that up until earlier this morning. I had never had a former classmate of any kind contact me through social media. But as I've joined LinkedIn recently to help me with job searches and the like, I guess it sort of works like Facebook or Myspace a bit. As the latest person trying to connect to me is someone that I haven't seen since ELEMENTARY school (literally, no classes with the dude in middle, high school or any place else(I kind of thought he moved away even)). And what makes him so memorable is the fact that he used to always cry about stuff all the time. Even to the point he would annoy the teacher most of the time, haha.

I have to say thus far I'm just shocked in general that he has even remembered me, to even consider this a good, bad, or indifferent experience really. I'm also debating if it would really be worth it to connect with him or not. His title associated with his message said he works with the Target store group. So not sure if he could be a networking connection for a job there maybe. Or if it would be one of those situations where you just connect to someone and see how each other turned out after so long a time and nothing but shooting the breeze comes from it. Which to say isn't a positive in it's own right. But not like we were besties in school way back when either. Hmmm.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

New Question of the day. How interested is everyone in in having challenge threads become part of the group?

[Manuela]

We have a page in Germany called "stayfriends", that is pretty much the nation wide possibility to stay in contact with schoolmates and friends. That is from grade one till university and work colleagues as well. I have some of my old schoolfriends on facebook (but only a few) and a few of my exes. The ones I had a friendship with before facebook. :P

what are challenge threads?

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Wow that extensive of a social networking site? Now that is both impressive and kind of scary too in a way lol. Who knows who has gone a little screwy since last you knew them in school and to know they can still track ya down.

Challenge threads essentially just make reading more interesting. Like for instance I was thinking of creating one where readers can pick out books that start with the letters of their favorite DH character's name. Set a start and end date on it. Could be a interesting way to check out other books fellow members are reading as well, add new ones to our TBR lists if they are good, and in general add a little more activity to the group.

Oh and a example of the challenge thread I was just talking about, would be something like.

Start date March 1st, 2013-Finish date May 1st, 2013

V-
A-
L-
E-
R-
I-
U-
S-

So see, you would list your reads. Complete your reads and people can talk about what they think of the books and so forth.

I've even seen a few challenge threads where you find particular things in the cover or the title. Like say there is a list of items to find like, apple, car, hat, feather, then people that participate in that particular challenge they find those items in various books. I know there is a group on the site devoted to nothing but challenges. So not sure if anybody is really all that interested in doing more of them if they are already joined in that group or others that have them.

[Shari-amor, Doll Cake]

That sounds mad cool DhFan.
I'd love to have a challenge thread.

Now to answer that last question. Back when myspace was huge (it always takes me a while to jump on the social networking thing) I joined and only really talked to long distant relatives and my friends. I had no real idea how the site even worked, I didnt even have a profile picture for about a year. Out of the blue a girl I use to be friends with in elementary school in a whole nother state contacted me. I thought it was crazy that she still thought of me and wondered how she knew it was me. She said my name (I have a unique one) and bday seemed right. It was cool for a week and then she stopped talking to me which was fine because there were other ppl I was closer to. Then I sent her a message to see how she was doing one day and not a minute later she posts on her status that she needs to delete ppl she no longer talks to and has no reason to converse with. I was like "whaaaat??". I learned my lesson and deleted her and made my profile private. I still do that to this day with social sites. I don't want just anyone looking me up like that again

[Manuela]

So cool that you used my fav DH for this example. I still just haven't figured out how to put photos in here. Louise tried to teach me but I am not really that confident with this. will this challenge happen on this thread or will you create its own? It is not really a question of the day, is it?

Shari-amor wrote: "That sounds mad cool DhFan.
I'd love to have a challenge thread.

Now to answer that last question. Back when myspace was huge (it always takes me a while to jump on the social networking thing) I..."

I know that feeling, but I don't try to take anything that happens on social webpages for serious. If someone is whining about too many requests of gameing or that people bully or similar, I just unfriend them. On most social sites you can block people or delete them from your site. Keeping everything private is a good solution, Shari. After I read an article about what people can use your info for (identity theft and similar), I went through all my privacy settings and blocked off a lot. I ignore friend requests if I don't know the people and if I can I try to find out why they want to be friends with me (happened of fb as one of my friends is a gamer and his game buddies always look for new members). I don't really have trouble with old schoolmates though, they are all nice and civilized. :)

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Really Manuela? I can't post other pics but when it comes to adding books that is about all I can do as it is so easy. Have you noticed when you are posting a message at the top there are the words add book/author? Well you just click on that and click the book option when the second window opens up and just type in the name of the book or the author. Find the book you are looking for and can just add the cover image (if there is one) of the book you are talking about.

And nope, I was going to add a new folder and come up with a few different threads. Also if any of you guys had ideas for challenges could add those too in that folder. But my question about if you guys actually wanted to have a thread or two for them WAS the question of the day. I just wanted to see if anybody had interest in those or not around here. As there are some groups already have them going and I didn't want to over burden anybody here with them.

I say it's a good policy in general to set all social accounts to private. Unless you are in a familiar enough setting where you don't feel like someone would take your personal I.D. and all that. And normally I wouldn't mind if it is someone I have talked to more actively over the years. But the randomness of someone I haven't seen since elementary still is odd. I talked to another friend about it and he said the former classmate sounded kind of desperate if he was reaching out after this long of a time and we haven't had any other association. To which I concur that it feels the same to me. So I just deleted his email.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

Shari-amor wrote: "That sounds mad cool DhFan.
I'd love to have a challenge thread.

Now to answer that last question. Back when myspace was huge (it always takes me a while to jump on the social networking thing) I..."

Sorry to hear that person did you that way Shari. I hate when someone acts so interested to reach out. And then they turn snippy like that. I agree with Manuela, you can delete and block folks in various social networking situations. But still on a personal tip when you are thinking you are re-building a rapport with someone and to get cold-cocked like that. Is not only rude but a bit hurtful too.

[Dhfan4life, Honey Bun]

New question of the day, What's the best thing you've ever eaten? (P.S. guys, if you have your own question of the day. Feel free to put it out there if I forget to post one)