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Rachel
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Aug 15, 2009 08:13PM
Okay, I'm stuck. I've had a couple people tell me that my new book was hard to get into. (It hasn't been published yet.) So, tell me. What makes you invest in a story right away?
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The first thing that makes me invest is the characters. If I like a character and find him or her interesting and engaging, I am willing to put up with a bit to read his or her story.Second, I would say relationships. If the relationships between the characters are interesting (realistic and flowing dialogue always helps) I also am willing to hang on for a while to find out more.
Is the book you are talking about your recently released one, "By Love or By Sea," or one you are writing now? If it is one you are writing now, I am willing to try to help give you ideas and feedback.
Rachel,Thanks for the thoughts. The story is a new one I'm working on. I had my aunt read it and she said it took her a little while to get into it. And I know I had that problem on By Love of By Sea too. So, I'm hoping to fix the problem before it's too late this time. If you'd like to take a look, that'd be great! Let me know your email address or if you want to contact me through mine that's fine too.
rachelrager.romance@gmail.com
Rachel Rager
Rachel, I've found that opening with a strong conflict pulls me right into a story and I start all my own books that way now. But I honestly did not have a problem getting into By Love or By Sea. I thought it was a great book and a great story:-)
Jewel, Thanks for the honesty. I know it was rough. Hopefully I'll learn for the next time! Thanks for the idea!
Mod
:o)
And I agree with Jewel. A great opening conflict, whether it's an action scene or just a main character in trouble, is a definite attraction. (I have been hearing a lot of great feedback for my opening scene in Betrayal, for example. Who wouldn't want to know why the heroine is in prison, after all?)
Hope this was of some help...
Thanks, Jaimey! I have a little more work to do on it and I'll send it your way.
Jaimey wrote: "Hey, Rachel. If you want, you can send your MS my way and I will give you an in-depth critique. It's up to you. You have my email, I think...:o)
And I agree with Jewel. A great opening conflict,..."
I loved your opener for Betrayal, too:-)
Mod
Thank you! I was grabbed by your prologue for The Journey. Spine-tingling.
Hey, Rachel Rager, I sent you an email. I just wanted to make sure you got it. :)
Rachel,I did get your email. I've had sick kids and life has been on hold. YUCK! I have a few more things to try and fix and then I'll send you a copy. Hopefully by the end of the week. Thanks so much!
I completely understand. I just wanted to make sure you got it. :) No rush. :)
I'd have to say it's characters and conflict for me too. A story may flounder a bit if it doesn't really go "anywhere" plot wise but if the characters always feel like they're moving toward a resolution then I'm hooked. Especially if the tension is there between the hero and heroine. Then you can't pry me away. Lol.
