Though I’m always hesitant to give literary advice, I would like to make a modest request to authors of fiction. Please, give us something that’s more.
A lot of fiction is like stale cookies or mediocre pizza, satisfying to people who’ll take sugar, cheese and pepperoni in any form. I can never understand why, when it’s not required, some will read a book all the way through, then acknowledge it was terrible. Like, “That pizza was really bad.” Belch. I guess they’re hungry.
People read fiction to have an experience–thrilling or horrifying or romantic, and hopefully satisfactory. Guess what, some also read fiction to be enlightened. When I read fiction, I like to learn something.
I’m told more people read non-fiction than fiction. To them, fiction may seem frivolous, unconnected to real life ambitions and concerns.
In truth, the best fiction offers an entertaining experience along with insight, so it’s possible to learn more about ourselves and others, about events, cultures, things, other periods. Fictional characters can be inspirational and make us care more. Good fiction provokes new thoughts.
I once was a hungry bad-pizza-reader, but after a lot of years, I can’t stomach most fiction. I may be missing some decent works because I have no patience with characters who have wings or fangs; I won’t read horror or erotica, and I’m tired of the themes, characters and situations in most contemporary stories.
In my new pickiest of modes, I even tire of stories that sparkle with brilliant writing. It’s like I must have all my favorite pizza toppings, plus sauce that’s neither too sweet nor too acidic, all on extraordinary crust, the most important part.
My favorite read is a well-written, compelling story with characters who care about each other and feel real. Doesn’t sound complicated, does it? I strive for those elements in my own writing, though I know my products, like my preferences, will never satisfy everyone’s taste. Even so, we all must work to give the reader more.
I couldn’t agree MORE.
Part of it must be that, as we get older, we can’t afford to waste our time on mediocrity, either from ourselves or others… Another thing is that, as writers, we can’t help but peek at the man behind the curtain.
I’ll still read lots of genres, but I’m pickier than ever. One thing I don’t read anymore is anything I know will be unrelentingly tragic. I don’t watch those movies anymore, either. I’ll leave the angst-ridden novels to the young. Their hearts haven’t been kicked around as much!
I’m with you, Lindy, about the “unrelentingly tragic”. And I like your reasoning – well said!
Now that’s what I call a tall order! I can’t agree more though. I used to read anything, back in the day. Now that I’m doing a lot more writing, I find I can’t read anything. That’s why it was such a joy to read Girl on the Mountain — I learned something, it had that “more” you’re talking about.
Cheers
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one with diminishing tolerance. Also happy to hear you think The Girl has “more.” We try and try. 🙂
Reblogged this on John L. Monk and commented:
Wow, 2 reblogs in one day for me, but this one’s sort of an important one (for lovers of fiction):
And thanks for the reblog!
Wow! This really cuts to the chase. I was beginning to think it was just me!
Good to know!
I thought I was the last woman standing on this issue, Carol! Thanks for a thoughtful and honest view from another perspective without a blood-sucking vampire appearing anywhere in your vent!
Hahaha, Thanks, P.C.!
This blog post really resonated with me too. I hate that my ability to be wowed by mediocrity has withered…
Maybe we’ve read TOO MUCH?
That certainly is the case, John. I find going back to the authors who are the tops in my genre helps me get back to where I want to be as a writer. The danger for us writers is that we too could lower our standards.
Reblogged this on Welcome to the Mountain Women Series and commented:
I still believe this!
I like fiction stories best. I read to escape the problems of this crazy world. I love, love, love The Mountain Women Series, I can go back to a kinder, gentler time before all the modern conveniences that have changed us all. I do like mysteries as well. I hope the next book in the series is coming soon. June
Thanks heaps, June!
Me too! I can’t wait to get the next book! I check every Tuesday on my kindle to see if the next one is out! 💜
Thank you, Peri, for being a great fan of the series!