As always, I like to remind the folks
who are reading this blog that first and foremost, I am a reader, then a
writer. I read anywhere from one to three books a week, even when I'm writing.
And considering the fact that I write only one to three books a year, I believe
that means I have more clout as a reader than a writer. My opinion, of course.
And ... I do understand that not everyone
likes what I like. But that's okay. I never forget that. My posts are just my
opinions. Also, since I also market books for a living, usually sharing one to
Today I want to talk about the unbelievable story and happily-ever-after comments in
One of my least favorite comments in
a review is that the story was unbelievable. I guess when a reader says that, I'd
just like a little more clarification. What was unbelievable? The fact that
what happened, happened, or that the writer didn't make the characters seem
believable?
I mean, really, if you think about it ... aren't all stories supposed to be unbelievable? Isn't that why they're
stories? Even the "Based on True Events" stories. The reason those events are
turned
Heck, half of the stuff that was
written thousands of years ago, is still read and studied in school: Greek Mythology, Homer's Iliad, for instance. No one questions a horse that flies or
a half-man, half-goat. We know it's not real; it's called escapism. Especially
back then when there wasn't much else to do but work and tell stories.
The fact of the matter is, whether we're
reading a Tom Clancy thriller or a romance novel by Nora Roberts, the story is
supposed to be a tad bit unbelievable, or it wouldn't be exciting to read.
Believe me ... if I just wrote about my day-to-day life, I'd bore
The other issue in reviews is we
Well, again, how many of us want to
read the story where everyone dies at the end. Sometimes it's okay ... if there's
meaning behind it. Like the book/movie Pay
if Forward. I had a love/hate relationship with that ending, but at least there was hope. (No spoilers!)
As for books by Nicholas Sparks, I
now question if the book has an HEA. I know that sounds lame, but I don't want
a book where there's no hope at the end. I don't mind a few tears, but I want a
smile at the end.
Anyway, most of us readers want a Story and an HEA. We read for enjoyment, we read for escape, we read so
that we can have hope.
So next time you read a book, and it
sounds unbelievable, remember, that's what authors are supposed to do: Tell a Story!
Until next time, happy reading and writing, my friends!
Carmen
Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn't be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. I love talking about all things books, so if you want more posts on writing, marketing, new releases, and giveaways, please leave your email address here. I only send out a post once or twice a week at the most. :)
Curious about what I write?
Find my books in digital, print, and audio versions at your favorite
retailer.
I'll even give you a free book, just for stopping by.
If it's not free in your area, use... Smashwords
I agree with you about the clarification. I've reviewed books and used the term "unbelievable" before, but usually it referred to the characters being described a certain way only to go against what I'd been told would be normal behavior for them. If I deemed a whole story unbelievable, and one actually comes to mind ... it was about an active Navy SEAL going undercover to pose as a rockstar. Aside from the fact that active duty SEALs need anonymity, there were several other issues with the plot that just screamed fantasy. Again, depending on the type of reader who picks up a book, some don't care if the plot is ridiculous as long as they were entertained. Others prefer a more realistic approach to their fiction. On that note, there was a whole discussion amongst reviewers about the mention/use of protection or the lack thereof. In the real world such practices aren't safe. Between some pages, however, readers worry about the perception. Believe it or not, some men and women would still go bareback either because they're pressured to, or they're too drunk, or they don't know better. Romance novels can also educate since I've learned a few things in my years of reading ;)
ReplyDeleteSo true... The one book of mine where the protagonists failed to take precaution--when they should have--there's a consequence. I couldn't let them get away with 'bad form'. lol!
ReplyDeleteI can believe it if it was part of the plan all along, e.g. a tortured hero who been abused in the past and didn't want children, worried he'd treat them they way he'd been treated etc., or a heroine who had tried for years to get pregnant, then that ONE time .... :) I think most of us notice when an author is being lazy and when they're being intentional.
DeleteThat's a lot of good storylines, Michelle. When you gonna write them? :)
DeleteHaha! The answer to that is N.E.V.E.R.
Deletelol! Okay, then! I'll let you know if I can incorporate them into a story. I'm working on a new line of women's fiction, so I might be able to sneak the one in. :)
DeleteNice! I'll leave the writing to the experts :)
Delete:)
Delete