Over the weekend, I tried to get some reading done. The first book I picked up, I really made a valiant effort to read. I slogged through pages of bad prose, hackneyed plot, characters without purpose... And I gave up at page 75. I couldn't read any more. If I wrote like that, I'd burn all my manuscripts and take up needlepoint. At least then I'd be doing something useful.
I picked up another book. That one I gave up after 5 pages. I didn't know it was going to be a Christian thriller - it didn't indicate that anywhere on the cover. Totally not my thing.
Finally, thank goodness, my CP sent me some books, and I picked out the smallest one. (Yes, sometimes size does matter - especially when my wrists hurt and the thought of holding a large book seems daunting at best.) Of course, my CP knows her stuff. I spent part of yesterday and most of today reading Holly Lisle's 'i see you'. Good stuff. A thriller that gets right to the point, no unnecessary characters muddying up the works. A paranormal that doesn't jump as being too 'in your face' with the mysticism. All in all an enjoyable read.
Too bad I already paid for the two I won't be finishing. Maybe someone who likes that stuff will come along and buy them from my store. (If I even list them. After all, I don't really want to subject other people to bad writing.)
So, what did you read this weekend? Were your books satisfying, or did you find any duds?
The Long Trek Back
2 weeks ago
3 comments:
Used to be I'd slog through and finish any book I started, but the longer I write the less patience I have for lazy or bad writing.
Agree w/ Travis. Although I did read a book this weekend that sucked for the first 85 pages and then got better. I'm glad I finished it, although it's definitely not keeper shelf material and I won't be recommending it. (I won't even share the title. Be grateful.)
Also read Suzanne Enoch's Something Sinful, which I liked, and am halfway through Karen Rose's Die For Me, which is great. (B.E., do you read Karen Rose? I think you would like her.)
Heh. I agree with Travis, too. The longer I'm in the writing business the less time I have for bad writing.
LOL Erica. That's exactly why I didn't give names for my two bad choices. I've never read Karen Rose. I really enjoyed that Tess Gerritsen you sent me, though, so I'll probably read her on your suggestion. =oD
Post a Comment