I’ve always been an avid reader. For writers, it’s a must. Reading keeps our minds active. It takes us to new worlds and allows us to live vicariously through our favorite characters. It also keeps us abreast of the changing markets, the current trends, and what’s working and what’s not. We read others’ “voices” while discovering our own. We hone our writing skills and we improve upon our craft. We learn, we grow, we hope, and we dream, and…we continue to write.
Over the years, I’ve read many superb novels. I love a great story. I always try to dissect the writing itself, and I attempt to figure out what it is that draws me in and keeps me turning pages.
I can usually tell within the first few pages of a novel if I want to continue reading. Here’s my personal criteria for the “perfect” novel:
- Intriguing/creative hook
- Interesting storyline–No cookie-cutter plots
- Snappy dialogue
- A dash of humor
- A dose of reality
- Thought-provoking takeaway
I give bonus points for :
- Few typos
- Writing savvy
- The “can’t wait to read it again” factor
Even before opening a book’s cover, I believe there are certain things that set the stage for the “perfect” novel. These might include:
- Timeliness of the subject matter/story
- A spiritual connection
- Others’ recommendations
Glancing over my list of “perfect novel” attributes, I’m left scratching my head a bit. This is only my perception. What if the perfect novel is merely a myth–something that doesn’t really exist? I wonder if it’s possible that the books that speak to us are the ones that meet our needs at particular junctures of our lives.
Perhaps setting the stage for the perfect novel is dependent upon our own journey to write one.
******
How do you define the “perfect novel?”
Comments 11
I’m with you on the timelineness and the hook…and most everything else.
Author
Loree, it’s amazing…I can recall reading certain novels from my childhood that still rank up there as some of my favorite stories.
I’m definitely in agreement with you, Cynthia. There are certain aspects of a great novel that are a given, yet it’s so tough to pinpoint exactly what makes a book ‘perfect’ in our eyes. Of course that’s subjective from person to person, but it seems to me there must be an emotional connection at a deeper level, to truly enjoy the book (and remember it for years to come).
Right now I’m reading The Preacher’s Bride, and along with enjoying the story and characters, I’m learning so much from Jody Hedlund about characterization, plot build-up, and tension (romantic and otherwise). I’m gleaning from her wisdom about the craft of writing because she’s written a techinically sound book (as well as writing a page-turner).
As we grasp, internalize, and work this knowledge into our own writing, we in turn write better stories. Hopefully! 🙂
Author
Yes, Kerry, Jody is such a talented author!
And I do think the more we read, the more we learn. It’s a given.
I’m not sure what IS perfect, but I sure know when one is not!
Author
Yes, Patti, we can sometimes discern fairly quickly what constitutes a page-turner and what doesn’t. Years ago, I read (or tried to read) a “classic” from the early 60’s. (The movie is shown occasionally on TCM; it was considered a bit racy for that era, I’m sure, but I appreciated the intricately woven plot, the diverse characters, and the fact that one of MC’s had an interest in writing.) Suffice it to say, when I actually tried to read the book, I barely made it through a chapter or two because of the rampant profanity. A total disappointment.
it’s a good blog, Cynthia because it is succint yet thought provoking. I’m not sure how I’d define the perfect novel but I could name a few that were perfect for me: ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, ‘The Beach’, ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Houeskeeping’, I think it was called, by Marilyn Robinson.
Cynthia if you’re after the perfect plot read the blog I’ll be putting up in the next few hours called ‘One Helluva Scare’; you want a good plot? this is it 🙂
plus I’d like to think I have another regular reader for my blogs as you will have for yours: we’re on the same wavelength. Anyway have a read when you get time. Would love to hear your comment
Author
John, I just read your post. That must have indeed been a frightening moment.
May God bless you in your writing endeavors.
Author
John, I might also suggest that if you are writing with the Christian market in mind, you may wish to re-title your post to “One Heck of a Scare.” I realize the other was used for emphasis, but if your intent is to adapt a novel from this incident, the CBA has rigid guidelines on this. Otherwise, good seeds for a great story!
thanks Cynthia. Good advice. I think a novel is beyond me. A short story though is a possibilty. I could handle that. The material is certainly there for a story of considerable power: in the right hands
Author
Never sell yourself short, John.