For a newly-published author it's been so interesting to hear what readers say about my book - the nice things, that is! Till now I've really not thought much about my writing style or what particular literary devices I use or don't, and which writing rules I break - but readers are sure to tell me:) Thus far I've been hearing some consistent things about The Frontiersman's Daughter, which will probably hold true for every book I write. Every writer's voice is unique. So here are some things readers are saying:1. You don't write formulaic fiction.
2. Your plotting is full of unexpected twists and turns.
3. I didn't know how things would turn out until the very end of the book.
4. You don't write dialogue-driven novels.
5. I am beside myself about what happened to Captain Jack.
6. You must write faster.
7. There must be a sequel.
8. I couldn't put the book down and stayed up half the night.
9. I read for 5 solid hours and no housework got done.
10. My husband was mad at me when I read your book.
11. I fell in love with Ian.
12. I can sure see why Lael was attracted to Captain Jack.
13. You create great romantic tension.
14. Your characters have depth.
15. Etc.!
I treasure each and every comment and put them in my notebook for TFD. I wish I had the talent to save them in a scrapbook but don't so they just go into a fabric covered binder. By the way, I went to a baby shower last night and guests were given oodles of scrapbooking supplies and each of us made a scrapbook page for the new mom. A great idea! No, I wouldn't post last night's pitiful attempts here if you paid me - my talents do not lie in the scrapbooking arena, but it was fun (sort of). But I digress.
Once again, I appreciate you readers so very much. I pray for you every day. My books would still be sitting in the warehouse if it weren't for you. I would have no ministry. This blog, small and insignificant as it is, wouldn't exist. I wouldn't know anything about Twitter, Facebook, or Shoutlife. So you really bless me. And I thank you very, very much!
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1
Let's see . . . number's 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are ALL things I have said/done!!!!
ReplyDelete(btw...a sequel really IS a GREAT idea! =D =D =D or maybe a WHOLE SERIES???? =D =D =D)
oh yeah...I posted a new picture of Adylee's dress on facebook...it's completely different than Khyli's. . .
Ashli,
ReplyDeleteYour letter/review was one of the first in my binder! It still makes me smile:) I still marvel at the fact you can sew and write! Something tells me you are good at scrapbooking too...:)
so, what is "formulaic fiction"???
ReplyDeleteI totally understand all the other responses you've gotten about the book. What a great idea to keep a scrapbook of comments, reviews and such for your books!
Laura, I'm not surprised to hear that you're collecting many wonderful comments and compliments for your TFD binder. May there be many more.
ReplyDelete*You* are a blessing to us, too! How wonderful it is to have Christian fiction as an alternative to the other stuff that's out there. I heartily agree that your writing is not "formulaic" and that is wonderful---It gives your characters so much more freedom to do and say anything they want!
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoy scrapbooking very much, but I wouldn't say I'm good at it. Peter did a social studies project last week about Cherokee Indians and we had fun scrapping some of the pages together!
Good question, Lisa. Formulaic or formula fiction speaks of books that follow a predictable plot line, contain few if any surprises, and are not very original. Some folks like this type book as it fits their comfort zone, others find them boring and "all the same."
ReplyDeleteI have to keep a binder of TFD as it helps me stay organized. It is fun to look through the book and see all that has happened by dates. God is so good!
Thank you, Keli:) I pray there will be many more also. Once you're published the challenge becomes keeping your readers happy with that second book and beyond. I never gave this much thought till now. Readers are usually very gracious though not all. So the lives you touch with your words in a postive way mean a great deal. I think you are well on your way to finding that out.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have helped on that Cherokee scrapbooking project as that sounds right down my alley! Creativity like that makes learning fun!
Yes, thank heavens for inspirational fiction - and the non-formulaic kind:) I think that's what I love most about writing. When you sit down to begin a book it takes you on quite a journey - and you're never quite sure where you'll end up!
That's awesome to read, Laura - so excited for you & your writing!
ReplyDeleteRuth,
ReplyDeleteI just went back a few minutes ago and read your review of TFD. It is so well-written and I so appreciate it anew. I have a copy of it in my binder under best-loved reviews! Not everyone is so gracious, of course, but that just makes ones like yours all the more meaningful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!