Reader Consideration Vs. Savvy Business Moves

As both a writer and an avid reader, sometimes the reader takes over. Heck, most of the time the reader drives the writer. The more I read, the more I want to write.

But, today I have on my reader hat, and I'm mulling something over and would love some other readers' (even if they are also writers) thoughts.

Recently, my email heralded the newest book by Cassandra Clare. I read the first three of the City of Bones trilogy, but my 13yo daughter has read every single book by her and has been asking for more reading material for summer. So I thought I'd surprise my dear daughter by downloading a new book to her Kindle. When I went to look the book up, I saw that it was part of a series I had somehow missed.

Call me excited!

Not only was the price ($2.99) excellent for Book 1, but the description sold me: Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices know that Magnus Bane is banned from Peru—and now they can find out why. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles. (from Amazon)

I purchased.

Then, and only then, did I look into the other books. I ventured over to Cassandra Clare's website and found some great information about The Bane Chronicles here. Then, some important words jumped out at me... short stories.

What? (note: it was in the Amazon description if I had read two more paragraphs)

The books range from 40-50 pages on average.

I know traditionally published books are more expensive than all my indie favorites, so I should have been wary of the $2.99. And I have no problem with Cassandra Clare issuing some ebook-only short stories for her fans, but $29.90 for ten stories that are 40-50 pages each... I'm just not so sure how I feel about that.

Upon further research, I came across an article about Cassandra Clare and her father, a successful author and business school professor, and the left-brained side of me was impressed. She's in the business of writing. I respect that, truly.

But, as a reader, I'm still left with a sour taste in my mouth.

Help me, please. Which side of me should win.. the BBA grad who respects smart business choices that allow writers to make a living or the reader who feels a bit taken advantage of?

Five Elements of a Good Read

It's summertime. I love seeing all the summer reading lists and the focus on reading. Recently, I read two Young Adult novels with similar themes and characters. One was successful and has been added to my recommend-to-friends list, one was not. It made me curious. What makes a good story?

I wanted to look past the obvious (good editing, professional work) and vague (good writer). A good writer manipulates words into poetry. You are compelled to continue reading. Each word draws you further in. Sometimes good writing cannot overcome poor story whereas a great story can often overcome less than spectacular writing.



Picture from PublicDomainImages.net

 Five Elements of a Good Read

1. Memorable Characters: I want the characters to stay with me long after the last page. They need to be flawed. Nobody can relate to perfection. Still, they must have a redeeming quality. It can't be all flaws. The author has to flesh out the characters and make the reader care.

2. Contracting Conflict: Think of it like labor. The conflict should rise, come back a bit, and rise again. You need a break from the tension, but not a complete collapse of conflict. It should ebb and flow and engage the reader.

3. Engaging Emotions: You often hear someone say, "It made me laugh and cry." A reader needs to be emotionally invested in a story. But it can't be all sadness or all terror. Give the reader bits and pieces of different emotions, like life.

4. Compelling Journey: The character, which thanks to #1-#3, we so care about should learn something. There should be a reason for the story. A journey with a destination. You wouldn't tell a joke without the punchline.

5. Lasting Impression: The story and the characters should stay with you. When you are done, there should be a desire to know more. I'm not suggesting all books need sequels, but a reader should want one.

Tomorrow, I am going to compare the two YA novels I mentioned earlier to attempt to answer why one will stay with me and one won't.

What do you think is the most important element of a good story/read?

Summer Reading and a Day to Remember Anne Frank

My children are wonderful readers, but they've been influenced by a fantasy-driven publishing industry. I'm not necessarily complaining. The main objective is for them to read, and I want them to love books like I do. Still, from time to time, I suggest they read some classics.

We still haven't finished school here on the East coast, so I'm in denial that summer is a week away. I was thrilled to see my fellow blogger, Kate, put up a summer reading list this week at her Teaching What is Good blog site. Take a minute to check out her list and inspirational blog.

Image used from http://www.politics-prose.com/
Politics & Prose is a local Washington, DC bookstore

One of the books she recommended was Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. I remember reading this book as a young woman. It stirred up questions. Could I have been so brave in the same situation? Could I even be that brave in my own life? It's definitely a book I will give my upcoming sixth grader this summer.

I've spent a good amount of time this week looking for blog post inspiration. I love when I see someone comment on Donut Day or National ice cream month, so I found a special days calendar. Guess what today, June 12th, is? Sure enough it's the birthday of Anne Frank (born in 1929). I can be a bit dense about "signs" but Kate's post and then this. Aha! Inspiration.

For those curious about Anne Frank's incredible life, check out http://www.annefrank.org/ for more information.

I'm still searching for YA classics for summer reading in my house... any suggestions? I'll take adult suggestions, too.